Childminder in Peterborough

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY296505 Inspection date 06 June 2005 Inspector Heather Jeanette Knox

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged 5, 9 and 11 years old. They live in a house in Peterborough close to local shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with bedrooms available upstairs for rest or sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding three children under five on a full time basis and two children after school. She works alongside another registered childminder.

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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 The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups. The family has a pet dog, budgerigar, hamster and goldfish tank. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. She regularly works with another childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are appropriately cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are asked to wash their hands before snacks and after touching animals in the household. They enjoy physical exercise as they regularly play in the garden and use equipment at the local park. Children’s medical needs are addressed as required although the childminder does not have written permission from the parents for emergency treatment. Consequently, children’s welfare in this aspect, is not fully safeguarded. Children are well nourished. They are offered frequent drinks and older children are sometimes able to help to prepare their own food. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children’s choices to provide a variety of healthy, well- balanced hot and cold meals and snacks. Children’s individual rest patterns are effectively acknowledged and supported, for

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Helping children to be healthy

example, as the childminder talks to the parents and follows their home routines for sleeping to ensure continuity.

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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 have been identified and are minimised. This means that children are able to move around the setting freely and independently. The childminder gives high priority to helping children to understand how to keep themselves safe. She maintains children’s safety outside the home by using straps and reins and by explaining to them the need to hold hands and stay close. Only children over the age of eight are allowed to play upstairs. Children are able to use a sufficient range of safe and age appropriate play resources. These are well organised at low level to encourage children to self-select. A wide range of new equipment has been purchased since registration which gives the children new experiences and adds interest to their play. Children are well protected. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

She has a written policy which she shares with the parents on child protection.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They make themselves at home and relationships between the children are good. They are able to take turns and share toys as they play matching games and divide out the play dough between themselves. The childminder effectively interacts with the children during their play. This allows children to feel relaxed and they enjoy sharing their views and ideas as they play. Challenging questions from the childminder helps children to use their own knowledge and abilities. Effective planning by the childminder encourages children to develop their experiences. Weekly themes on topics, such as colours and shapes, help to extend the children's knowledge and understanding of these concepts. In their play children use a wide range of different materials such as paint, glue and play dough. Children regularly visit the local parks and the library which helps them learn about the world

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

around them. Children are confident and demonstrate that they are able to independently select their choice of toys or activities. They successfully help to make pizzas for their tea and enjoy listening to different stories being read to them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, they discuss Chinese New Year, Eid and St Patrick’s Day and use multi-cultural puzzles,books and games. Children are encouraged to look at themselves and take part in activities such as making paper plate faces. All children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are satisfactorily met as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with their parents. Children benefit from the positive relationship that the childminder has developed with the parents. The childminder regularly shares important information about the children with their parents, however, this is currently on an informal verbal basis and could lead to the needs of the younger children not being met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and are effectively learning right from wrong because the childminder setting consistent boundaries. She is firm and consistent with the children who are responsive to her requests. When appropriate the childminder works alongside the parents to manage their children's behaviour problems. Her good understanding of age appropriate behaviour management methods helps to promote positive behaviour.

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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 is good. The children feel at home and are at ease in the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder has a wide range of written policies and procedures. These are effectively used to help to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. They are regularly shared with the parents to keep them informed of the service provided. The childminder successfully organises her day to ensure that children are provided with challenging and stimulating activities. This contributes to the children’s well being, their pleasure and enjoyment. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable. This is the childminders first inspection since registration.

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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 that parents give written permission for emergency medical treatment • review how information is shared with parents, particularly those with young children.

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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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