Dean Lyn Dorothy

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 222987 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 has been registered since 1999. She lives with her family, which includes one child under 8 years of age, on the outskirts of Cambridge City. The downstairs play room is mainly used for minded children. There is an enclosed rear garden for all year round outdoor play. The childminder may care for 5 children under 8 years of age. She currently cares for 3 children under 5 years on a part-time basis and she also cares for a 10 year old child. The childminder collects children from local schools.

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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 Minded children have supervised access to the family's pets, including four cats and one rabbit. The childminder has regular contact with other local childminders and is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She attends local toddler and activity groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a good range of energetic physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. They have regular access to outdoor play in the garden or park and they go on local walks. The childminder uses local groups to extend children's experience, including soft play activities. Children learn social skills as they sit together to eat their lunch. All meals and snacks are provided by parents and the childminder ensures that children are regularly offered drinks to ensure they do not remain thirsty. The childminder reduces the risk of cross infection by ensuring that her home is always clean and very well maintained. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene as they wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. Clear records are maintained so that children's health needs are met and they receive good continuity of care. The childminder has not obtained parents'

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Helping children to be healthy

permission to seek emergency medical treatment. She keeps her first aid certificate up to date.

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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 safe, warm and welcoming environment. The play room is well organised so that children can move around safely and independently. The childminder has minimised risks to keep them safe from harm. Resources have been carefully chosen to support children's play and are regularly checked for safety and hygiene. Children help themselves to the toys and equipment and follow their own interests. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures including, for example, socket covers and a fully secure outdoor play area. Children's welfare in an emergency is a priority. The childminder has clear emergency procedures with back up from a neighbouring childminder. Children learn about road safety on local walks and the childminder is conscientious about using a wrist strap if she considers it necessary. All the required documents and procedures are in place to safeguard children's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

welfare. For example, the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures which are in line with those set out by the local Area Child Protection

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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 Committee. She also has a list of relevant telephone numbers which is easily accessible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder and have established warm and affectionate relationships with her and with other children. Babies and young children receive lots of cuddles and have a strong bond with the childminder which increases their sense of well-being. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development and is obtaining the 'Birth to three matters' framework to use as a reference tool to inform her practice. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which help them make progress in all areas of their development. They display high levels of confidence in their daily activities and are developing good independence skills, for instance putting on the policeman's uniform, and asking for help when needed. The childminder makes good use of community groups to extend children's experiences such as singing, messy play and imaginative games. The childminder uses her understanding of how children and babies learn to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encourage them to develop new skills. For instance children's early communication skills are very well supported through high quality interaction with the childminder as they discuss their activities and talk about what they are doing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's individual needs and characters are clearly understood and respected by the childminder. All children are welcomed and included in the provision. Children learn about the local community in everyday activities and have some opportunities to learn about similarities and differences. The childminder has cared for children with special needs and has some understanding of the issues involved and the professional help available. Children's behaviour is good. The childminder has a clear and consistent approach to behaviour management, which means that children know what is expected of them and they feel secure. Babies and older children play happily alongside each other and the childminder uses her effective skills to encourage and help them develop their relationships with one another. Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and their parents; their progress is discussed daily with their parents so that their changing

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs continue to be met. Parents give glowing reports about the care their children receive. The childminder knows the children and their families well so that they have a strong sense of belonging.

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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. Children have good levels of support to help them feel comfortable and at ease in the well-organised environment. The childminder has worked with children for several years and she uses time, space and resources effectively to ensure that children have a wide range of experiences. Consistent routines and effective support help children to feel secure. The childminder ensures that children are never left unsupervised with people who have not been through the vetting procedure. Children's health and safety are given a high priority and the childminder has a clear framework of policies and procedures which are followed conscientiously. She keeps required documentation up to date. The childminder talks to parents regularly to keep them informed about the service and their children's activities. This contributes to the continuity of children's care. Overall the needs of all the children who attend are well

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection it was recommended that the childminder should obtain a copy of 'What to do if you're worried a child is being abused?' The childminder has improved her knowledge and understanding of child protection by obtaining this booklet. It was also recommended that the childminder should extend her range of toys and activities for children between 5 and 8 years of age. The childminder currently cares for children under 5 years of age and has a good range of resources. She will obtain further resources according to the needs of the children she cares for.

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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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment • develop knowledge and understanding of the 'Birth to three matters' framework • continue to develop knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities issues.

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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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