Childminder in Peterborough

Inspection report for early years provision

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958998 Unique Reference Number 15 December 2006 Inspection date Clare Elizabeth Pook 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 children aged seven and eight years in Hampton on the outskirts of Peterborough. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent toddler group and takes children to the local park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding six children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder has appropriate systems in place to support children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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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 health is promoted soundly as the childminder takes positive steps to promote the children’s good health. Positive steps are taken to prevent the spread of infection such as ensuring children wash their hands before eating and explaining to children why it is important to do this. As a result children are learning about their own personal hygiene. The childminder uses the children's individual changing mats when changing nappies and disposes of them hygienically which helps protect children against cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a valid first aid certificate and accident and medication records are maintained appropriately. Details of children's dietary and medical needs are recorded for some children including any specific treatment or first aid they may require in an emergency, as instructed by parents or medical staff. This ensures that their specific health needs are being me. However this is not the case for all children as general consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is missing for some children.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides a range of nutritious and well balanced meals and snacks for children such as pasta dishes and other meals containing fresh fruit and vegetables, which helps to promote their growth and development. Children are involved in planning the following week's meals, which helps them to learn about healthy eating. Parents are provided with a list of foods supplied by the childminder and can add or take away any foods they do or do not wish their child to have. The childminder respects parental wishes as some parents provide their own food and drinks for their children. These are stored appropriately and supplied according to the children's individual routines.

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Helping children to be healthy

Regular opportunities are provided for children to have physical play inside and in the fresh air. They have space to crawl, move about and pull themselves up which helps develop young children's physical skills. Each day opportunities are provided for children to gain fresh air and exercise through walking to and from school, feeding the ducks and swans at the lake or visiting the local park. The childminder talks to children about why they need to have fresh air and exercise for keeping their body healthy and for promoting their own well-being.

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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 and secure home ensuring children's safety. Effective measures are in place to keep children safe in the premises such as the use of socket covers, stair gates and foam door wedges to prevent children getting their fingers caught in the doors. Good procedures are in place to follow in the event of a fire. Fire drills are practised each week and a log maintained. The children and their parents know that they are to go to a neighbour who they have all met. This helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe by knowing how to evacuate the premises safely.

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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 The childminder maintains close supervision of children at all times. The childminder ensures that she has all the children's contact details on her telephone in case of an emergency when she is out. Children's awareness of road safety issues is promoted when walking to and from school, visits to the park or to feed the ducks, by ensuring they hold hands and find safe places to cross. A booklet called 'Arrive Alive' is to be shared with the children showing ways of keeping themselves safe whilst out playing and walking. This will help teach children about keeping themselves safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide range of equipment that is of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conforms to safety standards. Some toys are set out attractively and others can easily be accessed by children. The childminder accommodates any additional requests for toys from the children. This encourages children's independence and self-choice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role in child protection. She has all the necessary contact numbers and referral information so that she is able to put appropriate procedures into practice if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder interacts well with the children and takes time to listen and respond to their needs. They respond positively towards her by smiling when playing with the doll and stroking her hair. The childminder ensures that activities and toys set out meet the abilities and interests of the children present, as a result the children are happy and content in their play. The childminder provides a good range of activities from cooking and painting to dressing up and building with bricks. The childminder attends local groups where they take part take part in craft activities and have opportunities to socialise with other children. Children's self-esteem is promoted through praise and encouragement. The childminder praises them for successfully pulling building blocks a part and for pointing and noticing the birds in the garden.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a good understanding of the needs of children under three and how they develop. She has attended training in this area and has regard for the 'Birth to three matters' framework. She encourages young children to select resources and make choices about what they play with. They communicate their needs through babbling and pointing which the childminder responds to with conversation and addressing their wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder ensures children's individual needs are met by keeping detailed records on their personal requirements, which enables her to respond appropriately towards them and helps them to feel valued and respected. Children have equal access to toys and resources that they can easily reach, which encourages them to be independent in their decision making and play. Children's own family traditions and cultural needs are respected and where possible shared with the other children such as Chinese New year. The childminder also helps the older

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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 with their homework and consequently other aspects of the world and history are explored for example the Egyptians.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is a good role model and gives clear explanations to children about why certain behaviour is not acceptable. Therefore children understand what is expected of them and behaviour is good. Any behavioural issues are discussed with parents so that they can work together to ensure consistency. Children have plenty to do and are fully occupied and a s a result are well behaved. The childminder has a good understanding and experience of working with children with learning difficulties. She works closely with parents and any other professionals where needed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's welfare is further promoted by the secure relationships the childminder has with the parents. Information about the children's day is exchanged with parents verbally and in a daily diary. Good knowledge about the children is gained from parents to help the childminder work in partnership with them, to provide the most suitable care for their child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her time and space effectively to ensure that the needs of all children are met. Children's individual routines are respected for meals and rests and the childminder ensures that the day includes a variety of activities both indoors and outdoors.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed her level three in childminding and has attended training on both the 'Birth to three matters' framework and the Foundation Stage. This shows her commitment to childcare and her own professional development which can only help enhance her practice. In addition children's well-being is promoted by the childminder keeping accurate records and following clear procedures, which contribute towards the continuity of the children's care.

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Organisation

Overall, the needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made good progress since the last inspection. The records for the administration of medication have been developed to include parental signatures. This ensures parents have provided written consent and are aware of what medication has been administered throughout the day. The other recommendation referred to the safety of the slide. This is no longer an issue as the childminder has moved house since the last inspection and no longer has a slide.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 written permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment is obtained for all children

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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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