Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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223009 Unique Reference Number 25 January 2007 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 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged nine and 13 in a Fenland village. The whole of the childminder’s house is 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 three children under five, and six children over five before and after school, all on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. The family has a Conure bird.

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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 are cared for in a home where they stay healthy because the childminder implements good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection. They learn about personal hygiene as part of daily routines, such as washing their hands after using the toilet and prior to meals. Record systems are in place to record any accidents, incidents and any medication administered to children. However, the written permission and information parents provide relating to medication is not detailed enough to underpin the care offered. The childminder holds an up-to-date first aid qualification which supports children's care in an emergency. However, the first aid boxes contain some out-of-date items. Appropriate procedures are followed by the childminder when children are unwell ensuring their individual needs are met.

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Helping children to be healthy

All children are provided with a range of appropriate snacks and meals suitable for their individual needs. They are offered snacks and packed lunches provided by the parents and the childminder offers fruit to supplement these if necessary. The children are kept hydrated because they are provided with free access to drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in a range of physical activities on a daily basis which contributes to their good health. They develop large and small motor skills as they make use of indoor and outdoor activities and equipment. Children enjoy dancing on an animal dance mat which makes appropriate sounds as they dance, promoting physical exercise.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are cared for in a welcoming and safe indoor and outdoor environment. Space is used appropriately and children are able to move around the setting independently. The childminder is aware of how to minimise risks to children by ensuring hazardous products and sharp implements are stored out of children’s reach. Fire safety equipment is in place and regularly tested promoting children’s safety. The premises are secure, but can be evacuated in an emergency. Children are protected when on outings because the childminder has safe procedures in place and teaches the children how and where to cross the roads so that they can begin to keep themselves safe. Although a car is not routinely used for childminding, it is available and insured for emergencies. However, the childminder does not have written permission from parents to transport children if this were to happen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to play with toys that are safe and suitable for their age and stage of development. Toys are clean and comply with safety regulations, minimising risks to children. Young children are further protected as the childminder ensures that older children are aware that toys with small parts must be kept away from the younger children for example, by using their toys at the table.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare well. She has a secure understanding of the child protection procedures, has attended training and has the relevant guidelines to

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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 refer to. A policy is in place relating to child protection which is shared with parents so that they are aware of her role and responsibilities to children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder ensures she provides a balanced day taking into account the needs of the children. Children have opportunities to play indoors and outside and take part in regular exercise as they play in the park and walk to school.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children settle well and are confident in the childminder's home. She makes it welcoming for them by providing a range of developmentally appropriate activities and resources. The children benefit from outings in the local area such as to visit the goats and the horses and also when they visit the mobile library when it visits the village.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use their imaginations as they play pretend games with the dolls, dressing and un-dressing them and changing their nappies. They freely access crayons and paper to draw and share the Duplo, as they build houses together with appropriate support from the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have appropriate relationships with the childminder. They are warm and affectionate together and enjoy each other's company. Children's language and thinking is developed as the childminder plays with the children and meaningful praise and encouragement helps children to develop good levels of confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a sound knowledge of caring for children under three but is not currently using the 'Birth to three matters' framework which supports the care and development of these young children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are comfortable, settled and at ease with the childminder in her home. As a result they are confident to move around the premises with ease.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder treats the children 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 helping children to develop their knowledge. The childminder is aware of her role in caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The 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

Children behave well. They learn right from wrong, about sharing and taking turns with toys and play equipment. This ensures they play harmoniously together and learn to be kind to each other. They receive regular praise and positive reinforcement from the childminder, who acts as a good role model, as she says ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to them. In turn, very young children say thank you to each other, unprompted, as they share the crayons.

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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 The childminder gathers and shares information with parents in order that she can offer appropriate care. She uses a daily diary system with parents of young children so that they are kept well informed of their progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder shares a range of policies with parents and has most procedures in place to promote children's well-being and safety. Children's enjoyment is fostered well 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.

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Organisation

Documentation is up-to date and mostly in place. However, all of the information is stored together, not necessarily in date order, making it difficult to use it effectively to underpin the children's care.

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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

Overall, the needs of the children are being met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the 1st 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): • remove items from the first aid boxes that are out of date and ensure boxed are stocked appropriately • obtain written permission to transport children in the car • organise children's documentation so that it is more effective in supporting the children's care.

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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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