Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 222759 Inspection date 13 December 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 satisfactory. 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 2 children aged 10 and 7 years in a village near Cambridge. She is registered to provide care for no more than 5 children aged under 8 years and is currently caring for 4 children on a part-time basis. Minded children generally use the ground floor except for toilet facilities, which are located upstairs. There is an enclosed back garden with some play equipment. There are amenities for children within walking distance, including a pre-school, toddler group and a recreation ground.

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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 family has a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected from the risks of infection because they learn suitable hygiene routines, for example, they wash their hands before meals. Nappy changing routines make sure children are protected from cross-infection as the changing mat is wiped and nappies are disposed of appropriately. Accidents to children are recorded and shared with parents appropriately which promotes children's health and safety. The childminder has completed a first aid course and therefore provides appropriate treatment if a child is injured. Systems to record incidents and existing injuries are in-effective, which means parents are not fully informed. Children walk to and from the pre-school or school every day and therefore benefit from regular physical exercise. They enjoy time in the garden, where they develop their physical skills on the equipment or play with bats and balls. Babies are

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Helping children to be healthy

encouraged to progress as the childminder encourages them to crawl and reach for toys, such as a rattle or cuddly toy. Children eat a suitable range of foods that are supplied by the parents. The childminder ensures children eat at times that meet their individual needs and makes sure sufficient drinks are provided to promote their health. Children eat their snacks and meals together with the childminder so they enjoy a social and relaxed time, which helps them develop good eating habits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play safely in the childminder's home because she has an understanding of safety issues and has minimised most risks. The home is warm and comfortable and areas used by the children are clean and spacious so children play safely. The premises are secure and children play in a safe and fully enclosed back garden. Smoke alarms are fitted and working and the childminder has considered what she would do in an emergency, for example, she leaves the buggy in the hallway so children can be placed in it quickly in an emergency. However children have not practised the emergency evacuation plan, which puts them at risk as they are not fully aware of how to respond. Children play with a safe and suitable range of age-appropriate resources that are checked regularly to make sure they are clean and in good condition. Low-level boxes enable children to self-select the resources and therefore make their own

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

decisions and follow their own interests. Children on outings learn to walk safely, for example, they are encouraged to hold the buggy and walk on the inside of the path.

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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 Suitable seats keep children safe in the car. Children are protected and kept safe from harm because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures. She knows who to contact and keeps a record of relevant telephone numbers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and secure in the childminder's care. Children know what to expect as routines for meals, rest and play are consistent, which ensures they feel secure and look forward to their time with the childminder. So that children make decisions and develop their independence they are encouraged to choose their own activities, for example, when they return from pre-school. Children benefit from a satisfactory range of activities in the home, such as puzzles, books and games and enjoy outings to the local park, where they develop their physical skills and socialise with their peers. Babies receive cuddles and have developed warm and confident relationships with the childminder, who involves them in the activities by offering them toys and encouraging them to share. Babies and younger children will benefit from the additional support and guidance offered by the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have their needs met because the childminder knows them well. They benefit from a variety of activities and resources that are suitable for their ages and stage of development. They learn to appreciate the wider world by playing with a satisfactory range of resources that show positive images of diversity, such as books and small world figures. Consistent routines and praise ensure children learn about good behaviour. Suitable strategies, such as time-out are applied where necessary and shared with parents so children are secure and know what to expect. Children benefit from a settling in procedure, which enables the childminder to learn about their likes and dislikes. Satisfactory information is collected from parents so that children's needs are met. Children's activities and routines are shared with parents daily, so that parents are kept informed.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from regular routines with times for rest and play and enjoy appropriate support and care from the childminder. They play in a comfortable and well-organised home and enjoy an appropriate range of activities and resources that

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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 are prepared for their arrival. This ensures they feel welcome and at home. Most necessary documentation is in place to promote children's health, safety and welfare. Records are kept appropriately and are shared with parents so they know what to expect. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has improved safety for children by ensuring the upstairs windows are secured. In addition minded children do not use the upstairs, except to visit the bathroom or choose additional resources. At the last inspection the childminder did not have an updated version of the National Standards, she has since obtained this and meets all of the National Standards. However, she has not yet obtained the new addendum to the National Standards and Guidance which came into effect on 3 October 2005. She agreed to obtain a copy so she can update her knowledge and continue to provide appropriate care to minded children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • improve outcomes for children aged under three years by implementing the 'Birth to three matters' framework • provide a record of existing injuries and incidents, which is shared with parents

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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 • practise the emergency evacuation plan with the children so they are aware of the procedures.

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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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