Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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222735 Unique Reference Number 31 July 2007 Inspection date Melanie Calway 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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 15 and 12 in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends a local childminding group, walks to the park and takes children on outings to a local indoor play area and farm.

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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 four children, one of whom attends on a full-time basis. The family has a rabbit.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member the National Childminding Association and is part of an approved childminding network.

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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 satisfactory. Children stay healthy because there are satisfactory hygiene procedures in place. The premises are clean and well-maintained and toys are cleaned on a regular basis. Children are encouraged to wash their hands in the bathroom before lunch where a step stool and a toilet seat are available to encourage their independence. Before snack time older children wash their hands in the kitchen and younger ones are given wipes by the childminder. As a result their independence and learning about hygiene is not fully promoted at this time. Individual towels are provided to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Nappies are dealt with hygienically and disposed of appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's medical needs are met as the childminder has a current first aid qualification and keeps a first aid kit in the kitchen so that she can deal with minor accidents and injuries appropriately. An accurate record of all accidents is maintained. There is a system for recording the administration of medicines. Consent has been obtained from parents to seek emergency treatment or advice so that she can seek help in the event of an emergency. Children are protected from the risk of infection as the childminder has a clear written sickness policy, which she shares with parents. Children are able to sleep and rest according to their needs. They can rest on the sofa or nap in a buggy in the hall. A travel cot would be provided if needed. Children have opportunities for exercise and fresh air as they walk to school on most days when the weather is fine. They walk to the park in the winter when the garden is not used and go on

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Helping children to be healthy

outings to a soft play park to promote their physical development. The childminder talks to them about health issues and they know that they must exercise to 'get big muscles and keep fit'. Children get out to play in the garden on most days although the use of the outside area is limited to certain times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished. The childminder offers them a healthy snack of fresh fruit or raisins and lunches provided by the childminder contain mainly healthy options including, sandwiches or hot snacks. Children are able to access their drinks at all times and older children are able to help themselves to fresh drinking water.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in premises which are safe and suitable. The premises are secure as the front door is locked while children are present and children are prevented from accessing the back door by means of a stair gate. The environment is made welcoming as posters are displayed in the living room and toys are available within easy reach. Toys are checked for safety and the childminder checks that smaller items are kept out of the reach of younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe as the childminder carries out safety checks of her premises both indoor and out before children come. She maintains a good level of supervision to ensure that children are safe. Young children do not access the kitchen without supervision. Children begin to develop an awareness of safety issues because explanations are given, for example, they are asked to sit properly or they might fall. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder takes her phone with her, which has all the emergency contact numbers in. Children are kept in buggies or on reins to keep them safe when walking and the childminder talks to them about road safety so they begin to develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe. All the

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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 necessary permissions for outings and transport have been obtained from parents. Children are protected from the risk of fire as there is a clear written fire evacuation which is practised at regular intervals so that children know what to do in the event of a fire. Necessary fire equipment such as fire blanket and smoke alarms are in place and a fire extinguisher is kept in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder is aware of her duty to report any child protection concerns and makes parents aware of this in her child protection policy. She has all the necessary information on child protection procedures, including the referral number. She has attended child protection training and so is aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She maintains a record of children's existing injuries.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities. They attend a local childminding group to help them to socialise, as well as regular outings to local attractions, including a farm, butterfly park and indoor soft-play area. Inside they can choose freely from a good range of appropriate toys which are placed at floor level. Toys are stored in a large cupboard in the living room and children can get some items out or ask for things they want to play with. They enjoy craft projects such as colouring velvet art pictures at the dining table, reading books to each other or doing puzzles. Outside they can do painting or play dough, although use of the outside area is limited to certain times. The childminder plans interesting activities to occupy and stimulate children such as cookery sessions or making pumpkin lanterns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy and settled. The childminder sits with children, at their level, and involves herself in their play, giving them smiles and eye-contact and chatting to them to encourage their language development. Children's self-esteem is fostered as they are given plenty of praise and encouragement. Children are asked to count, for example, 'how many ears have you got?'. Their independence is promoted as they are given choices, for example, they are asked what they would like for snack and lunch. Older children can help themselves to drinks from a cupboard in the kitchen and children are encouraged to help tidy up before snack time. Children are told 'You can do it ' to give them a sense of self-worth. Children get on well together and play happily throughout the session.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children under three are cared for appropriately. The childminder uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework pack. She has developed a thorough and comporehensive record system in line with the framework which includes photographs of children, observations of their achievements and examples of their work. This is shared with parents, who are encouraged to comment and contribute so that they are made aware of their children's progress and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met as the childminder gathers good information from parents about their care. Children are able to settle in gradually so that the childminder can get to know them. A care plan is written for children under three to ensure that their needs and routines are respected. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world as some resources reflect other cultures and lifestyles. The childminder also introduces them to food from around the world as part of celebrating festivals such as Chinese New Year. Children are given appropriate

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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 support. Although she has no experience of working with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities she would work with parents to ensure that all children's differing needs could be met and seek out training to ensure that she could help children to progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well in the childminders care as she has consistent boundaries so that children know what is expected of them. Her house rules and behaviour policy are made available to parents so that they are aware of her approach. She works with parents to ensure that the approach is consistent so that children do not become confused. Children get on very well together with older children supporting the younger ones. Children are learning to share and to respect each other's needs. Children are well-mannered and some say 'please' and 'thank you' without prompting.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for effectively because she has a very good relationship with parents. Parents express appreciation of her 'kind and caring service' in the form of references and testimonials. She provides useful information about her service in the form of clear policies and procedures, which are made available to parents. She exchanges information about children on a daily basis, verbally. Parents of children under three are provided with detailed records of their progress and development to which they can contribute and photographs are used to keep parents in touch with what their children are doing. The contract makes parents aware that they can make concerns known and if necessary contact the regulator. The childminder is aware that complaints should be investigated and recorded although she has not yet set up the complaints record.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is a suitable person to care for children. She and her household have had the necessary clearances when registered under Social Services. She has a level 3 qualification in child care and attends a wide range of courses and workshops to ensure that her knowledge and skills are kept up to date. She also keeps in touch with developments through her local childminding group.

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Organisation

The premises and schedule are well organised to ensure children's safety and well-being and to give them a range of interesting experiences. An accurate record of children's hours of attendance is kept.

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Organisation

All of the required documentation is in place and is maintained in an orderly and accessible manner. A comprehensive set of policies and procedures is in place and is shared with parents to keep them informed about the setting. Children's assessments provide a useful record of their learning and development, which enhances the care they receive. Overall children's needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop an understanding of RIDDOR. The childminder is now aware of her responsibilities under RIDDOR to report accidents and has a contact number to do so.

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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): • improve the procedures for hand washing to ensure that children are learning about hygiene and being independent at all times • extend the use of the outdoor area so that children have increased opportunities for outdoor play.

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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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