Childminder in Peterborough

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 257067 Inspection date 13 May 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 2000. She lives with her two children aged 7 and 10 years old. They live in a house in the city of Peterborough, close to local shops, schools and parks. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five on a part time basis. She also cares for three children under eight and seven children over eight before and after school. The childminder attends local parent and toddler groups. The family has a pet dog.

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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 supports children with special educational needs. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder is an accredited member of the Peterborough Childminding Network and currently provides funded nursery education. The childminder has a Diploma in Childcare and Education.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean environment where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene. They are actively encouraged by the childminder to wash their hands after visiting the toilet and before they eat. This helps them to learn good personal care. Children's medical needs are effectively supported through the childminder's understanding of the required medication/ accident recording. Children are offered a wide variety of meals and snacks which are healthy and nutritious and which have a daily portion of fresh fruit. This enables them to learn healthy eating habits and encourages discussions on good foods to eat. Older children are able to help plan the menu and are sometimes involved in the purchasing of the food. The childminder takes account of parents wishes and any special dietary needs. Children are encouraged to extend their palate and try new foods as different items are introduced to their diets.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities both indoors and outdoors, which contribute to their physical development. They go outside into the garden, when the weather is good, and enjoy climbing up, and over, the climbing frame and swinging on tyres. They help the childminder to plant and water seeds, in the garden, thus developing their physical skills and learning about nature.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play in a spacious area where risks have been identified and are satisfactorily minimised. This means they are able to move between rooms safely and independently. The childminder has a good understanding of how to keep the children safe both on the premises and when out on trips. When out on trips older children are asked to hold hands whilst reins are used on younger children. This reduces risks to the children. The childminder ensures the children have easy access to the toys which are appropriate for the children's ages and stage of development. This enables children to independently select from a wide range of equipment which meets safety standards. New toys and equipment are purchased on a regular basis which gives children new experiences. The childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is met. She has a secure knowledge of 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 issues and fully records any accidents or injuries to the children which assists in the safeguarding of the children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled at the childminder's house. They are relaxed and confident in their surroundings. Children are able to become independent learners as they self-select the toys, from low storage units, in the playroom. The childminder is familiarising herself with Birth to Three Matters and the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage to enable her to meet individual children's needs. Children are able to take part in a variety of activities such as singing, baking, and planting seeds which extends their creative skills and thinking. Children are effectively developing their concentration levels as they sit and play games with the childminder. The childminder interacts appropriately with the younger children, she listens to them and shows interest in their play. This helps to increase their self-confidence and shows that she values their efforts. Children regularly attend

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

different activity groups which gives them new experiences and develops their social skills. Children have access to a wide range of books, and are successfully learn to count in their play, by partaking in games and activities. The childminder is currently in the process of developing her plans. This will help to ensure funded children have a broad and balanced curriculum.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and the childminder respects children as individuals. Their needs are well met, as they follow their normal daily routine, which has been thoroughly discussed with their parents. Children understand how to behave, are able to play together and are well behaved. The childminder gives them praise and encouragement for their achievements with builds up their confidence and self-esteem. Children share and take turns, for example, when using the swings in the garden and when playing card games. Children with special needs are well supported, with the childminder working with parents, to meet any specific needs. Children are introduced to the wider world but the childminder lacks resources, and does not effectively use activities, to extend the children's learning in this area. The childminder has good relationships with the children's parents and this enhances

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Helping children make a positive contribution

their care. Parents are given detailed information about the care their child will receive. The childminder asks parents to complete a comprehensive information sheet to help her settle the child into her home. Parents are kept fully informed about their child's day through verbal and written communication. This enables them to be

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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 involved with their child's learning and achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by good organisation by the childminder. All children are able develop self-esteem, and confidence, in a well maintained and stimulating environment. Older children's confidence is further promoted as they are encouraged to make choices and decisions. For example, as they choose items for the weekly menu and go shopping to purchase the items. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. These are shared with the parents to keep them informed of the service the childminder provides. The childminder has successfully completed a range of different short courses, which has enhanced her knowledge, and subsequently the care she offers the children. Documentation is well organised to support the care and meet registration requirements. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has addressed all the issues raised and subsequently improved the quality of care offered. She has a clear system for recording the children's proposed attendance and their actual attendance times. Children are now able to use their own bathroom which is easily accessible and suitable for use. The childminder has taken advice and guidance on introducing different behaviour management techniques to help her address difficult behaviour.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted has not received any complaints about the provider.

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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):

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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 • Continue to develop practice to enable children to experience a broad and balanced curriculum. • Increase resources and range of activities to enable children to have a wider understanding of the world around them.

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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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