Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY251306 Inspection date 10 January 2006 Inspector Jean Goodrick

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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 was registered in 2002. He lives with his family, which includes children under 16 years of age. The whole ground floor area of the house is mainly used for childminding. The bedrooms may be used for sleeping arrangements. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children. He works with his wife, who is also a registered childminder. Together they currently care for 13 children under 5 years and four children between 5 and 8 years, mainly on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. He

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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 regularly attends local toddler and activity groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. He regularly attends local toddler and activity groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted through the childminder's good awareness of health issues and the effective hygiene procedures which are in place. The childminder reduces the risk of cross-infection by ensuring that his home is always clean and well maintained. Each child has their own potty or toilet seat and linen and children know which is theirs. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through everyday routines, for instance they wash their hands before eating their lunch. Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder provides a good range of meals and snacks, including fresh vegetables, fruit and yoghurt. Babies have food and drink following their home routine, and they are cuddled whilst having their bottles. Children help themselves to drinks as needed and meal times are a pleasant occasion when children learn social skills. Children enjoy a good range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

They develop self-confidence in their physical skills as they use a wide range of indoor and outdoor toys and equipment. They have plenty of fresh air as they play or sleep in the garden, go on local walks and visit the local parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean, well-maintained environment. They independently select activities and resources from a wide range of suitable toys and equipment which are stored in boxes and shelves at child height. Resources are checked by the childminder to ensure they are in good condition. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures which minimise risks to their health and safety. For instance, a fire extinguisher is mounted in the kitchen, monitors are used when children sleep upstairs and the childminder has practised emergency evacuation procedures. Children are kept safe on outings and they learn about road safety. Children are well protected because the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and attends training to update his knowledge and understanding. Procedures are in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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 their time at the childminder's house and form warm affectionate relationships with him and each other. Children take part in a broad range of activities which help them to make progress in all areas of their development. For example, they play imaginative games with the 'market stall', older children show good concentration as they play with puzzles and sort games and all the children join in with nursery rhymes. The childminder uses community resources well to extend children's experiences, such as the singing group. Children receive plenty of individual support as they attempt new challenges, for instance the toddler is encouraged to 'post' the shapes into the ball. Children of all ages pursue their own interests and make decisions about their play. Babies and toddlers form good relationships with other children as they play alongside them and learn to share resources. The childminder joins in their play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's language skills are promoted through the childminder's good use of questioning and the way in which he talks to them during activities. The childminder provides a calm gentle presence so that children feel secure and freely explore the environment. He uses the 'Birth to three matters' framework as a reference tool.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are highly valued as individuals. All children have equal opportunities to access activities and resources that meet their individual needs so that they become confident and independent. They develop a positive attitude to others and gain a good understanding about the wider world and the local community. They have access to a broad range of play resources which help them to understand differences and similarities. The childminder generally knows the children and their families well and they have a strong sense of belonging. Children with special needs are well cared for. The childminder would like to develop his knowledge and understanding of this area. Children behave well. They begin to understand right and wrong through consistent boundaries and plenty of praise and encouragement. The childminder uses a range of age appropriate methods to manage behaviour including explanation, distraction

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and time out. He ensures that children take part in energetic activities so that they can let off steam. Partnership with parents and carers is very good. Parents receive a good range of written information including policies and procedures. The also receive daily records of their children's routine and have plenty of opportunities to talk about their children's progress. The childminder makes flexible arrangements with families and parents write glowing reports of the care their children receive and the availability of the childminder.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children have good levels of support to help them feel comfortable and at ease in the well-organised environment. The childminder makes effective use of time, space and resources so that children have quiet and active times and regular outings. The childminder is open to new learning to improve his practice for the benefit of all the children. He and his wife work well together as a team. The childminder has a comprehensive framework of policies and procedures which contribute to children's health and safety. All the required documentation and records are kept up to date and shared with parents to ensure good continuity of care. The childminder is conscientious in ensuring that parents are kept well informed about their children's progress. The good quality of the provision means that the needs of all the children are well met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was agreed that the childminder would obtain written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle. The childminder has now improved the partnership with parents by obtaining written permission for transporting children in a vehicle, when making initial contracts with parents or carers.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 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.

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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):

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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 • improve knowledge and understanding of special needs and disabilities.

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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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