Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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222854 Unique Reference Number 30 October 2006 Inspection date Veronica Sharpe 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 outstanding. 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 lives in Over near Cambridge with her husband and three children aged 22, 19 and 15 years old. She is able to mind no more than six children aged under eight years and is currently caring for 12 aged between 18 months and 10 years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children use the ground floor of the home. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminder's 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 outstanding. Children thrive because the childminder is conscientious about maintaining her home so it is clean and hygienic. Children learn about good hygiene practice through consistent daily routines, for example, they wash their hands before mealtimes. If the children are unwell or have an accident thorough and clear procedures ensure they are very well cared for. Children's safety and welfare is promoted well by carefully thought out emergency procedures. Contact numbers are kept easily accessible so parents or carers can be contacted promptly.

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Helping children to be healthy

All the children learn to lead a healthy lifestyle and benefit from very good opportunities to be active. They play in the garden every day with a wide range of age appropriate equipment and visit local amenities, such as the recreation ground. Resources enable children to develop their physical skills very well, such as sit and ride toys to push, pull and manoeuvre. Exciting summer activities, such as a water slide enable children to develop new skills and have fun.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit significantly from the childminder's excellent understanding of healthy eating. Although children mainly eat food supplied by their parents, the childminder ensures that what is provided is healthy and suitable. Written policies ensure parents and carers understand the importance of ensuring children enjoy a good range of foods. An excellent range of activities help children learn about good nutrition, for example, they enjoy making a 'healthy plate' collage, where they identify what is good for them and what they like or dislike. Children who have special dietary needs are extremely well cared for and eat safe and suitable food. The childminder carefully follows instructions given by parents and provides written records so parents are fully informed about their children's food intake. Children freely access water or fruit drinks independently, whilst younger children are actively encouraged to drink regularly

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Helping children to be healthy

so they are well hydrated, which promotes their continuing good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children play in an extremely safe and secure child centred environment. The childminder's home is warm and comfortable and children benefit from a play space that is exclusively for them. Children's art work and photographs make the play rooms cheerful and welcoming and give children a sense of belonging. The garden is an excellent resource for the children, it provides them with a secure and interesting play area, which they use all year round. Mature trees give the area plenty of shade so it is a safe place to play in summer.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select resources and equipment, which are arranged in safe and accessible shelves or baskets. Resources both indoors and out are plentiful and of high quality, which gives children very good choices so they develop and extend their own learning. The childminder's very good understanding of child development enables her to provide an extremely stimulating range of resources that are safe and appropriate for the ages and abilities of the children attending.

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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's safety in a fire is given a high priority. The childminder checks the smoke alarms on a regular basis to ensure they are working correctly and children practise the emergency escape plan so they all know what to do in an emergency. Children learn to take responsibility for themselves outside the home as they learn to cross roads safely under the close supervision of the childminder. Good explanations are given so children understand the reasons for safety rules, for example, why they must hold hands or hold onto the buggy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm by the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection and the local Safeguarding Children Board guidance. She attends training to improve her understanding and update her knowledge. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents so they are fully aware of the childminder's responsibility to help keep their children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and form strong bonds with her. They are confident and sociable and show their affection as they seek out the childminder's company to read a book or help with small construction. Children benefit from consistent daily routines, which help them feel secure and settled. They enjoy positive interaction with the childminder and share activities and their thoughts with evident enjoyment. Regular attendance at local groups, or visiting other childminders and their children ensures the children socialise with a wide circle of friends and they build exceptionally good relationships within their local community. Children say they especially enjoy the planned activities where they join with other children in the school holidays to make, for example, 'pumpkin faces'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder questions children very well, extending their understanding with conversation, for example, about colours or quantities so they grasp the basic concepts of learning extremely well. Warm praise when children persevere in a task, such as helping to put some resources away, promotes children's self-esteem very well.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop their imaginations very well with an extremely good range of art and craft activities. They paint, use play dough or glue and cut to make collages, such as 'bats' for Halloween. Children's interest is maintained as toys and resources are rotated regularly, this ensures children explore stimulating new ideas and activities and look forward to their time in the childminder's home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children benefit from the childminder's use of the 'Birth to three matters framework', which is used to plan and provide an excellent range of age appropriate activities for children under three years old. Settling in periods are flexible to ensure younger children are secure and comfortable before they are left. Parents or carers have times to visit to meet with the children on roll and the childminder's own family. Time scales are decided to ensure the children's needs are met, as a result they are secure and content.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy an extremely good range of activities that meet their individual needs. The childminder talks to them about their needs, likes and dislikes so they feel valued and involved. Children are purposefully occupied throughout their time in the setting and are confident and independent. Children who have English as an additional language are supported very well, the childminder liaises with parents to make sure words and phrases are understood. Resources, such as a very good range of small world toys, books dolls and craft materials that show children many positive images of diversity. Children enjoy interesting activities, such looking at children round the world to extend their understanding of other cultures and lifestyles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn good behaviour through purposeful routines and high expectations, for example, they learn to take responsibility by helping to tidy away resources and toys. Children show high levels of self-esteem and have developed warm and positive relationships with the childminder. The childminder is a good role model for the children, she speaks calmly and firmly to the children and gives them good explanations so children develop their understanding of right and wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's highly effective relationships with parents and carers. Children's individual progress is discussed daily and a written daily diary ensures parents and carers of younger children are fully informed about their children's time with the childminder. Parents are warm and positive in their praise of the childminder and write glowing testimonials about her commitment to their children. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents and carers so they have a very good understanding of the expectations of care. Comprehensive information is collected from parents and carers to make sure children, including those with learning difficulties or disabilities, have their needs met.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's well being is promoted very well by the childminder's attention to detail and her commitment to providing a professional, but caring, environment for children. Effective organisation of time, space and resources ensures children are safe and very well cared for. Well established routines ensure children know what to expect so they are secure and confident. Children are welcomed into a stimulating and engaging environment, which is carefully prepared for their arrival. Their play rooms are well organised so children can meet their own needs and develop their ideas and interests. Overall children's needs are met.

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Organisation

The childminder in fully committed to her own continuing professional development. She attends a wide range of courses in early years' practice, which enhance her knowledge of how children learn. This enables her to continue to provide successful and stimulating activities and outstanding care for the children she looks after.

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Organisation

Up to date and well organised records contribute very effectively to the health, safety and welfare of the children. Written policies and procedures ensure parents are exceptionally well

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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 informed about the setting and the childminder's high expectations of good practice. Records are kept confidential and shared with parents and carers appropriately.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve the system for recording the times of children's attendance in the setting. The childminder keeps a diary which lists all the children, their times of arrival and departure and any reason for non-attendance, such as a holiday. This information is transferred onto a weekly form so there is a clear and accurate record of children's attendance over a period of time. This ensures children are accounted for at all times, which promotes their safety and welfare.

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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 outstanding. 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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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