Childminder in CambridgeshireOfsted inspection, 19 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 258042 Inspection date 19 September 2005 Inspector Melanie Calway

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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 has been registered since 1987. She lives with her partner, son aged 15 and 2 adult children, in a small village, near to the town of Huntingdon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, as well as the master bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. She walks to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools and takes children on walks to the duck pond and the park. The family keeps a dog, two cats, a rabbit and four tortoises as pets. She is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding six

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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, some of whom attend on a full and some on a part-time basis. She is a member of a childminding network and of The National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from the risk of cross infection as there is a clear sickness procedure, which is made available to parents. A medicine administration system is in place and medicines can be stored safely so that children's medical needs are met. Consent for emergency treatment or advice has not been obtained, to enable the childminder to seek advice in the event of an emergency. Children's health is promoted by sound hygiene practice. Children are reminded to wash hands after the toilet but are not always given explanations to enable them to understand why. Children's rest and sleep routines are respected and facilities are available for them to sleep or have a quiet time. Children have opportunities for physical exercise as they play in the garden or walk to school, the duck pond and the local park. Children are well nourished. Children eat packed lunches provided by the parents and snacks

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Helping children to be healthy

of fruit or biscuits. They can easily access drinks at all times. Younger children are given drinks of no sugar squash and older children can use a water dispenser in the kitchen. Children's dietary needs are met as the childminder ensures she has obtained all the relevant information from parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a welcoming and well maintained environment, with a wide range of toys in the playroom which they can access independently. Children's safety is promoted as the childminder checks toys and equipment weekly to ensure they are safe. Children are protected as the house and garden are secure. The childminder maintains a good level of supervision while allowing children their independence. Children can climb the stairs and use the bathroom independently while she watches from the bottom. Children begin to learn to keep themselves safe as she reminds them of safety rules, for example not to climb on toys as they may tip up and hurt you. Children are protected from the risk of fire as fire safety equipment is in place and a fire evacuation procedure, which is practised regularly with the children. There are some hazards in the garden which could pose a risk to children, for example the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

area behind the trampoline. There is a large trampoline which has been netted and a large portable swimming pool. Although the childminder always supervises outside play, safety procedures have not been sufficiently developed with respect to these activities to ensure children's safety. Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures and is aware of her duty to report concerns.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of stimulating activities, including messy play, play dough, cookery and outdoor play. The childminder plans an activity each day and shares this with parents by displaying a list of activities in the entrance hall. The plans are flexible to ensure that children can develop their own play. Children can easily access resources which are attractive and appropriate to their stage of development in the dedicated playroom. Children are offered sufficient challenge as the childminder plays with them, encouraging language skills and helping them to count, for example while playing with the Noah's Ark set and play animals. Children remain focussed and interested in activities for long periods. Children are able to use their imaginations and the childminder is sensitive in allowing children space to play at times without adult intervention. Children's independence is encouraged as they help

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to tidy toys, access drinks independently and use the toilet. Their self-esteem is fostered as they are given affection and praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are met as the childminder knows them well and obtains information from parents to enable her to care for them effectively. Children begin to learn about the wider world as some resources reflect diversity. The childminder supplements her own resources by borrowing from a childminding network. Children receive appropriate support for their needs. Children behave well as the childminder encourages positive behaviour through praise and encouragement. Her strategies are consistent so children know what to expect. There is a good relationship with parents. The childminder has produced a folder of useful information about the setting which includes aims, policies and information about the activities on offer. A daily diary is used to record activities, care routines and any significant issues which need to be shared with parents. The childminder makes time to speak to parents

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Helping children make a positive contribution

confidentially if the need arises so that children's needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for by persons suitable and qualified to do so. The childminder has an early years qualification, attends courses and keeps up to date with current developments through a local childminding network. The premises and schedule are well-organised to meet children's needs. All the necessary documentation is in place. Overall the needs of the children attending are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to record the arrival and departure times of children. A registration system is now in place and accurately maintained to

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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 ensure children's times of attendance are recorded.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there has been one complaint relating to National Standards 6: Safety; 11: Behaviour and 13: Child protection, about the safety and supervision of children at school collection times and to the use of physical methods of intervention to manage children's behaviour. Ofsted visited the childminder on two occasions and she agreed to carry out a number of actions to ensure she meets the National Standards. These actions were: to take steps to ensure children are under her direct supervision at all times; to devise and implement a system to record any incident of physical restraint; keep a sufficiently detailed record of significant issues and share this with parents and to ensure the protection of the child is the childminder's first priority; this refers to the collection from school of all minded children. The childminder has now carried out all of the actions. The case is closed and the

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Complaints since the last inspection

provider remains qualified for registration.

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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): • obtain written consent for emergency treatment or advice so that in the event of an emergency the childminder can seek help • promote children's safety in the garden by clearing areas of potential hazards and developing procedures for the safe use of the trampoline and swimming pool.

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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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