Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY330510 Unique Reference Number 24 April 2007 Inspection date Jean Goodrick 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 has been registered since April 2006. She lives with her family, which includes two children under eight years of age, on the outskirts of Cambridge. She mainly uses the ground floor area of her home for childminding. There is a secure outdoor play area.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. She currently cares for three children under five years. The family have a cat and a dog.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she attends local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about a healthy lifestyle as the childminder gives physical exercise and fresh air a high priority. They develop their physical skills as they use a wide range of resources both

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 indoors and outside, for instance, at the local park. The childminder ensures that children have plenty of fresh air as they walk to and from toddler groups and on other outings. Children rest and sleep according to their own individual routines, which are discussed with parents. For example, one toddler really enjoys sleeping outside in the tranquillity of the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy nutritious meals promoting their health and development which are generally provided by their parents. The childminder has a healthy food policy, which is shown to parents and she provides snacks which include healthy options such as fruit. Young children are regularly offered drinks so that they remain well hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about good personal hygiene as they wash their hands before meals and snacks and after using the toilet. The inspector is told by the toddler that his hands are 'nice and clean' before he eats his banana. The childminder reduces the risk of cross-infection by ensuring that her home is always clean and well maintained. Clear records are kept of accidents and medication so that children receive good continuity of care. The childminder keeps her first aid certificate up to date so that she is confident to take action for the welfare of 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, welcoming environment where risks are minimised so that they move around safely and independently under the childminder's constant supervision. The childminder helps children learn to keep themselves safe by, for example, reminding them to put toys away, such as the train set, before getting out the big puzzles so that toddlers do not fall over them. Good use is made of stair gates between rooms so that children do not go into the kitchen. Children learn about staying safe outside the home, observing the highway code on local walks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety in an emergency is a priority. Smoke alarms are tested regularly and the childminder has planned the evacuation of the children. The childminder carries relevant information outside the home and has backup support from other childminders. Children have access to a good range of toys and resources which are suitable for their ages and stages of development. Resources are regularly checked for safety and hygiene. Children help themselves from the selection provided so that they can follow their own interests. They are well protected because the childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to promote their safety and welfare. She has a secure knowledge and understanding of the Local Safeguarding Children Board's procedures and has a written policy which is shown to parents so that they understand her responsibilities.

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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 have established warm and affectionate relationships with her. The childminder provides a range of stimulating activities to interest the children. She supports the children's play, sitting with them on the floor and joining in their games, for example, as they play with the train set. Children display good levels of confidence as they make choices about their play. They also develop independence in self-care as they get a tissue to blow their nose and help to put the top on their cup. The childminder makes good use of community groups and the childminder's group to extend children's experiences, for instance, developing their social skills.

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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 Children's early communication skills are very well supported through high quality interaction with the childminder as they discuss their activities and talk about what they are doing. For example, the childminder asks what the fireman is doing in the jigsaw puzzle and helps the children to express themselves. The childminder listens and responds very respectfully developing children's self-esteem. She has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. The childminder has a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework which she uses as a reference tool and she would like to continue to develop her knowledge and understanding in this area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children and their families are welcomed and included in the provision. The childminder gets to know individual children well so that they have a strong sense of belonging and their individual needs are met. She has some resources which promote a positive view of the wider world and help children understand their differences and similarities. The childminder has not cared for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities but she is open to new learning and willing to work closely with parents and other agencies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder has a clear and consistent approach to behaviour management which means that children know what is expected of them and feel secure. Her house rules include taking shoes off indoors and not jumping on the furniture. Children receive plenty of praise and encouragement and the childminder uses her effective skills to help children develop their relationships with each other and learn to share and take turns. She also ensures that children have plenty of opportunities to let off steam in energetic activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships between the childminder and their parents. Information is exchanged on a regular basis and the childminder provides a daily diary with details of children's routines. Parents receive comprehensive information about the provision so that they are clear about all aspects of their children's care. Parents give glowing feedback about the care their children receive, saying that their children are excited to come to the childminder's house.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well-supervised by the childminder and she ensures that children are never left with anyone who has not been vetted. The childminder uses time, space and resources effectively to provide children with a secure routine and a good range of stimulating activities. Children have time to be active and time to rest. They receive plenty of individual attention and support as the childminder limits the number of children she cares for. Good use is made of community groups to extend children's experiences.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the childminder's professional framework of written policies and procedures which contribute to children's health, safety and well-being. All required documentation is in place and reviewed and confidentiality is respected. Information is shared with parents which means they clearly know about the provision and the care their children receive. The childminder is experienced and open to new learning to improve her practice for the benefit of the children.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 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): • continue to develop a range of activities for babies and young children which are appropriate for their stage of development.

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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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