Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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222527 Unique Reference Number 14 December 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 satisfactory. 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 1995. She lives with her husband and three children aged eight, twelve and an adult child in Huntingdon. The whole of the childminder’s house may be 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five, and seven child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family have two dogs and two cats.

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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's health is appropriately promoted because the childminder has many sound procedures in place. Most of the necessary permissions are obtained from parents, which supports the children’s care. A first-aid kit is easily accessible so that children can be treated quickly if an accident occurred and the childminder is proactive in ensuring her first aid certificate remains up-to-date. She encourages children to wash their hands before eating and cooking or after using the toilet so that they are protected and their health promoted. These procedures contribute to children keeping healthy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities to take part in physical activity. They walk to and from school and go on trips to the park and the local green, this enables children to play in the fresh air. Outings to activity centres further extends the children’s access to physical play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide all of the main meals given to the children. The childminder provides snacks of crisps and fruit at other times during the day, such as when children return from school. They are offered sufficient drinks and are encouraged to drink throughout the day. Their sports bottles are refilled as they run out ensuring the children remain well hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected on and off the premises because the childminder is vigilant and takes steps to prevent accidents. She ensures all low level sockets are protected, sharp knives and medicines and pills are inaccessible. This contributes to ensuring her home is suitable to promote children’s welfare. Fire evacuations are practised with the children helping the children learn how to keep themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and play materials are accessible for the children, and toys are rotated to increase the choice available. This enables children to make independent choices in their pay. Toys are developmentally appropriate and in a suitable condition. Children are cared for in a safe, clean, warm and child-friendly environment.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and is able to recognise signs of abuse. She has a written policy which she shares with parents. The childminder's knowledge of this subject enhances the overall safety of children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled in the childminder's home and engage in a range of activities that are appropriate to their age and needs. They are encouraged to become independent as they choose what they would like to do and make their wishes known to the childminder. Children enjoy

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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 activities such as baking cakes and playing with cars and train tracks. Children's play is balanced and supports a range of different types of play such as, role-play and art and craft activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language skills are developing as the childminder engages with them in conversation as they eat their lunch and introduces basic mathematic skills as they play board games and find items when shopping.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Regular opportunities are made for children to enjoy outdoor activities, where they can explore and appreciate their local environment whilst developing their physical skills. They go on picnics in the park and on outings further away, such as Cadbury world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder ensures she gathers relevant information so that she knows the children’s likes, dislikes and needs so that she can offer appropriate care. Children are treated as individuals and with respect helping them to feel good about themselves. They gain an awareness of diversity through some of the activities that are provided. Children are beginning to develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings around the local environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes positive behaviour. Children learn right from wrong and about sharing and taking turns with toys and play equipment. This ensures they play harmoniously together and learn to be kind to each other. The childminder sets clear boundaries so that children know what they may or may not do.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are fully informed about the care the childminder provides; she shares all the necessary records and information with parents and uses a two-way daily diary to share needs and progress of the younger children. However, some of the methods used to record parental permission for activities and some aspects of the care offered are not clearly recorded such as, children using the large swimming pool or the use of sun-cream and plasters.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's appropriate organisation. Most written policies and procedures are in place to promote children's well-being and safety. Children's enjoyment is fostered as the childminder uses her time appropriately. For example the daily routine includes taking and collecting children from school, snacks, mealtimes, time for unhurried play and opportunities to take part in planned activities and outings.

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Organisation

All children benefit from the range of activities and opportunities both indoors and when outside. The setting is organised to support children in their play. Appropriate storage of toys and resources ensures that children of all ages can make independent choices. Children are managed well and appear happy and settled.

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Organisation

The needs of the range of children for whom the childminder cares are being met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to, ensure that the first aid box is suitably stocked and that she obtains written consent to seek medical advice or treatment from the parents of the children in her care. She also agreed to gain consent from parents to administer medication on the days the child requires it rather than have blanket consent for all medication and to remove all social services headings from any paperwork. All of these issues have now been addressed and the outcomes for children improved.

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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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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 satisfactory. 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): • develop, and share with parents the policy for caring for sick children • develop further the recording of any medication given to children so that it is clear when, and how much children have already been given by their parents • formalise the recording of any written permissions provided by parents enabling specific care or activities to be undertaken • develop further the complaints procedure so that it is in-line with current regulations.

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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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