Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 222209 Inspection date 09 August 2005 Inspector Katherine Powell

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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 1985. She is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years at any one time. At present she cares for four children over the age of eight years, two children over the age of five years and four children under the age of five years on a part time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and two adult children. They live on a residential estate in the rural village of Warboys, near Huntingdon. The house is situated within

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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 walking distance of the doctor's surgery, local shops and the primary school. All ground floor rooms are used for childminding purposes. These include the lounge, kitchen/dining area and toilet. Sleep facilities are provided downstairs in the hallway. There is an enclosed rear garden which is used for outdoor play. The family has a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted as they are cared for in a clean and safe environment. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices through daily routines such as washing hands before eating and after using the toilet. This ensures the risk of spreading infection is minimised. Good written records are maintained to ensure children's individual medical and dietary needs are met, although relevant details are not clearly recorded when administering medication to children. The childminder's secure knowledge of appropriate first aid treatment ensures children receive good care and attention. Children benefit from a routine which incorporates lots of physical exercise and fresh air. They have regular opportunities for outdoor play in the garden and enjoy using a wide range of play equipment, such as sit-on rides, slides and a climbing frame. Children are able to further develop their whole body movements during trips to the

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Helping children to be healthy

local park where they are able to access large apparatus. Children have good opportunities to understand the benefits of having a healthy diet. They are actively encouraged to make healthy choices at meal times as all meals are home cooked and include fresh vegetables. Most children enjoy healthy snacks, which include a wide variety of fresh fruits, and have access to regular drinks according to their individual needs. The childminder takes account of children's preferences and parental wishes regarding meals.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a well-organised, child-friendly, safe and secure environment. The childminder's regular risk assessments of her own home are highly effective in identifying and minimising potential hazards. She has appropriate safety equipment in place which enables children to freely explore and play independently. The childminder makes excellent use of available space giving children opportunities to engage in indoor and outdoor activities and have time to rest or sleep according to their individual needs or routines. Resources and toys are easily accessible in the lounge and garden so children are able to safely select their own activities. Toys and play equipment are well maintained and meet safety standards. Children are helped to understand the importance of tidying toys away to prevent accidents from occurring.

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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 The childminder maintains close supervision of children at all times and has implemented effective procedures to safeguard children on outings. Children's awareness of road safety issues is promoted during frequent walks around the local area. For example, children learn how to use the pedestrian crossing correctly. Children benefit from taking part in regular fire drills in the home, ensuring that all children are able to evacuate quickly and calmly in an emergency. Children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's secure knowledge of child protection procedures which has been developed through reading current legislation.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's home. They enjoy participating in a broad and stimulating range of activities which engage their interest and meet their individual developmental needs. Children have good opportunities to develop their social skills as they play alongside other children and when sitting together at the table at meal times. Children are able to initiate their own activities and freely select from a good range of toys and play equipment. They receive good support during play activities and the childminder promotes children's speech and language skills through effective interaction. The day is well organised to enable children to participate in a range of activities which help to promote their learning in different areas. For example, the garden is regularly used to develop children's physical skills, craft activities are planned to promote children's creative skills and daily story times help to foster children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interest in books and reading. The childminder has a sound awareness of how to promote young children's learning through play and practical experiences but has not yet started to use the Birth to three matters framework to further develop the range of activities provided. Children respond well to the childminder and they have formed effective relationships with their peers. The childminder fully involves herself in children's play and activities. She knows individual children well so is able to provide a suitable range of experiences to meet their needs. Children benefit from having opportunities to learn through first hand experience, for example by helping to measure and mix ingredients during baking activities and observing mini-beasts in the garden.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and are valued and respected as individuals. Consequently, children feel confident and settled in the childminder's care. Play resources reflect positive images and help to promote children's awareness of diversity within society. Children are able to learn about the local and wider community by going on regular walks and outings. The childminder ensures that she gathers detailed information from parents to enable her to provide appropriate care and to fully meet children's individual needs. Children with additional needs are well

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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 supported by the childminder and they benefit from information being shared regularly with their parents regarding their progress and achievements. The childminder has a good awareness of effective behaviour management strategies which are appropriate to the differing ages and stages of development of the child. She is calm and positive with the children, using lots of praise and encouragement to promote good behaviour and develop a child's self-esteem. Children learn to share resources and take turns when playing. Children benefit from having consistent boundaries which enable them to negotiate with others and begin to take responsibility for their actions. The childminder fosters positive relationships with parents. Information is regularly exchanged to ensure continuity of care and to ensure children are cared for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

according to parental wishes. Daily diaries are used effectively with younger children to inform parents about daily routines, activities and progress. This enables parents to be fully involved in their child's care and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from good levels of support and supervision, which enables them to feel safe and secure in the setting. Consequently, children are confident to make their own choices, selecting toys and initiating play. Space is organised well to ensure children are able to move freely between different play areas, including the garden. Documentation is well-organised and held securely, ensuring confidentiality for children and parents. All required documentation is in place and is shared with parents. Children benefit from information being shared on daily basis between the childminder and parents, ensuring their individual needs are met. The childminder has developed her awareness of childcare issues through attending some professional courses, such as food hygiene. The childminder uses this knowledge well to provide good quality care. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection two recommendations were made. These were to ensure the key to the main entrance was inaccessible to children and to clearly record when the childminder's assistant was present. The childminder now keeps the door key out of reach of children which has helped to further improve children's safety within the home. A system for recording when the childminding assistant is present has been developed which identifies when someone other than childminder is caring for children. The childminder has taken positive action to improve required documentation.

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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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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): • further develop the system for recording any medicines administered to children, with regard to recording details of the last dose.

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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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