Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296329 Inspection date 24 August 2005 Inspector Christine Linda Tomaselli

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 October 2004. She lives with her partner and 2 children aged 1 and 4 years old. They live in a house in the town of Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire. The childminder uses the whole of the house for childminding with the exception of the main bedroom. There is a fully enclosed back garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for maximum of 4 children under the age of eight at any one time and currently is minding 1 child aged 1 year old on a part time contract. The childminder may walk to the local school and pre-school to take and

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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 collect children. The childminder regularly attends toddler groups, the local childminder support group, story sessions at the library and the park. The childminder may use her car to transport minded children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and welcoming environment. They learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care by regular encouragement from the childminder through their daily routines. For example the childminder encourages and supports the children in the process of washing their hands after the use of the toilet, at meal times or when coming in from an outside activity. The childminder has established good procedures for the changing of nappies which contributes to maintaining the health and comfort of the younger children. She pays great attention to making sure that the risk of cross infection is reduced. Children develop their physical skills through regular trips to the park, activities in the garden and during walks to the river to feed the ducks. These activities provide the children with opportunities to be in the fresh air which contributes to healthy living. They enjoy

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Helping children to be healthy

regular outings to 'Play Stop' and 'Play to Day', soft play areas that provide lots of physical activities for children of all ages. The childminder is dedicated to providing all children with healthy eating to help towards good growth. She has a good understanding of foods that provide a balanced diet. Currently parents provide a packed lunch for their child with the childminder providing a variety of snack foods, for example, fruit, carrot or cucumber pieces, toast with cheese toppers and scrambled eggs. The childminder obtains appropriate information on the dietary needs of the children, ensuring their needs are met should she be required to provide any meal. The younger children are encouraged to be independent and feed themselves, for example by offering a range of diced finger foods all suitable to their age and development. The childminder has a clear sick children's policy that is shared with parents. This

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Helping children to be healthy

policy ensures that children with an infectious illness do not attend therefore reducing serious illness among the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe environment where risks are minimised and they move around safely and independently under the childminder's constant supervision. The childminder helps children to learn about keeping themselves safe. For example, explaining to an older child what could happen when swinging backwards on a chair and encouraging children to tidy toys up before getting other toys out helping to reduce accidents. Children learn about staying safe outside the home through

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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 discussions on road safety, the use of traffic lights with the children knowing what to do if the lights are red or green but you must also 'look and listen'. They learn about walking on the side of the footpath away from the traffic in case they are hurt by a car. Children select play activities from a wide range of suitable toys and equipment, which are checked by the childminder to ensure they are in good condition. Children's comfort and ability to be independent in many tasks, safely, is a high priority to the childminder. Furniture is very suitable, age appropriate in many cases and safe. Children's overall welfare is maintained by good procedures and documents that promote their safety and keep parents informed. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a good understanding of child protection

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures, which are in line with those set out by the local Area Child Protection Committee. The childminder identifies parent's contact telephone numbers in her mobile under the published 'ICE' (In case of emergency) system for any emergency service professional's information and encourages her parents to do the same.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminder’s house and form good relationships with the childminder and her family. Their language and mathematical thinking is encouraged in meaningful ways. For example, children enjoy songs like 'The Grand Old Duke of York' and 'Wind the bobbin up' while playing a range of musical instruments that encourage shaking, pressing or blowing movements. Children are confident to include their own words and actions when singing together. When shopping children are involved in helping to pay and talk about the cost of the items and then continuing this when they get home by using the till and money, counting out change. They develop their imagination through many activities, for example a child confidently having a conversation on the play phone while others play doctors or building tents that need windows and doors. Children build their social skills by

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

regularly attending local toddler groups and interacting with other children of their own age. Children are enthusiastic, confident and involved in lots of opportunities that help build their learning in all areas. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development which helps her to promote children's personal, social, emotional and intellectual development. Children have the opportunities to take the initiative and develop their independence because of the way she organises the space, resources and equipment. Babies form good relationships with other children, as they play alongside them and learn to share resources. Toys are placed within the babies’ reach to stimulate their interest and encourage them to investigate further. They enjoy playing musical instruments and looking at books with the childminder, who uses her sound knowledge and understanding of how children and babies learn, to encourage them

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to use new words and develop their language skills. Babies feel a sense of

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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 achievement in many ways. For example the support and encouragement of the baby in walking, followed by praise and the smiles of baby and childminder at their success. The childminder intends to use the Birth to three matters framework in the future, to develop her practice and further enhance the provision for younger children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is committed to ensuring children learn, understand and respect differences for individual people and communities. All children have opportunities to access activities and resources provided by the childminder. For example, dressing up clothes, puzzles and taking part in activities to learn about different communities. The childminder knows the minded child very well, listens to their attempts to communicate and signs that they need something, for example, a nappy change or sleep. She always responds with smiles and encouraging comments. The childminder is committed to learning more about children with special needs and regularly watches television programmes to improve her learning. Recently becoming interested in learning basic 'Makaton', hand signing with babies and children with special needs. Children have started to learn some signs and demonstrated their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

learning during the programme ' Something Special' by using hand signs during the 'Good Bye' song. The childminder encourages the use of books she gets from the library to assist hers and the children's learning. All children learn to behave well and understand what is expected of them through regular routines and consistent expectations. For example, they always sit together to eat meals or snacks. The childminder explains what she expects them to do in a way that they can understand, learning about right from wrong. She listens to their views and requests, putting into place when ever possible, so that they feel respected. For example a self designed tent built with chairs and a blanket and a picnic in the lounge. Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. She gains the required information and consents from parents to ensure children's needs are met well. She offers pre-visits for new families so that the child

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Helping children make a positive contribution

can begin to feel settled. Individual progress is discussed daily with parents so that their changing needs continue to be met. Parents have access to a very detailed portfolio that includes details about herself, clear written policies and procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has obtained the required basic first aid and child care training. She has identified additional training workshops that she is hoping to attend during the coming year, all intended to enhance the care and educational needs of the children she cares for. For example, 'Festivals and Celebrations', 'Diversity through play' and 'Autistic Spectrum'.

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Organisation

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 organisation of the childminder's premises ensures that the children's needs can be met. Space is used well and to the full, creating areas for play, rest and eating. Activities for the children's day are planned well and take account of rest times and for the children to be taken on outings and to group activities. Children arrive ready for an exciting and stimulating day of fun and learning in the care of the childminder. The childminder maintains appropriate documentation and information. She uses standard recorded materials provided by the National Childminding Association, however, she has extended this by introducing self designed forms for information and details that contribute to the care of the children and the management of her business. For example an admissions and collection statement that parents are

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Organisation

required to sign. She meets the needs of the children and keeps parents informed of matters concerning their child to ensure consistent care. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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): • extend your knowledge and understanding of the needs of children under 3, for example through the use of the Birth to three framework.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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