Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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260588 Unique Reference Number 01 February 2007 Inspection date Anna Davies 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 2001. She lives with her husband and four children aged 16, 15, 13 and 12 years, in a village 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.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five and one child over five, all on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent toddler group.

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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 well promoted. Effective hygiene procedures are in place to protect them from cross-infection, for example, the childminder washes her hands after changing nappies and children wash their hands after using the toilet. The childminder uses purposeful discussion, activities and resources such as posters, to promote children's understanding of keeping themselves healthy. If children are unwell or need to take medication whilst in the care of the childminder, there are written records in place to ensure that appropriate care is given. There is also a clear sickness policy outlining exclusion periods for contagious illnesses which ensures that all children's health is maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's good knowledge and understanding of nutrition because she provides them with healthy snacks and meals, for example, fresh fruit, pasta and wholemeal sandwiches. Children are effectively learning about healthy eating as the childminder provides activities to promote this, for example, they cut out pictures of fruit and display them as a 'five-a-day' poster. In addition, children have access to continuous drinks so that they remain well hydrated throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's routines are agreed with parents so that they have their needs for rest and sleep met in a consistent fashion which suitably promotes their emotional well-being. Children enjoy regular opportunities to visit the local play park where they develop their physical skills as they swing and climb on large equipment. Children benefit from exercise and fresh air on their daily walks to the local school. Babies pull themselves to standing using the low-level furniture as the childminder eagerly encourages them to take steps in their attempts to learn to walk. This contributes to their good health and helps them to further develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a clean, warm and safe home where risks are identified and minimised, which means that children can move around safely. For example, they are well protected from the risks of fire because the childminder has a written emergency escape plan, which children practise regularly so that they all know what to do in an emergency and are familiar with the routine. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because the childminder explains about road safety when they are walking to the local school. The childminder has considered extra safety measures to keep babies safe, for example, they are restrained appropriately whilst in the highchair using straps and stair gates ensure that babies do not crawl up the stairs without supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select activities from a wide range of toys and resources which are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Toys and activities are stored within easy reach, which means that children can follow their own interests and develop their play. This successfully promotes children's confidence and decision making. All toys and equipment are

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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 checked regularly to ensure that they are in good condition. This ensures that children are protected from potential hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is effectively safeguarded. For example, the childminder shares a clear policy with parents which outlines her duties regarding the protection of children in her care. The childminder has a reliable knowledge of child protection issues, which are in line with local procedures. This means that children are protected and kept safe from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in the childminder's care and enjoy a warm relationship with her. She is sensitive to their needs, offering lots of praise and encouragement and this contributes to their sense of belonging and gives them the confidence and security to explore the toys and activities. Children benefit from a good range of activities and experiences. For example, they attend a local toddler group, which ensures that they have opportunities to socialise with others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are learning to be skilful communicators because the childminder talks to the children as she supports their play. For example, children listen as the childminder carefully explains how to play a colour recognition game. The childminder encourages babies to develop their language skills as she playfully imitates the sounds they make. Children enjoy opportunities to explore their creativity as they regularly paint, glue, cut and create pictures. Children participate in role play, confidently using props to support their play. For example, children speak on toy telephones as they engage in detailed conversations with their favourite television characters. This successfully promotes their imaginative skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children can make choices about their activities and there are many opportunities for child initiated activities such as playing with dolls, push-along toys and activity centres, which children enjoy. Babies are eager to repeat activities which helps them to secure their understanding and learning. For example, babies repeatedly push toy trains down a winding slope, showing delight as they reach the bottom. This fosters their independence and self-assurance appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed into the childminder's home and this enables them to feel a strong sense of belonging and self-worth. The childminder displays examples of each of the children's work, which successfully promotes their self-esteem and ensures that all children feel equally valued. Children have their needs well met because the childminder works closely with parents and uses appropriate records to ensure this. The childminder records written information about each child's day which is routinely shared with parents. However, written parental permission is not obtained to take children on public transport which does not always ensure that parents are fully aware of the activities that their children participate in.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about diversity through a good range of resources such as multicultural musical instruments, books and play figures. Children take part in activities that promote their

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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 understanding of different cultures, for example, tasting noodles to celebrate Chinese New Year.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive strategies such as praise and age-appropriate explanations to encourage good behaviour. The children understand what is expected of them because the childminder has sensible house rules, for example, no jumping on the furniture. This means that children are treated in a consistent manner and know what is expected of them. The childminder encourages children to respect each other as they share and take turns with resources.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder's knowledge and understanding of quality childcare is good and her knowledge of the National Standards and the required regulations is appropriate. The childminder has a sound understanding of the quality of care that she currently provides and has actively sought ways in which to improve her practice. For example, she has booked to attend a 'Birth to three matters' course and is currently completing a 'Quality First' programme. The childminder currently offers a placement to a child care student and this is as a direct result of the good quality care that the childminder is recognised as providing. Children are cared for in a home that is well organised with regard to space, time and resources. Children receive good levels of adult support which makes them feel safe and secure. However, the daily record of attendance does not accurately show the children or student's times of arrival and departure. This is not

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Organisation

completely effective in ensuring that correct adult:child ratios are maintained at all times of the day.

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Organisation

Children's welfare, learning and care are successfully fostered by the use of reliable policies and procedures which are well organised and shared with parents. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve fire safety precautions by ensuring that a fire blanket is accessible in the kitchen. The childminder now has a wall mounted fire blanket in the kitchen, which conforms to current safety standards. This is effective in keeping children safe in the event of a small fire.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was also asked to obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. This permission is now routinely obtained for each child and forms part of the contract of care completed by parents. This ensures that children are appropriately cared for in the event of an emergency.

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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

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 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): • obtain written permission from parents for transporting children on public transport so that parents are fully informed of the activities that are provided for their child • further develop the record of attendance to accurately show the children's arrival and departure times. Ensure that the names of the persons looking after children and their hours of attendance are recorded, with particular reference to students.

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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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