Childminder in Cumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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317050 Unique Reference Number 04 August 2006 Inspection date Carys Millican 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 1993. She lives with her husband and adult family in a rural setting on the outskirts of Beckermet. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. The front bedroom is used as a sleep room and the rear family room used as an additional playroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children aged under five and two children aged over five. Children attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder looks after children aged over eight years. There are shops and schools in the nearby villages. The childminder attends a number of carer and toddler groups. The family have two dogs and a number of chickens to which minded children may have access.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of West Cumbria Childminding Group and the National Childminding Association.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean, warm and welcoming environment. Young children begin to learn the importance of basic hygiene practices and personal care through the positive role model set by the childminder. Children wipe their hands before and after eating their snack and they are encouraged to wash their hands after toileting. Young children follow flexible care and sleep routines which meet their individual needs. Each child's individual care routines are recorded in their own daily dairy and detailed information is obtained from parents on registration to ensure continuity of care. Children are protected from the potential risk of infection as the childminder follows her sick children policy and appropriate health and hygiene practices are consistently followed. Documents, policies, procedures and parental consents are used to ensure that the health and welfare of all children is maintained. However, the recording

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Helping children to be healthy

methods used in the accident and incident book do not fully maintain confidentiality.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a variety of outdoor activities which contribute to their good health. They go for walks in the fresh air to see the animals on the farm and play outdoors in the enclosed garden. They access a range of suitable toys and equipment, such as, slides, sit-and-ride cars and bikes, therefore promoting their physical development. Children visit the school playground when collecting children and visit the local library. Indoors, young children access plenty of floor space and have freedom to explore the environment. Children’s emotional well-being is promoted through the caring relationship developed, and the attachment formed, with their childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children thrive because their nutritional needs are met. Detailed information regarding individual dietary needs and preferences are obtained from parents and routines are followed. Children are well nourished. They are provided with a selection of snacks and meals. The childminder discusses the contents of packed lunches and the provision of healthy snacks with parents. Children access drinks easily throughout the day and fresh drinking water is available at all times. A social occasion is created at mealtimes as the children sit together in the kitchen. They enjoy the experience, and they respond and thrive on the interaction and attention they receive.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a safe and secure environment. Appropriate safety equipment is in place and potential hazards and risks are identified and minimised. Children are protected by the fire evacuation procedure in place, which is regularly practised with the children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a number of well stocked first aid boxes are easily accessible in an emergency. Children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe, as the childminder explains simple safety practices to them and encourages independence. Children complete workbooks about road safety and help to tidy away toys.

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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 Children are provided with an extensive range of interesting and stimulating resources appropriate for their age and ability. Young children play with a full range of carefully selected resources which meet safety standards. As older children play with the small Lego bricks the childminder carefully supervises the younger children to ensure their safety. Children use safe and suitable toys and equipment which are regularly checked for small, broken or loose parts. All ages and stages of development are catered for and a good balance of resources is provided for all children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities in any child protection situation and understands the importance of keeping records. She has attended several child protection courses and has a good understanding of child protection issues. The childminder has obtained the Local Safeguarding Children Boards guidelines and record keeping is in place to record concerns or existing injuries. Children’s safety and well-being is promoted through the documentation in place. Parental consent is obtained for outings and to travel in the car, and procedures are in place to ensure only named persons collect the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in their surroundings and settle well in the relaxed atmosphere. They are happy and contented and play harmoniously beside each other. Young children’s enjoyment and achievement is promoted through the many play experiences created during their time spent with the childminder. She has good knowledge and understanding of child development and a number of year’s experience of caring for young children. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through the interaction shared with the childminder, and through the care, love and attention they receive. Children help themselves to the resources available. Older children play with a jigsaw and confidently spelling out the word written on the finished pieces. The childminder actively takes part in children's play supporting and encouraging development. Young children look at a lift-the-flap book as the childminder reinforces the letters and sounds,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

while they try to say what it is. Children look at a variety of colourful books as they sit on the floor together. Children ask questions and are inquisitive. The childminder explains about differences in hair, eye and skin colour, and discusses issues around disability as they look at the pictures. Young children receive lots of cuddles and develop a strong bond with the childminder, which increases children’s sense of well-being and security. Older children are able to make choices and decisions in their play. They confidently ask for the Lego bricks and then help themselves. The needs of children of varying ages are well met as the childminder provides suitable activities which take into account children's ages and individual ability. Activities are adapted to allow all children to take part. Children use 'crinkle cut' scissors to make the tail section of their fish. They use their fingers to dip into the paint and make colourful patterns

