Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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222603 Unique Reference Number 19 July 2006 Inspection date Denise May Smith Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1996. She lives with her son aged sixteen in a fenland town. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five and three children over five before and after school, all on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and attends local parent/toddler groups.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day they play either outdoors in the garden, visit the local parks and toddler group or go for long nature walks into the country. They use large and small apparatus and play with an excellent range of outdoor equipment; which all contributes to the development of children's physical skills and helps them gain an interest in the outside world.

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Helping children to be healthy

Nutritious food is provided by the childminder promoting good health. Parents are welcome to supply a packed lunch if preferred. The childminder takes into account the wishes of the parents and of the children. Older children plan their evening meals within the boundaries of healthy choices, such as meals with fresh vegetables. All children are beginning to develop an understanding of a healthy diet by being included in the preparation of meals such as, children making the dough for pizzas and then selecting their toppings. Snack and meal times are considered a social time, taken together; drinks are provided throughout the day and a chilled water dispenser is available so that those who are able can help themselves, promoting their independence.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted by appropriate procedures when they are unwell. However, the records relating to the administration of medication do not contain all of the required information and records are not routinely updated when things change. For example, if a child receives an inoculation. Good daily routines ensure the premises and resources are clean and well maintained. Children are developing an understanding of the importance of good personal hygiene by being encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the lavatory. Good procedures are followed during nappy changes which minimises cross infection. The childminder is careful to explain to children why they need to keep their hats on in the sun and ensure they use sun cream; this helps children learn how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play with a good range of age-appropriate toys that are clean and in a safe condition. The childminder regularly checks items to ensure there are no broken parts that could harm the children. She minimises potential risk to babies and young children by ensuring that any toys with small pieces remain out of their reach. Older children help themselves to easily accessible items in a play-room, whilst younger children can make their own selections with the support of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children remain safe, both indoors and outside, because the childminder is aware of her responsibility to ensure the safety of children in her care at all times. She does this through close supervision, explanation and the use of appropriate safety measures. These minimise potential risks to children helping to keep them safe and secure such as, teaching them road safety, an awareness of stranger danger and the country code. Good procedures for ensuring

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 the security of the premises contribute positively to children's safety as do suitable fire prevention precautions.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is secure in her knowledge of issues relating to child protection. This means that she is able to protect children and act in their best interests should she have any concerns about their welfare. She ensures that parents are aware of her responsibility with regard to this.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are provided with a very good range of opportunities such as, many art and craft activities, cooking, outdoor play and games. Toys and resources are stimulating, interesting and suitable to the children's age and stage of development. The children spend their time purposefully and are eager to participate. They make good progress as the childminder has a very positive and enthusiastic approach to childcare and a good knowledge of early childhood development. She is perceptive to children's interests during play and uses appropriate questions to challenge their thinking and extend their play. Young children have opportunities to make choices of objects to investigate and they explore these with interest such as, listening to the noise dry leaves make when crushed. Their early communication skills are very well supported through the quality of adult-child interactions during play. The children are beginning to make

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sense of the world and express their ideas as they join in a diverse range of exploratory and sensory experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from walks and regular outings to the park and other amenities, which promotes their learning and stimulates their interest in the wider world. They have opportunities to mix with other children through attending toddler groups and mixing with other childminders and their children. This develops their ability to relate to a wider group of adults and peers. Older children are given opportunities to develop a sense-of-self. They have their own ‘Den’ where no pre-school children are allowed. They have helped to decorate it and make it their own by adding framed photographs of themselves on the walls. The children are provided with a range of experiences as they take part in many trips and outings, visiting country parks and other appropriate places of interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has the 'Birth to three matters' framework pack, but does not use it in the day-to-day care offered. However, the childminder offers good support to these younger children based upon the knowledge and skills she has acquired over the many years she has cared for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are very confident and secure in their relationship with the childminder. They receive lots of meaningful praise and encouragement, which increases their sense of belonging and encourages them to be increasingly independent.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children benefit because the childminder enjoys good relationships with their parents. She works with them to meet the needs of children recording most information needed to meet their individual needs. The records do not include children’s preferences, specific likes and dislikes. However, the childminder knows the children well and is able to meet their differing needs. Initial visits and ongoing discussions about children means that they receive care that is consistent with their home routines. The sharing of information about how children spend their time helps parents feel involved in their children's day. The childminder has developed well written policies and procedures for parents to ensure they are fully informed of all aspects of the care offered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good awareness of issues relating to equal opportunities. She treats children with equal concern and values them as individuals. The childminder provides a wide variety of resources that reflect different aspects of diversity to help children gain awareness of the wider world in which we live. Children can independently access these items. Care is taken by the childminder to research festivals and activities to ensure they are meaningful to children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They learn about good manners because of the childminder's consistent encouragement to say please and thank you. They learn to share and take turns which helps them gain awareness of one another and each other's needs. The childminder's good use of positive language and praise supports children's developing self-esteem and enables them feel good about themselves.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good levels of care and are well supported because the childminder organises her time effectively around their needs of the children. Policies and procedures are in place, underpin the care offered and are shared with parents to inform them about the service being offered. The childminder has most of the required records and consents in place which enables her to meet the children's needs. All documentation is stored appropriately and well maintained in order to safeguard the children's welfare and care.

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Organisation

The children feel at home and at ease within the well organised environment. The areas used for play are safe and welcoming; resources are stored to help develop independence. Space is available to allow children to play freely and they have regular opportunities to relax as well as be active within the daily routine. The childminder's commitment to training and the development of her knowledge and skills ensures the care offered to the children is constantly reassessed and further developed.

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Organisation

Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to, practise the fire evacuation procedures with the children. The childminder has devised a board game which she plays with the younger children which involves evacuating safely from her house using different routes depending

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 where a fire may be. She discusses procedures with parents and older children. The safety of the children has been further improved as a result of developing this area of care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the 1st April 2004.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure systems are in place to up-date information relating to children, and that their specific care needs are always recorded • develop the recording of any medication given to include any prior dosage already given at home • refer to the 'Birth to three matters' framework to further support the care of the children under the age of three • obtain, and refer to, the addendum to the National Standards for day care and childminding October 2005.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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