Childminder in Cumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 316937 Inspection date 21 June 2005 Inspector Diane Roberts

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 1999. She lives with her husband, who is also a childminder, an adult child and 2 children aged 14 and 9 years in Currock, Carlisle. All of the downstairs of the property is used for childminding. The bathroom and one room designated for daytime rest or sleep are on the first floor. The rear garden is not currently available for children's outside play. The childminder works alongside her husband. They are is registered to care for a maximum of 12 children at any one time when working together and are currently minding 11 children aged under 8 years and 6 children aged over 8 years. Some of

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 the children over the age of 8 years are only cared for in the school holidays. Children attend for a variety of sessions during term-time and school holidays. There are shops, schools and parks within walking distance. The childminder has use of a car to transport children on outings. The family have a Rottweiler dog that is housed during the day in a pen in the rear garden.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. However due to the rear garden being out of use at moment because of building work, children do not have ready access to outdoor play. The childminder does make sure that children have regular daily walks. They enjoy physical activities and develop a good sense of control and co-ordination over their bodies. For example, the childminder arranges the furniture to enable the baby starting to walk, to stand and move around the room independently. Children benefit from a healthy lifestyle with activities that improve physical skills. For example, the children go for walks to local parks and playgrounds. Children become increasingly aware of the way activity affects their body and know when they need a drink or a rest and are confident to ask. Children enthusiastically develop new skills, for example, babies develop their

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

pincer grasp by being encouraged to feed themselves with finger foods and develop hand-eye co-ordination by building towers with beakers. Children enjoy taking part in active and more restful play, for example, when playing floor games or looking at books while sitting with the childminder. Children are happy and contented in their play. Children are cared for in a warm, inviting clean home, where they can learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Children gain independence by seeing to their own personal care, for example by using wipes to clean their own hands. Children are protected from the risk of potential infection by the childminder taking appropriate measures and following her sick children's policy. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They develop their independence as they feed themselves at meal and snack times. For example a child sat in a low chair with a feeder cup and a plate of Quavers meticulously feeding

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

himself. Children are provided with a range of drinks throughout the day and with regular snacks and meals according to their needs. Children are able to make choices at snack time and have their health and dietary needs met. The childminder works very well with parents, following children's individual dietary needs and parental wishes.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a very warm, most welcoming, safe and secure home,

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 where all risks are identified and effectively minimised. They are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are kept safe when on outings by the excellent high level of supervision by the childminder and the extremely clear guidelines that she sets with regard to road safety. The childminder consistently ensures that children have considerable time for walking and playing outdoors at least once a day. All children begin to understand the importance of keeping themselves safe by the childminder skilfully and expertly explaining safety practices to them, for example, asking them to help to tidy away toys, explaining why not to leaving small toys in the baby’s reach. Children independently select activities from a wide range of safe, good quality toys

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and equipment, which meet safety standards. Children are able to choose for themselves from the easily accessible resources stored safely in boxes and on shelves in the living room. These are most carefully monitored and highly supervised by the childminder to make sure they are safe and appropriate for the children's age and stage of development. Children’s safety and welfare is skilfully and conscientiously promoted by the childminder maintaining the required policies, procedures and documentation. In addition, she holds a food hygiene certificate, Health and Safety certificate and current First Aid at Work certificate. Children are well protected because the childminder is most clear about her role and responsibilities in any child protection situation and fully understands the importance of keeping records.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very confident in their surroundings and make themselves thoroughly at home. They relate extremely well to each other and socialise well with other children through regular meetings at school and other events. The childminder plans interesting activities which take into account children's individual needs and ability. Children are interested, highly motivated and their all-round development is promoted very well. The childminder is most interested in what children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play. For example, the baby and the childminder play with a sorting toy together taking turns to post the shapes. Children learn social skills, they enjoy being with others and talking to adults and other children. They show a caring attitude towards others, for example, sharing toys with younger children. Children build on their natural curiosity as learners. They develop their language,

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

mathematical thinking, knowledge and understanding of the world and develop social skills. They use a wide range of resources and the childminder provides suitable activities that support these areas. For example, growing seeds and planting them in pots in the kitchen. Children have a sense of belonging within the setting. Babies and children receive lots of cuddles and develop a strong bond with the childminder, which increases their sense of well being and security. Children's work is displayed on the walls in the main living areas and toys are available at child-height, so they can help themselves. Children develop a good appreciation of the world around

p.4

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 them. They play with multi-cultural dolls, complete jigsaws and look at books about the world they live in. The children learn to become independent as a result of consistent support, praise and encouragement given to them. They begin to feed themselves and are provided with help and support when needed, for example, to hold a cup to drink.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have a positive view of the wider world. The childminder provides a range of activities and resources that increase their awareness of diversity and understanding of others. Children learn about the local community by visiting places of interest, such as Castle park, local parks and the local school. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their individual needs are met as they follow their normal daily routine as fully discussed with parents. Children play together harmoniously and show care and concern for each other. They behave very well and respond well to the childminder's sensitive handling of any behaviour management situations. Children gain confidence and self-esteem as the childminder rewards achievement through positive praise. Young babies thrive on the interaction and attention from the childminder by having fun, singing and laughing. Children are

p.5

Helping children make a positive contribution

self-motivated to learn since they can depend on the affirmation and warmth of the trusting relationship they have with childminder. They are confident to try out new ideas and make themselves at home. Children benefit from the effective and very positive working relationships developed with parents. This results in a good understanding of children's needs. Children are looked after according to parental wishes; these are discussed before the child starts and are informed daily about their child's routine, play activities and ongoing development. Parents are made welcome and are strongly encouraged to continue with contact after children have left to go on to school. Feedback from parents about the childminding service is most positive.

p.5

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care, learning and play is fully supported by the childminder as she gives them individual attention. Children feel at home and at ease in the bright, welcoming, well-organised environment. They are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning and they are gaining independence. The childminder is very experienced in her role. She undertakes additional training and regularly updates her knowledge and understanding of key issues in child care. Children's general wellbeing is maintained by the use of relevant documentation and from the procedures in place. Information is shared daily with parents to keep them fully informed about the service, their child's routine and activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care.

p.5

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 Children's health, safety and learning is promoted. Children are provided with a range of age appropriate activities throughout the day and have the opportunity to socialise with others. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved children's access to resources that reflect positive images of culture, ethnicity and disability. She has improved children's safety by always making sure that parents signatures are obtained on relevant documentation and Ofsted is informed of any significant circumstances.

p.6

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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): • Improve children's access and availability of outdoor play space so they can readily engage in activities which help to develop all their physical skills.

p.6

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

p.6

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