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

on their fish shape. Young children remain interested and their all-round development is well promoted.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has obtained the Birth to three matters pack, which is used in practice to help children's development and therefore promote the outcomes for children. An ‘outcomes’ portfolio contains photographs showing children happily engaged in a number of indoor and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 outdoor activities, related to each aspect. Planning for activities is in the early stages of development. Children follow flexible routines that flow with their needs and parental wishes. A detailed daily diary allows parents to see what activities their child has undertaken during the day and records individual care routines to ensure continuity of care is maintained. Children socialise with others at carer and toddler groups. They go for walks around the farm to see the many animals and play outdoors in the garden. The children develop a love of nature as they watch the eggs hatch and see how they grow into chickens. The childminder provides activities which take into account their individual needs and offer sensory experiences. Young children play the musical instruments and use electronic toys. Their language and communication skills

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are constantly encouraged by the childminder as they play. Children learn about the importance of being kind to one another. Older children are encouraged to cut out the tail section for the younger children and younger children are encouraged to share and take turns when playing with the toys. Children benefit from the close attachment formed with their childminder, which contributes to their sense of security and belonging.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the all inclusive environment created by the childminder who has a good understanding of equal opportunities issues, which are seen in practice. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are well met. They are provided with a suitable range of resources to promote development and an understanding of diversity of the wider world. Children's art work is creatively displayed on walls throughout the childminder’s home. Children enjoy looking at their work, which is mounted at child height and they take great pride in showing off their achievements. The Birth to three matters poster is displayed on the sitting room door and photographs showing children at play are effectively displayed. An ‘outcomes’ folder is maintained providing detailed information for parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are made welcome and settle easily. They develop a sense of belonging and self-assurance since they form familiar, trusting, safe and secure relationships with the childminder. Children confidently ask for alternative toys and activities and their manners are positively encouraged. They are valued, comforted well and thrive on the positive interaction they receive. Children are confident talkers. Their communication and language skills are constantly reinforced by the childminder in their play. Young children enjoy the company of others, they feel safe and loved and respond to what they see, hear and feel. Children respond well to the positive ways the childminder rewards achievement, through gestures, such as smiling, praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the strong relationships developed with parents. Their general welfare is promoted since the childminder collects detailed information from parents. All documents, policies and procedures are maintained. The complaints procedure is explained to parents and a written policy and complaint register in place. Information is shared daily, both verbal and written in a daily diary; this enables the childminder to meet children's individual needs and provide continuity of care. Children benefit from the regular exchange of written information with parents. Daily diaries are completed recording children’s everyday care routines and activities. A detailed ‘outcomes’ folder is available for parents showing how everyday care

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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 routines and practices are followed and linked to the registration requirements and outcomes for children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care, learning and play is fully supported by the childminder, as she gives them individual attention. They feel at home and at ease in the warm, welcoming and homely environment. Children are cared for by an experienced practitioner who values, understands, supports and encourages young children. Children gain independence as they move around freely and confidently to initiate and extend their own play and learning. They learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe, as the childminder explains simple safety practices to them and promotes their development. They are provided with a wide range of toys, resources and activities and opportunities to socialise with others during the week.

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Organisation

Children's health, hygiene and safety is promoted. They are cared for in a safe and secure environment where potential risks are identified and effective safety practices are promoted. Children's welfare and well-being is supported by the childminder maintaining the relevant documentation and from the policies and procedures in place. Their individual needs are recorded and parental consents are fully maintained. Children benefit from the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of child development. The daily exchange of written and verbal information keeps parents informed about the service provided, and their child's routine and activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care.

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Organisation

Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve children's safety outdoors; improve documentation and record keeping; improve resources and activities to help children understand about diversity; and improve her own knowledge and understanding of child protection issues.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved children safety by ensuring that all gates and shed doors are securely fastened in the outdoor play areas. An enclosed fence surrounds the garden area therefore ensuring children's safety when playing outside. Children's understanding of equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice has improved by the provision of a number of resources and activities that promote positive images and help children understand about diversity. Documentation and record keeping has improved by the childminder maintaining a log of fire practises, keeping detailed records of accidents, and by obtaining parental permission for administering medication and to seek medical help in an emergency. The childminder has attended several child protection courses. She has updated her knowledge and understanding of recent changes in legislation and practices therefore ensuring children's

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints 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 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 incident and accident recording methods maintain confidentiality.

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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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