Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 222862 Inspection date 21 December 2005 Inspector Clare Elizabeth Pook

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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 1998. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 15, 11 and 8 years on the edge of the town of St. Ives. The whole ground floor 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 the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local park. The childminder has a no pets. The childminder is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder supports

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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 children with special educational needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. Their well-being and health is promoted well and positive steps are taken to minimise the spread of infection. The childminder carries out good hygiene procedures when potty training. Children demonstrate their understanding of personal hygiene by washing their hands after toileting and before eating lunch. Clear systems are in place for caring for children when they are ill, for the recording of accidents and for the administration of medication. Children are well nourished and their dietary needs are catered for, promoting their growth and development. Children are encouraged to make their own snacks and sandwiches from a selection of healthy foods. Drinks are readily available and accessed independently by children when they are thirsty. Children's individual routines for meals and sleeps are carried out according to parental wishes. Children under 3 years are also encouraged to try to spread butter

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Helping children to be healthy

for sandwiches as well as wash their hands and faces after eating. This encourages self-care and independence. The childminder talks to the children about the importance of fresh air and exercise, therefore the children are learning about staying healthy. They understand that fresh air and exercise 'is good for the body'. Daily opportunities for children to play outside, walk to school or go to the park are provided.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is secure, warm and welcoming for children to play in. The childminder has taken positive steps to minimise risks to children in her home to keep them safe, by appropriate use of safety gates, socket covers and cupboard locks. Equipment is safe and appropriate harnesses and reigns are used for young children on high chairs and when out walking. The childminder maintains close supervision of children at all times and has implemented effective procedures to safeguard children on outings. Children's awareness of road safety issues is promoted during walks to and from school around the local area. For example, children learn how to keep themselves safe whilst out walking by listening and watching carefully for traffic. Children are also learning how to get out of the house in the event of an emergency. The childminder is very aware of her duty to child protection and informs parents of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

this. She has a clear understanding of what to do if she had concerns for a child,

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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 therefore ensuring that children's welfare is put first.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and secure with the childminder. They enjoy their time in her care and have formed warm and affectionate relationships with her, which contributes to their sense of belonging. The childminder ensures the interests of all the children are catered for. This was shown by the diverse activities the children take part in at the same time. Children happily sat looking at books, playing with interactive toys, drawing or playing a game. Children were keen to share photographs of past experiences and activities they had done with the childminder, clearly explaining what they had been doing and who the children were. This boosts their self-esteem. The childminder has begun to use the 'Birth to three matters' framework within her childminding practice. Children are benefiting from beginning to try things for themselves for example washing their own face and thus giving them a feeling of

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder ensures children's individual needs are met by keeping detailed records on their personal requirements, which enables her to respond appropriately towards them and helps them to feel valued and respected. Children have equal access to toys and resources that they select themselves, which encourages them to be independent in their decision making and play. Children are sharing some of their home life and differences in background with each other. At present the childminder does not enquire fully about children's personal family beliefs and cultural traditions. Children's self-esteem and confidence is highly promoted through praise, encouragement and meaningful conversations with the childminder and other children. The children were keen to share and discuss the photos mounted in the scrap books with each other. They recall eagerly events such as celebrating a birthday and local outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses positive strategies and gives clear explanations to children about why certain behaviour is not acceptable. Therefore children understand what is expected of them and behave well. The children sit at the table for snack and have good table manners being courteous and polite. Children are learning to work together and take turns when playing games. Children with special needs are included and valued .The childminder is sensitive to their needs and through working closely with parents and other professionals children are suitably supported. Children's welfare is further promoted by the secure relationships the childminder has

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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 with the parents. Information about the children's day is exchanged with parents either verbally or in a daily diary for pre-school children. Information regarding the children's individual needs, likes and allergies, are gained from parents on beginning their placement and is recorded on the children's information sheets. A folder containing policies and other information for parents is made readily available and shared with parents. The childminder ensures meetings with parents and a settling in period for new children before minding on a permanent basis. This helps children to feel secure in their environment and content in the childminder's home.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable, happy and at ease with the childminder and in her home. The childminder organises her time and space effectively to ensure that the needs of all children are met. A variety of activities are planned which provide children with stimulating play opportunities and children are encouraged to make decisions about what they would like to do and are able to access the resources themselves. There is room for children to do different activities at the same time. The childminder spends time with each of the children chatting and helping where needed. Documentation is well organised and held securely, ensuring confidentiality for children and parents. All necessary documentation is in place and is shared with parents. Children benefit from information being shared on a daily basis between the childminder and parents, ensuring their individual needs are met. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection recommendations were made regarding keeping accurate records for times of arrival and departure of children, to improve how the administration of medicine is recorded, to obtain written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment and to improve policies for parents. These have all been suitably addressed and in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. 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

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 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): • develop knowledge of other cultures and find out about minded children's own religious and cultural preferences.

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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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