Childminder in PeterboroughOfsted inspection, 18 May 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 257010 Inspection date 18 May 2005 Inspector Lesley Ann Barrett

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1994. She lives with her 3 children aged 17, 16 and 8 years, in Ravensthorpe, to the west of Peterborough city centre. The premises is a 3-bedroomed, end terrace property. The care of the children takes place on the ground floor only. There is a fully enclosed rear garden, accessed directly from the house, available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time, and is currently minding 7 children, 3 of whom are under 5 yrs . The local pre-schools

p.2

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 and primary schools are within walking distance, as are many other child-orientated activity groups and places of interest, that the childminder takes children to. The family have 3 cats and 3 milk snakes. The snakes are kept upstairs and children do not have access to them. The childminder meets regularly with other childminders.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's welfare is protected by the childminder's understanding of hygiene. Children are encouraged to wash their hands after snacks which helps them to learn about good hygiene practice. Parents provide children's main meals, however, the childminder provides snacks which she ensures are nutritious to help children remain healthy. All children are provided with frequent opportunities to participate in physical activities which helps to develop their co-ordination and self-esteem. Older children visit the Spinney adventure playground on a regular basis and are learning the importance of team work through organised activities and games. The childminder has the required documentation to ensure accidents and medication are recorded, however, permission to seek emergency medical treatment lacks clarity. Consequently, children's welfare is not fully safeguarded.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure indoor environment. They are able to independently access, and use, a basic range of safe, well-maintained resources within the home. They are able to move between the lounge and hallway and sufficient floor space enables them to do so freely. Children's need for access to a suitably wide range of resources is achieved as the childminder takes them out to locally-based activity sessions. However, the outdoor play area is cluttered and fails to minimise risks to children when playing in the garden. The children are protected by the childminder. She has an understanding of her role and responsibility in the safeguarding of children. She holds a current first aid certificate and is aware of the correct contacts for child protection.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children feel confident, and at ease, in the childminder's care as she has a good rapport with them. Children are provided with a basic range of resources within the

p.3

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 home, which are supported by a good variety of activities outside the home, to ensure that their all round developmental needs are met. The childminder interacts appropriately with children; she listens to them, and shows interest in their play, helping to develop children's self-esteem. She shows good levels of patience enabling her to deal effectively with their demands and meet their individual needs. Children are able to develop their social skills as they learn to play, and interact, with others.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals as the childminder encourages and praises children effectively. Equipment such as books, jigsaws and play-people are provided, to reflect a positive view of the wider world, which assists children in learning about others. The sensitive handling of children with special needs ensures that they are treated as individuals and are able to participate in all activities. Children are encouraged to learn right from wrong as the childminder sets clear rules and boundaries which are regularly reinforced. They are encouraged to take turns and respect each other needs. Positive reinforcement promotes children's self-esteem. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder discusses details with parents on a daily basis. They are made fully aware of the whereabouts of their children to ensure that they can contribute to their care. A portfolio is available for parents which

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

includes the childminder's certificates, registration document and policies and procedures.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The generally good organisation of the premises, together with activities offered inside and outside the home, enables the childminder to meet the children's needs. The effective organisation of paperwork ensures that parents are kept informed of the care offered to their children. However, the childminder has not been proactive in ensuring that her daughters, who are over 16 years, have undergone the appropriate vetting process meaning that children's well-being is not fully safeguarded. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder received one action. This was to provide evidence that she had completed a first aid course. A valid first aid certificate is now available.

p.4

Improvements 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 Five recommendations were made at the last inspection. Two related to procedures for recording medication. Although overall these have been met, further clarity is still required regarding parental permission to seek emergency medical advice/treatment. As recommended, the childminder now practises emergency evacuation procedures with children. She has a copy of the Area Child Protection committee procedures and the process to be followed if she suspected a child was at risk. With regard to resources which reflect culture, ethnicity and disability, good progress has been made and the childminder intends to continue to increase upon these.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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): • ensure that the garden is suitable for children's play • ensure that all persons over the age of 16 living in the house have been suitably vetted • review current method of obtaining parental permission to seek emergency medical advice/treatment

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5