Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 222138 Inspection date 11 October 2005 Inspector Heidi Falconer

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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 satisfactory. 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 1993. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 14 and 18 years in a village in the south of Cambridgeshire. The whole of the ground floor of the house is 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 and is currently minding 5 children under 5 part time and 1 child over 5 after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She also attends the local toddler group with minded children.

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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 are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Well established hygiene routines and clear explanations increase children's understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. The childminder has procedures in place for recording accidents and for administering medication. However, she has not obtained written parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment or updated her first aid qualification. Failure to put these in place means that children may receive inappropriate care or not be treated promptly in an emergency. Children's dietary needs are met as the childminder takes account of their dietary requirements and the wishes of parents. The majority of snacks and meals are provided by the parents for the childminder to give to the children as they require

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Helping children to be healthy

them. Children are encouraged to have drinks frequently. This ensures that they are well nourished and that they can eat and drink in accordance to their individual needs. Children enjoy a range of activities, which contribute to their good health and promote their physical development. For example, they ride on push along toys and bikes, use climbing frames and slides at the local park and go for daily walks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home environment. Children are able to independently select activities from a range of appropriate toys and equipment which is provided within reach of all the children that attend. Their safety is enhanced through the well maintained equipment and toys which are suitable for their age and stage of development. Children are kept safe from hazards in the home, as the childminder has put in place measures and the necessary equipment to protect children from dangers. For example, smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket are in place and all hazardous substances are stored in high-level cupboards out of the reach of minded children. Children are learning how to keep themselves safe. They discuss road safety with the childminder and she helps develops children’s awareness of potential dangers. For example, she reminds children to ‘mind their head’ when they crawl under the table to

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

collect tennis balls. Children are generally kept safe on outings. However, the childminder has only obtained verbal permission from parents to transport them in her vehicle. The childminder demonstrates an awareness of the appropriate procedures to follow

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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 if suspicions arose relating to children attending or if an allegation was made against her or a member of her family. This knowledge helps safeguard children's welfare.

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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 relationships with her, which contributes to their sense of belonging. All children enjoy a good range of activities and experiences. They attend local toddler groups which provide them with opportunities to socialise with others and to extend their play experiences. Children enjoy activities such as, drawing, cooking, painting and playing with her range of toys and equipment. Resources are easily accessible, which encourages children to explore them independently, making their own decisions about how they spend their time and develop their interests. The childminder shows a genuine interest in the children, talking to them and joining in with their play and activities. Good interaction from the childminder means that children are encouraged, supported and feel confident in a range of activities that

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

promote their all round development. Children’s mathematical development is well supported in interesting and meaningful ways, for example, when young children use the play telephone, the childminder encourages them to look at and name each number. This is helping to develop young children’s interest in numbers and extend their knowledge.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued as individuals. They make choices, for example, each day upon their arrival the childminder lets them determine the toys and equipment they want to play with. They behave well and the childminder's calm and consistent manner acts as a good role model. Relationships with the parents and carers are friendly and children benefit from the positive partnership the childminder has developed with them. Information is shared verbally at the end of the day. The childminder gives parents feedback about their child’s activities, sleeps, feeds and nappy changes. This ensures that all of the essential information is shared, helping to promote the children’s care and welfare. Children's self-esteem is developed as the childminder uses praise and encouragement to acknowledge good behaviour, for example, for helping to tidy away activities or completing puzzles. They are developing an awareness of the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

wider world and have access to some resources promoting diversity.

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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 The childminder is showing a commitment to developing her practice through attending additional training courses, she has recently attended courses on soft toys and maths, festivals and celebrations and good business. She is booked on several more courses. The knowledge that she gains from these will help her to promote positive outcomes for children. The childminder's organisation of her home positively supports children's care, learning and play. Children are comfortable, happy and at ease with the childminder and in her home. As a result they are confident to move around the premises and initiate their own play. Children benefit from consistent routines to help them feel secure and relaxed. Children play, eat and rest as they need to. A variety of activities are available which provide children with stimulating play opportunities.

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Organisation

Documentation is stored confidentially and information shared appropriately with parents. This helps to promote the care and welfare of the children. The childminder displays her certificates clearly for parents to see. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that all accidents to children were recorded. She discusses any accidents with parents and records them in the accident book, which parents sign. This is promoting children's welfare. To promote children’s health the childminder was asked to improve the condition of the equipment. On the day of the inspection all toys and equipment seen was clean and well-maintained, ensuring that it is safe for children to use. The childminder was also asked to develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues in relation to an allegation being made against her. The childminder demonstrates a suitable awareness of child protection issues and would therefore be able to protect children. Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved the opportunities she provides to extend children’s mathematical thinking. She has recently attended a

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Improvements since the last inspection

course which related to developing maths in play and she now provides lots of everyday experiences for children to learn about numbers, shape and size. For example, when out on daily walks children play games such as counting the cars or looking for numbers on people’s houses.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain consent from parents to seek medical advise or treatment for their child • complete a suitable first aid qualification • obtain written consent from parents to transport children in a car.

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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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