Home Childcarer in CambridgeshireOfsted inspection, 24 May 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY269073 Inspection date 24 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 2003. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 9 and 10 years, in Cambridge. All areas of the premises are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time. She is also registered to care for a maximum of three children overnight. The childminder is currently minding 6 children on a part time basis. The family has 1 cat and 1 rabbit, which is kept in a secure hutch in the garden.

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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 attends local activity groups and meets regularly with other childminders. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's very good knowledge and understanding of nutrition. Children enjoy a varied and healthy diet, consisting of a range of fresh foods prepared by the childminder and they can access regular drinks throughout the day. Children know about healthy eating as the childminder involves them in activities that help them learn about making healthy choices. Babies' individual routines are followed and they are fed according to parents' wishes, so that they are well nourished and contented. 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. However, there is no written parental consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for minded children. Children are cared for in a clean, well maintained home and good hygiene routines help them to learn

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Helping children to be healthy

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, which means they benefit from active physical exercise. All children benefit from the fresh air on their daily walks. The childminder has developed good routines for sleep times, which ensures that children are well rested.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely in a warm and welcoming environment. The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues; children can move around safely and freely as she has minimised risks to keep them safe from harm. Children learn about the dangers as the childminder helps them to understand how to keep safe. 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. Children easily select their own toys and activities independently to follow their own interests. Required documents and procedures are in place to safeguard children's welfare, for example the childminder has appropriate written consent for outings from parents. Children are supervised, both indoors and on outings, which means they safely develop their independence in a secure environment. The childminder has an

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

understanding of child protection and she is due to attend training in this area to ensure her knowledge is updated and children are protected.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled in the childminder's home. They have formed warm and affectionate relationships with her, which contributes to their sense of belonging. All children enjoy a good range of activities and experiences. For example, they attend local groups and make good use of local amenities, which provides children with opportunities to socialise with others. Resources are organised so they are accessible and children 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 are encouraged to be independent and competently manage their personal needs. Children benefit from the good support

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 the childminder, who responds positively to their talk.

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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. Children have access to a good range of activities and resources, which promote diversity and enable children to learn about their differences and similarities. The childminder helps children to become confident and develop their self esteem through lots of positive interaction. Children's behaviour is good. They learn to behave well and play happily together, sharing and taking turns. The childminder helps children to understand what is expected of them through regular routines and consistent expectations, which helps them to feel secure. The childminder develops positive relationships with parents, which contributes to children's care and well-being, ensuring their changing needs continue to be met. Although parents know about the childminder's practice, it could be improved by

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Helping children make a positive contribution

making information more accessible, for example in a written format. Children benefit from a good settling-in procedure, which helps them to make the transition between home and the childminder. 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 time, space and

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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 resources. Well established routines and affectionate, caring support ensure children are comfortable and settled. Children's needs are met by good adult-child ratios; the children benefit from the individual care and attention offered by the childminder. Children's care is enhanced as the childminder has a sound knowledge of child development. All legal documentation is in place and regularly updated to ensure children's safety and well-being. Records are shared with parents so they know what to expect and can be confident their children receive appropriate care. Overall the provision meets the needs of all the children in the childminder's care.

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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • improve information about the childcare practice for parents

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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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