Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 259587 Inspection date 17 May 2005 Inspector Emma Bright

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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 2001. She lives with her children aged 5 and 9 years old in Cambridge. All areas of the childminder's house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children on a part time basis. There are no pets. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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 benefit from the childminder's good understanding of health and hygiene. Clear procedures and documents are in place to ensure that children's individual needs are met. Children are cared for in a clean, well maintained home and good hygiene routines help them to learn about washing their hands, which ensures they understand about keeping healthy. Children enjoy regular exercise, such as outings to the local park and playing in the garden. Babies are able to crawl around safely in a spacious indoor environment. The childminder has developed good routines for sleep times, which ensures that children are well rested. The childminder has a good understanding of nutrition and this ensures that children benefit from a healthy diet. Children enjoy a range of fresh foods prepared by the childminder and have access to fresh drinking water throughout the day. Babies' individual routines are followed and they are fed according to parents' wishes, so that

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely in a spacious environment, which is prepared by the childminder to minimise risks before the children arrive. Children can move around freely and select their own activities independently to follow their own interests. The childminder has a good understanding of child development, which means children have access to a good range of quality toys and equipment that are safe and appropriate for their ages. Required documents and procedures are in place to safeguard children's welfare, for example the childminder has a current first aid certificate and appropriate consent for outings from parents. Children are supervised, both indoors and on outings, which means they safely develop their independence in a secure environment. However, cleaning products in a low level cupboard present a potential hazard to children. Children are protected as the childminder has a good understanding of child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection. She knows who to contact and is aware of local area child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and form warm and affectionate relationships with her, which contributes to their sense of belonging. Although

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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 under three years enjoy a good range of activities, their choices could be further enhanced through improvements to planning, for example by using the Birth to Three Matters framework. Resources are organised so they are accessible and children can explore them independently, making their own decisions and developing their own interests. The childminder organises consistent daily routines for rest and play, which helps children feel settled and secure and they look forward to their day. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and she uses this knowledge to help children make progress. Children benefit from the good support offered during their activities, which encourages them to develop their skills. For example, children's early communication skills are developed through the good quality interaction with

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminder, who responds positively to their talk. Regular use of local amenities, such as attending the parent and toddler group provides children with opportunities to socialise with others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are understood and respected by the childminder, who gathers good information from parents to ensure these needs are met. The childminder has a good understanding of other cultures and provides a good range of activities and resources, which enables children to learn about their differences and similarities. The childminder helps babies to become confident and develop their self esteem through lots of positive interaction. Children's behaviour is good. They learn to behave well and understand what is expected of them through regular routines and consistent expectations, which helps children to feel secure. The childminder develops positive relationships with parents, which contributes to children's care and well-being and ensures their changing needs continue to be met. Children benefit from a sound settling-in procedure, which is adapted according to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their needs and the needs of the parents. Parents are kept informed of their child's routines and progress on a daily basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's good organisation of space and resources. Well established routines and kind, caring support ensure children are comfortable and settled. The childminder is currently attending ongoing training in early years, which informs her practice. All legal documentation is in place and regularly updated to ensure children's safety and well-being. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents so they know what to expect and can be confident their children receive appropriate care.

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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 Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children in the childminder's care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last Children Act inspection recommended that the childminder has written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Written consent is in place for each, which ensures that parents' wishes are complied with, the children's individual needs are met and they are kept safe.

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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): • further improve play opportunities for children under 3 yrs, for example, by using the Birth to Three Matters Framework. • ensure that cleaning materials are made inaccessible to 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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