Childminder in CambridgeshireOfsted inspection, 17 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 222004 Inspection date 17 November 2005 Inspector Lorraine Hunt

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1993. She lives with her husband and 3 adult children in a large village to the north of Cambridge. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children at any one time and is currently minding 4 children under 5 on a part-time basis and 3 children over 5 before and after school. She also provides care for several children who are aged over 8. The childminder supports children with special educational needs. She walks

p.2

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 to the local pre-school and primary school to take and collect children. The family has a dog and a cat.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through regular daily routines, for example, they learn to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. They are encouraged to be independent in their self care but are well supported when they need help. Children's health is well promoted because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate, has completed additional training on interventions for allergic reactions and ensures that necessary parental consents are in place. Children have regular opportunities to play outdoors, which contributes to their good health. They visit the local park to develop their physical skills and benefit from exercise and fresh air each day as they walk to school and pre-school. Activities such as dancing, and action songs like the 'hokey cokey' also ensure that children have indoor opportunities for physical exercise. Children are well rested because the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

childminder understands the importance of quiet and active times for children. Children's individual health and dietary needs are met well through discussion with parents and the provision of varied, nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children. They are able to access regular drinks throughout the day and the childminder encourages children to drink after energetic activities which encourages healthy drinking practices.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are supervised well and play safely in the childminder's home. The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues and she has minimised risks in the home to ensure children are safe. Children learn about how to keep safe as the childminder helps them to understand about the dangers, both indoors and outdoors. Children put toys away when they have finished with them, so that they have space to move around safely. Children play with a range of good quality, developmentally appropriate toys and resources which the childminder cleans and checks regularly to ensure they are safe and in good condition. These are rotated to offer variety, but children can ask for a particular favourite if it is not already available so that individual interests and preferences can be catered for. Required documents and procedures are in place and are well maintained to safeguard children's welfare. For example, the childminder maintains accident

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

records and has appropriate consent for outings from parents. The childminder has a

p.3

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 working knowledge of child protection procedures, which are in line with those set out by the local Area Child Protection Committee. This means that children are protected and kept safe from harm.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and secure in the childminder's home. They form warm, positive relationships with the childminder and enjoy their time with her. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development which enables her to provide a varied and developmentally appropriate range of activities which help them to make progress. Consistent support and meaningful praise and encouragement help children to develop good levels of confidence and self-esteem, to learn what they can do and to know when to ask for help. Children's language and thinking is developed and extended through the childminder's use of open- ended questioning. Children enjoy listening to stories and are confident to 'read' their own to the childminder and the other children. They are learning to count, match and sort through fun games such as 'wake up dad' and everyday routines, for example, as they find and count their own shoes before going

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

out. All children have good opportunities for imaginative play with the older children particularly enjoying developing role play scenarios such as hospitals and restaurants.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder's thorough knowledge of their individual needs and personalities enables her to provide them with appropriate care. All children are welcomed and included in the provision and have equal opportunities to access activities. Children learn to share, take turns and consider the needs of others as they play together and consistent expectations and routines help them to feel secure. They are encouraged to be involved in co-operatively helping to pack away toys which gives them responsibility and a sense of ownership. The effective partnership with parents and carers contributes towards the children's care, well-being and feelings of security. Written feedback from parents demonstrates their high regard for the childminder's practice, the care she provides and the support she offers to the children and their families. Daily discussions with parents ensures

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

that information is shared about the child.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's needs are met by the childminder; they benefit from the good organisation

p.4

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 of time, space and resources, which help them to make good progress. Well-established routines and positive, caring support ensure that children are happy, settled and at ease with the childminder and in the home environment. This means that they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children's care is enhanced as the childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and has wide experience of working with children. Children with special needs benefit particularly from one-to-one attention and the flexible care offered by the childminder. All required documentation is in place and easily accessible, and confidentiality is maintained. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children in the childminder's care.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider agreed to ensure that pet food bowls and bedding were kept away from food preparation areas. Both items have now been moved to ensure that they do not present any hygiene or health risk to children.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • continue to develop ways in which information is shared with parents • ensure that medicines administered to children are recorded clearly and parents countersign the record.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.6