Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY246066 Unique Reference Number 26 September 2006 Inspection date Emma Bright 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 2003. She lives with her husband and one child aged six in a town close to Cambridge. All areas of the childminder’s house are 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding five children on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has one cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of 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 good. Children's individual dietary needs are met as clear information is gathered from parents about allergies or special dietary requirements and this ensures children can eat safely. They benefit from the childminder's very good knowledge and understanding of childhood nutrition and their dietary needs are well met. Parents provide their child's packed lunch, which is stored in the fridge so that food remains fresh. Children enjoy a variety of healthy snacks prepared by the childminder, who works with parents to ensure these additional snacks meet with their wishes and are suitable for children. Children learn about food that is good for them because the childminder talks to them about the food they eat. For example, children grow vegetables in the garden and harvest them to use in cooking activities. In addition, they have access to regular drinks, including fresh drinking water so that they remain well hydrated throughout

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Helping children to be healthy

All children learn to lead a healthy lifestyle and enjoy lots of regular exercise, in the garden or on outings to the local park. The childminder ensures there are suitable indoor physical activities, such as dancing to music to help children develop their physical skills in an interesting way and they have fun whilst exercising. Children understand how exercise contributes to their good health and they benefit from the fresh air on their daily walks to local amenities. The childminder has developed good routines so that all children can sleep when they need to and this ensures that they are content and well rested.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's good health is promoted because the childminder has an effective approach to health and hygiene; she reduces the risk of cross-infection by ensuring that her home is clean and well maintained at all times. They learn about the importance of staying healthy through the childminder's support and guidance, for example the childminder ensures all children wash their hands after they have been playing outdoors and explains to them about why it is important to make their hands clean. Clear procedures and records are in place to ensure that appropriate medical care is given if children are unwell whilst they are in the care of the childminder and this ensures that children's individual needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children independently select activities from a good range of quality toys and resources, which are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Resources have been carefully chosen to support children's play and are regularly checked for hygiene and safety. The good organisation of toys and activities means that children can follow their own interests and develop their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All children play in a safe home where risks are identified and minimised, which means they can move around freely under the childminder’s constant supervision. The childminder is particularly vigilant in her supervision, which ensures children safely develop their independence in a secure environment. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder

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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 explains about the dangers, both indoors and on outings. Children's safety in case of fire is priority. For example, smoke alarms are checked regularly to ensure they are in good working order. However, children do not practise the fire drill so that they are clear about what to do in an emergency and are familiar with the routine.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

All required documents and procedures are in place and are well maintained to safeguard children's welfare. For example, clear documents are in place to record any existing injuries or concerns. The childminder has a very good understanding of child protection issues, which are in line with those set out by the Local Safeguarding Children Board, which means that children are protected and kept safe from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and have established warm and affectionate relationships with her, which contributes to their sense of belonging and gives them confidence and the security to explore their environment. She is sensitive to their needs and gently comforts them when they are tired or upset. The childminder has a good understanding of child development, which helps children to make good progress. She uses the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework as a reference tool, which enables her to provide good support and activities to meet needs of younger children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the consistent daily routines, which help them to settle and feel secure. They enjoy lots of positive interaction with the childminder, who offers them good support during their activities and this encourages them to develop and extend their skills. For example, babies' early communication skills are developing because the childminder encourages them to communicate by making good eye contact and responding positively to their 'babbling'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are becoming confident and independent in the childminder's care. They pursue their own interests because the childminder prepares a good range of stimulating toys and activities before children arrive, which they access easily. Resources are rotated on a regular basis to maintain children’s interest and provide variety. Babies’ enjoy the range of ‘cause and effect’ toys and have lots of space to crawl around exploring the activities. The childminder praises their efforts, which enhances children's self-esteem and confidence. Children develop their social skills and make friends with others through attendance at local groups and explore their local environment on visits to the shops or park.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well and are beginning to learn what is expected of them because the childminder gives careful explanations in a way that they can understand. With the childminder’s gentle support young children are beginning to learn about sharing and taking turns so that they can play together in harmony. Children settle readily, making decisions about what they want to play with and help themselves to toys and resources. The childminder enables them to initiate their own activities and pursue their own interests.

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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 are clearly valued and respected as individuals; their needs are understood by the childminder, who gathers good information from parents to ensure these needs are well met. Children have access to a good range of activities and resources; they play with small world figures and enjoy a good range of books that present positive images of all members of society, helping them to learn about the world they live in. The childminder helps children to become confident and develop their self-esteem through lots of positive interaction and she listens to their views so that they feel respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships between the childminder and their parents, which contributes to their care and well-being, ensuring their changing needs continue to be met. All aspects of children's care is discussed and agreed so that parents can be confident that their wishes are respected and their child is cared for appropriately. Parents know about the childminder's practice as very good written and verbal information is regularly shared with them. Written feedback from parents demonstrates their high regard for the childminder's practice in caring for their children. All required documents are shared with parents; however, there is no written consent for emergency procedures, which means that parents are not clear about all of their child's routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are very well met as the childminder has a very good knowledge and understanding of child development, and of her legal duties. This enables her to provide good quality care and promote positive outcomes for children. The effective organisation of time, space and resources contribute to children's high levels of independence and enables them to develop their growing skills in a relaxed and happy atmosphere.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the good adult:child ratios and from the individual care and attention offered by the childminder. Well-established routines and effective support ensure children feel a sense of belonging and are secure. Children's general well-being is promoted by clear written policies and procedures; their individual records are well organised and easy to access in an emergency. Records are shared with parents so they know what to expect and can be confident their children receive appropriate care. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to obtain written parental permission to transport children in a vehicle. The documentation is in place for each child, which means that parents are clear about their child's routine.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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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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

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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 the emergency escape plan is practised regularly • further improve the emergency procedures by obtaining written consent from parents.

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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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