Childminder in CambridgeshireOfsted inspection, 23 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 222011 Inspection date 23 November 2005 Inspector Veronica Sharpe

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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 lives with her husband in a village near Cambridge. She is registered to care for up to 6 children aged under 8 years at any one time. She is currently caring for 3 children on a part-time basis all of whom are aged under 5 years. Children mainly use the ground floor of the home. There is an enclosed back garden for outdoor play. Local amenities, such as a primary school, shops and recreation ground are in walking distance. The family have a dog, which is normally housed in a separate area of 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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy and protected from cross-infection because they are encouraged to wash their hands, for example, before meals or after using the toilet. So that children learn about good hygiene the childminder provides children with explanations of why they need to 'prevent germs' and sets a good example by always washing her own hands. Sensible precautions are in place to ensure the dog presents no hazards to children, he is healthy and wormed and has his own separate area in the garden. So that children receive appropriate medical treatment the childminder maintains her first aid certificate and ensures records of medicines administered are clear and countersigned by parents. Children learn about healthy eating as they plant and grow their own vegetables. They prepare and eat the fresh grown produce, which encourages them to try new tastes and find out their likes and dislikes. Children develop good habits at

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Helping children to be healthy

mealtimes, they sit together to socialise, exchange news about their day and learn good manners by example. So that children eat appropriate meals the childminder collects information from parents and records details of any allergies or special dietary requirements. Drinks are offered frequently and older children are encouraged to help themselves, which develops their independence. Children enjoy outdoor play every day, they visit the local country park, where they feed the ducks and explore the countryside. They develop their skills using slides and a climbing frame at the local recreation ground. Regular walks to school or pre-school help them develop positive attitudes to physical exercise. In inclement weather they have fun with fitness videos on the television.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a warm and comfortable home where most hazards are minimised. The home is secure because the front door is kept locked and the back garden is fully enclosed. Areas used by the children are spacious and resources are stored in easily accessible boxes so children can safely help themselves. So that children stay safe they are encouraged to tidy away resources for themselves, therefore maintaining their own safe play area. To keep children safe the childminder has an emergency evacuation plan, which is shared with parents. However children have not yet had the opportunity to practise this, which could compromise their safety as they are not fully aware of what is expected of them in an emergency. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has a good awareness of

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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 hazards, she uses straps or reins to keep younger children safe and teaches older children how to keep themselves safe, for example, by using the Pelican crossings to cross the road. The childminder has a good understanding of the local child protection procedures that help keep children safe from harm. She keeps the Area Child Protection Committee procedures in an accessible location so she knows who to contact if child abuse is suspected and is confident in her ability to recognise signs and symptoms. This promotes children's safety and welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and content in the childminder's home, they enjoy playing together, sharing resources and helping each other select new toys, such as the garage and cars. They are confident and curious and engage easily with adults they do not know, safe in the security of the childminder's home. They have developed good relationship with the childminder, they hold her hand or lean against her comfortably as she helps them with their activities, showing their confidence and affection. The range of activities ensure children are stimulated and motivated, for example, they learn about their local environment on walks to the country park where they feed the ducks or look for wildlife. They grow vegetables and enjoy cooking activities so they find out where food comes from. Children socialise with their peers on visits to other local childminders so they develop good relationships within their own

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

community. The childminder has obtained a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework so she can further enhance her already good practice with this age group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities and resources that meet their needs. The childminder knows them well and provides consistent routines that give children time to rest or be active so they are settled and content. Children are encouraged to choose their own toys and activities and receive appropriate praise and encouragement to develop their confidence and self-esteem. They benefit from some resources, such as books, that promote diversity. The childminder has the necessary skills to support children with special needs, for example, helping children to develop their language skills. Children play together co-operatively, they share resources and take happily turns. Their behaviour is good as the childminder provides firm boundaries and children know what to expect. Children benefit from the childminder's good, long-term relationships with parents.

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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 Agreements with parents are discussed and completed before the child attends the setting so the expectations of care are clear and the childminder is fully informed about children's needs. The childminder offers daily verbal feedback, so that parents are well informed about children's activities and progress .

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's experience and knowledge. She plans a good range of developmentally-appropriate activities that are interesting and fun, such as trips to the country park and collects information from parents so she is well informed about children's likes and dislikes. The setting is well organised so children can make their own choices about activities and resources and the childminder is attentive and supportive. The childminder keeps up to date with current good practice by updating her knowledge, for example by attending workshops or courses organised by the local authority. So that children are well cared for the childminder maintains all necessary documentation so it is up to date and reflects children's changing needs. Records are kept with regard to confidentiality, for example, the accident records can only be viewed by the relevant parents or carers. The needs of the children who attend are

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has obtained additional parental consents, including permission to seek emergency treatment or advice, permission to transport children in a vehicle and consent to administer medication. These are stored with the children's individual records and are easily accessible if needed in an emergency. This ensures parents are well informed about the childminder's practice. The childminder has also improved the systems to record children's attendance to ensure there is an accurate record of children's times of arrival and departure and any absences. A new record book has been introduced which records medicines administered, including times and dosage. This gives both parents and childminder an accurate record, therefore improving children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made to parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004.

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Complaints 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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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 so that children know how to respond in an emergency.

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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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