Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY285290 Inspection date 10 January 2006 Inspector Lorraine Hunt

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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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and 3 children, aged 12, 2 and 4 months in a large north Cambridgeshire village. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children over 5 before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog, 3 cats and some tropical fish.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home and good hygiene routines help them to learn about the importance of washing their hands before meals and after using the lavatory. If children need to take any medicines or become unwell whilst they are in the care of the childminder, records are in place to make sure that appropriate care is given. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate so is able to give appropriate first aid treatment. However, the first aid box contains some items which are no longer recommended. Children have regular opportunities to play outdoors, which contributes to their good health. They visit the local park, when weather permits, to develop their physical skills and benefit from exercise and fresh air each day as they walk to and from school. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and understanding of healthy eating. They are encouraged to eat fresh fruit at snack time and they have easy

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Helping children to be healthy

access to drinks at all times. Children's health and dietary needs are discussed with parents: their individual dietary needs are recorded and this ensures that their nutritional needs are recognised and met appropriately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to move around the indoor premises safely, freely and independently because the childminder identifies and minimises risks for children; for example all kitchen cupboards have child locks fitted and stairgates are fitted at the top and bottom of the stairs to prevent children from accessing the stairs unattended. Children learn about safety as they are reminded to follow road safety rules as they cross roads with the childminder. However, the childminder has yet to develop and practise an emergency escape plan to ensure that children are aware of the procedures to keep themselves safe in the event of having to evacuate the premises. Children play with a range of suitable toys and resources, which the childminder checks regularly to ensure they are in good condition and safe. Their overall welfare is maintained by procedures and documents that promote their safety. For example,

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the childminder has appropriate written parental consent for transporting children in her car and for outings. Although the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection procedures, she does not have any information about Area Child Protection Committee procedures and contact details to refer to if she has a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and establish warm and affectionate

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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 relationships with her, which contributes to their sense of security and belonging. They are encouraged to be independent and competently manage their personal needs. School age children enjoy the satisfactory range of activities and experiences, most of which are child led, and show interest in what they do. For example, they dress up and role play different scenarios such as 'doctors and nurses', negotiating roles and including all children in their play. Themed days such as the 'cinema' where they watch a film of their choice together in a darkened room and have popcorn to eat, are particularly popular. However, there are limited opportunities for them to be creative. Although the childminder is currently only minding children of school age she is interested in further developing her practice with babies and young children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

through the use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs are understood and respected by the childminder, who gathers information from parents to ensure these needs are met. Children settle well and are confident, independent and form sound relationships with one another. Their behaviour is good. They learn to behave well and play happily together with the support of the childminder, who helps them to share and take turns. Children understand what is expected of them through regular routines and consistent expectations, which helps them to feel secure. The childminder develops positive relationships with parents, which contributes to the children's care and well-being. Daily sharing of information with parents ensures that they are kept informed about their child's behaviour and progress. Parents receive a copy of the childminder’s policies which informs them about the care provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's satisfactory organisation of time, space and resources. They are comfortable, happy and at ease with the childminder and in the home environment. This means that they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Required documentation is in place and mostly kept appropriately, which ensures children's safety and well-being. The childminder talks to parents on a daily basis to keep them well informed about the care provided and their child's progress. This contributes to the continuity of children's care so that they feel secure. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children in the childminder's care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to complete the required Introduction to Childminding Practice (ICP) course, to fit a fire blanket, to obtain necessary written parental permissions for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and

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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 transporting children in a vehicle, and to inform Ofsted of any changes. The childminder informed Ofsted of her house move and new baby and is in the process of completing the ICP course. A fire blanket is now appropriately fitted in the kitchen and written parental consents are in place to safeguard children's welfare. The childminder also agreed to ensure that she minds within the numbers detailed on the condition on her certificate of registration and to keep an accurate record of children's attendance. The childminder is now vigilant to ensure she meets these requirements at all times and keeps an accurate record of children's attendance.

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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): • develop a fire escape plan, which is practised regularly, so that children know what to do in an emergency • develop awareness and understanding of child protection issues and ensure that existing injuries are recorded • develop knowledge and understanding of play opportunities for children under three, through the use of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and provide further opportunities for older children to be creative.

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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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