Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 222483 Inspection date 11 January 2006 Inspector Denise May Smith

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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 1995. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a Fenland town. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there are two, fully enclosed gardens for outside play. She is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child under 5 on a part time basis and 1 child over 5 before and after school. She walks to local school and pre-school to take and collect children. The childminder would support children with special educational needs.

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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 good. Children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through daily routines such as regular hand washing. Toys and equipment are cleaned appropriately, ensuring the risk of infection is minimised and appropriate procedures are in place if a child becomes unwell while in the childminder's care. However, she does not hold written permission to seek emergency advice and or treatment, compromising the children’s care if an emergency was to arise. Children enjoy regular physical play both indoors and outside in the gardens, where they use a range of appropriate resources. Children go for walks on a daily basis to the local shops, school and pre-schools promoting their physical fitness. The children's own daily routines are followed, including times for rest, meals and quiet play. Meals and snack times are sociable; children sit at the table with the childminder close by supporting them during meal times. The childminder has regard for

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Helping children to be healthy

promoting a healthy diet in young children. The Parents of the children provide the main meals offered and the childminder provides extra, nutritious snacks and drinks as appropriate.

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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 secure and safe environment both indoors and when outside. Children play with an appropriate range of suitable toys, which the childminder checks regularly to ensure that they are safe and in good condition. Children move around the ground floor freely. They are protected from hazards because the childminder identifies and minimises risks to children, for example, by ensuring accessible cupboards do not contain anything which would be dangerous to children. The childminder has a fire plan, which children practise regularly, giving them an understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Children are kept safe on outings; the childminder ensures that she always takes emergency contact numbers with her. She explains to children how they can keep themselves safe by using the ‘Green Cross Code.’ However, she does not have written permission to take children on outings compromising the care offered.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s general welfare is promoted because she has an appropriate understanding of her role in child protection issues.

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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 Children settle well and are confident in the childminder's home. She makes it welcoming for them by providing developmentally appropriate activities and resources. They take part in interesting activities that help children to make progress. They make up plays using the dressing up clothes and make ‘craft presents’ for their parents. Children enjoy growing sunflowers and tomatoes; watching them as they grow. The childminder ensures the children receive a balanced day. Children have opportunities to play indoors and outside and make use of the mobile library, which visits the village. Children have good relationships with the childminder; they are warm and affectionate together and enjoy each other's company. Children's language and thinking is developed and extended well through the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder's use of open ended questioning and giving children choices. Consistent support and meaningful praise and encouragement help children to develop good levels of confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows the children very well and has cared for most children on a long term basis. Children are treated as individuals and with respect, helping them to feel good about themselves. They gain an awareness of diversity through the range of resources available and some of the activities that are provided. Children are beginning to develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings around the local environment. Children behave well. They learn right from wrong and about sharing and taking turns with toys and play equipment. This ensures they play harmoniously together and learn to be kind to each other. They receive regular praise and positive reinforcement from the childminder, who acts as a good role model as she says ‘please’ and ‘thank-you’ to them. Parents are fully informed about the care the childminder provides; she shares all the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

necessary records and information with parents. Thank-you letters from parent's praise the care offered. New parents are encouraged to visit the home prior to the child being looked after, ensuring the childminder knows the child's daily routine and children's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is experienced in working with young children. Children's care is enhanced by the childminder's appropriate organisation. The majority of procedures are effective and most parental permissions are in place to promote children's well-being and safety. Children's enjoyment is fostered well as the childminder uses her time appropriately.

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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 For example the daily routine includes taking and collecting children from school, snacks, mealtimes, time for unhurried play and opportunities to take part in planned activities. All children benefit from the range of activities and opportunities both indoors and outdoors. The setting is homely and organised to support children in their play. Appropriate storage of toys and resources ensures that children of all ages can make independent choices. Children are managed well and appear happy and settled. The childminder has started to attend relevant workshops to enhance her knowledge of current child care practice. The needs of the range of children for whom the childminder cares are being met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the child minder was asked to improve safety precautions by ensuring that dangerous substances are inaccessible to the children. The cleaning fluid in question was removed straight away and is now kept in an inaccessible place. This has further minimised the potential risks to children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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 that the register of attendance is clearly written, so that it is shows when children are in the house or at Pre-school • obtain written permission from parents for seeking emergency advice and or treatment and for outings.

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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 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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