Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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221989 Unique Reference Number 10 March 2008 Inspection date Veronica Sharpe 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 lives with her husband and adult son in Sutton, Cambridgeshire. She is registered to provide care for no more than six children aged under eight years. There are currently 10 children on roll aged between one and nine years of age. Most attend on a part-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children mainly use the ground floor of the home, including a conservatory. A first floor bedroom is used for sleeping. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a clean and well maintained homely environment. The childminder implements good hygiene practices, such as encouraging children to wash their hands before meals and ensuring they use paper towels rather than communal towels for drying. This helps

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 to minimise the risk of infection. Children receive appropriate treatment in the event of an accident because the childminder keeps a well-stocked first aid kit and attends training. Records of accidents are shared with parents although these sometimes include the names of other children and therefore are not fully confidential.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily opportunities to be physically active as they walk to and from school and enjoy visits to the local recreation ground. In good weather they use the garden where there is a range of resources that develop children’s physical skills, such as balls, bats and wheeled toys.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a variety of healthy snacks that ensure they are well nourished. They sit at a low table to eat fresh fruit or rice cakes and as a result develop good eating habits. Drinks are easily accessible so they stay well hydrated. Main meals are usually supplied by the children’s parents or carers. These are heated and served appropriately so children eat well. The childminder offers guidance to parents and carers to make sure food is healthy, such as asking them to exclude sweets and fizzy drinks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around the home safely because the childminder takes appropriate precautions to minimise risks, for example, she keeps the external doors locked and secure. Toys and equipment have regular checks to make sure they are in good, clean condition and therefore do not pose a risk to children. There are tried and tested systems in place to ensure children know how to respond in an emergency and the fire drill is clearly displayed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Young children use appropriate safety equipment, such as reins and harnesses to keep them safe when outside the home. Older children know the rules for crossing the busy local roads and follow instructions to stay close to the childminder when out walking, which helps to keep them safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder is clear about child protection issues and knows how to safeguard children according to the Local Safeguarding Children board guidance. She keeps the relevant contact telephone numbers and has written policies that tell parents and carers about her responsibility to protect children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a broad range of activities and experiences. Younger children access age appropriate toys such as shape-sorters, puzzles, books and small world figures. They happily explore their play materials and are beginning to develop their independence as they find toys they enjoy. The childminder supports their development as she changes resources regularly to maintain children’s interest and extend their abilities. Older children benefit from a good range of age appropriate activities, such as board games, watch suitable television programmes or do craft activities. Children of all ages benefit from imaginative play, such as dressing up, painting or play dough. Older children make impressive models from salt-dough, which are proudly given to their mums and dads as presents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a good deal of outdoor experiences as they play in the garden. They have a small garden area to dig, and help care for the growing plants. Messy activities, such as water play

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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 stimulate their interest and their imaginations. Children visit local parks, where they can, for example, use more challenging climbing equipment and have opportunities to socialise as they play with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. Information is shared on a daily basis so children’s needs are known and met. Settling in procedures include a trial period so the children can get to know each other and the parents can be sure their children are content. Parents receive written policies and procedures that keep them informed about the routines and the expectations of care. Information given to parents about how to make a complaint needs improvement so that it meets current regulations. Appropriate written consent is sought for any additional activities, such as outings and to enable the childminder to meet children’s individual needs, for example, administering medication. Although the childminder is not currently caring for children with learning difficulties or disabilities she is aware of the issues and would liaise with parents and carers to offer

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children find out about their local community as they walk around the village and they build relationships with other children at pre-school groups and local events. They learn about the wider world because there is a reasonable range of resources that show them positive images of diversity, such as books and puzzles. They behave well in the childminder's care because she has consistent rules that mean children know what to expect. Children clearly enjoy each other's company and happily share their games and the resources.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are welcomed into a warm and comfortable environment so they leave their parents with confidence. The organisation of the play space and resources promotes children’s independence and enables them to pursue their own interests. Varied resources are easily accessible and meet the needs of the children who attend.

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Organisation

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child development. She is keen to continue to develop her practice and is committed to her own professional development. She has attained the Quality First Level One award and uses information gathered from parents to inform her self evaluation process. She keeps up-to-date with essential training, such as maintaining a first aid qualification.

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Organisation

The childminder has all required documents in place in order to safeguard and promote children’s welfare. These contain a good level of detail and are well organised so they can be readily available if and when required. Daily registers are kept up-to-date and important documents, such as the registration certificate are clearly displayed to reassure parents. Overall, children’s needs are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure she carries a first aid kit and any necessary information on outings, increase her knowledge of her responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act and improve her knowledge of child protection.

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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 Children's health and safety is promoted well because the childminder carries a first aid kit with her on outings. Any necessary parental consents have been obtained, such as permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. Emergency contact details are stored in the childminder's mobile phone, which she always has with her. The childminder has an adequate understanding of the issues involved in caring for children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and she is aware of her responsibility to meet children's individual needs. In order to improve her ability to safeguard children the childminder has attended a training course in child protection. She is aware of the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures and keeps copies of any necessary contact telephone numbers. This helps to keep children safe.

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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

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): • ensure accident records are kept with due regard for confidentiality • ensure information given to parents about how to make a complaint complies with current regulations.

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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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