Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY361839 Unique Reference Number 18 July 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 two children aged six and 10 years in Milton near Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. She is registered to care for no more than five children aged under eight years at any one time. She is currently looking after eight children who all attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children mainly use the ground floor, there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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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 learn the importance of good personal hygiene through regular daily routines and learn to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. If the children become unwell

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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 whilst they are in the care of the childminder, up to date records are in place to make sure that they are adequately cared for. Accident records have been completed appropriately and are shared with parents, which promotes children's health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through practical experiences, such as helping to make their snacks and preparing fruit. Snacks, such as pitta breads, fresh fruit and vegetables ensure children are well nourished. Children with special dietary needs eat safely as the childminder monitors their food intake and discusses their individual needs with parents. Drinks are easily accessible so children can satisfy their thirst.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn to lead a healthy lifestyle; they take part in regular exercise such as running around and climbing in the park or playing in the garden. Babies are able to crawl around safely and pull themselves to standing using the sturdy living room furniture. Children of all ages develop new physical skills according to their stage of development using the wide range of suitable toys and resources, such as shape sorters, walkers and pull along toys. Enjoyable activities, such as the 'tumble-tots' DVD mean children have active exercise indoors as well as out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children move around the home safely under the childminder's constant supervision although the entrance door is not always secured effectively to prevent unwanted access or egress. This potentially affects children's safety. The home is clean and well maintained so children feel welcome. Children select resources from a range of interesting and suitable toys and equipment, which are checked regularly to ensure they are in good condition and safe for them to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn about keeping themselves safe outside the home, for example, they learn to walk safely home from school, looking out for traffic as they cross the roads. Fire prevention equipment is checked to make sure it is working, but the childminder has not yet practised her emergency evacuation plan to fully ensure children's safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has adopted the National Childminding Association policies and procedures for child protection, which are consistent with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance. Sufficient information is available for her to refer any concerns to the appropriate agencies, which helps to promote children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminder’s house and form good relationships with the childminder and each other. Toys, such as shape sorters and pull along toys, are placed within reach to stimulate younger children's interest. The childminder talks to the children as they play, engaging them in cheerful conversations and encouraging them to respond. They enjoy sharing stories and looking at books, settling comfortably on the sofa together. The childminder prepares a good selection of toys and activities before children arrive, so they can choose what they want to play with. Older children choose their own resources from those available and therefore learn to make decisions and follow their own interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from outdoor activities in their local community; they visit a country park to explore woodland and wildlife or play on the recreation ground. Daily walks to and from school

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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 encourage them to be physically active. In the childminder's garden children begin to learn about growth and change as they plant vegetables and tend the flowers. Children can be imaginative, for example, as they play with small world toys or dressing up and use crayons and pencils. They enjoy some sensory experiences, such as using gloop or making pastry, but have fewer chances to explore sand, water and paint.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have equal opportunities to access a good range of interesting activities and resources that help them become confident and independent. The childminder listens to the children and encourages them to express their ideas and opinions, which develops their self-esteem. Children show through their comments and drawings that they enjoy their time with the childminder. They say they like to cook, play ball or build with small construction toys. The childminder helps children learn about diversity through discussions and explanations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has built positive relationships with parents and carers and collects necessary information in order to meet children's individual needs. Parents of younger children gain a good understanding of their children's interests and activities when in the childminder's care as she provides daily written diaries. Older children enjoy assembling scrapbooks of their drawings, writings and photographs. When caring for children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities the childminder liaises with parents and carers and would follow advice from other professionals as appropriate. This ensures all the children have their needs met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Younger children are beginning to learn how to share resources with the support of the childminder. Older children agree the house rules together, telling each other how they expect to be treated. Consistent expectations, such as sitting together to eat help children learn good patterns of behaviour. Older children play alongside the younger ones and offer their help and company.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The arrangement of the rooms and storage of resources contribute to children’s independence and enables them to pursue their own interests. They choose for themselves from the good range of resources that is provided by the childminder each day. There is enough space for them to play safely and move freely indoors and out. Toys and equipment for babies and younger children supports their overall development and encourages them to become confident. The childminder has attended all the required training, such as first aid and the Introduction to Childminding Practice and this helps keep children safe and well.

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Organisation

All essential documents are well organised, stored confidentially and easily accessible in an emergency. Up to date records contribute to the health and well-being of all of the children that the childminder looks after. A range of written policies and procedures helps underpin the childminder's good practice and are shared with parents and carers. Overall children’s needs are met.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • practise the emergency evacuation plan • ensure the premises is secure • increase the frequency and range of sensory experiences for children, such as sand, water and dough.

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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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