Childminder in Cumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 317171 Inspection date 04 January 2006 Inspector Carys Millican

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and five daughters, who are aged 21, 16, 13, 11 and 5 years. The family live in the village of Crosby, near Maryport. The children have access to the play room, lounge, kitchen, hall and two bedrooms. The master bedroom and utility room are excluded from childminding use. There is a fully enclosed front garden available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children aged over 5 years, on a part time basis before and after school and sometimes in the school holidays. She also provides care for

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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 children aged over 8 years. There are no children attending aged under 5 years. The childminder uses her mini-bus to reach local amenities and to take children to and from local schools. The family has a dog and one cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy an appropriate range of activities, which contribute to their good health. The childminder encourages outdoor activities, such as, going for walks and visits to local places of interest. Children become increasingly aware of the way activity and play affects their bodies and understand when they need a drink or a rest and are confident to ask. They gain confidence as they independently access the toys and resources available and know when to ask for help and support. Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming and homely environment. They learn the importance of appropriate hygiene methods and personal care as they follow the examples set by the childminder. Children’s self-help skills are encouraged as they help wipe down the table top before having lunch and wash their hands before eating. Children’s self-esteem is promoted as the childminder praises them when

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Helping children to be healthy

completing activities and set tasks. Children are protected from the potential risk of infection as the childminder follows her sick children’s policy. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help prepare the table and decide what to eat from the choice of food available. Children are given a choice at snack time from an assortment of snacks available. The childminder takes account of parental wishes and children’s choice to provide meals and snacks that appeal to them and meet their dietary needs. Children sit together in the playroom, creating a social occasion as they eat their meals.

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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 safely, freely and independently. The childminder identifies and minimises risks to children within the home and general safety measures are in place. Children learn simple safety practices through example and by gentle reminders from the childminder. For example, children are reminded not to carry scissors around the room. Although the fire evacuation procedure is in place the children are not aware of what to do if there was an emergency situation. Children independently select activities from a range of toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. An appropriate selection of age related toys for different ages and stages of development is available. The childminder supervises and monitors children's choice of resources as they access the toys easily in the play room and

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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 from toy boxes placed around the rooms. Children’s language and communication skills are encouraged by extending questioning through play and learning. For example, when colouring in pictures the children recite the nursery rhyme they are associated with. Children are kept safe and their welfare is promoted by the childminder maintaining the required documents and procedures. The childminder ensures children are collected by authorised persons and children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. Children are generally protected because the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection issues and procedures. However, the Area Child Protection Committee booklet has not been obtained.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in their surroundings and make themselves at home. They play happily and cooperatively together and relate well to each other. The childminder plans interesting activities which take into account children's individual needs and ability. They are interested, motivated and their all-round development is promoted. The childminder is interested in what children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play. Children learn social skills and enjoy being with others, talking to adults and other children. They benefit from attending a wide range of extra curricular activities, such as, art club, swimming, gymnastics and dancing classes. Children show a caring attitude towards others; for example, by sharing toys, taking turn and playing harmoniously together. Children build on their natural curiosity as learners. They use a wide range of resources and the childminder provides a range of activities that supports their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

imagination. For example, the children use video boxes to create a field for the ponies and create a carnival using the Barbie doll cars and coloured ribbons. A flexible approach to planning and an excellent balance between adult and child-led activities allows children to learn at their own pace. The children decide their next wall display will be about fairies and nursery rhymes. They then colour and cut out pictures of nursery rhyme characters. Children have a sense of belonging within the setting. They receive lots of praise and develop a strong bond with the childminder, which increases their sense of well being and security. Their work is creatively displayed on the walls and toys are available at child height, so they can help themselves. Children learn to become independent as a result of consistent support, praise and encouragement given to them. They prepare the table ready for lunch and decide what they would like to eat.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are met. The childminder obtains relevant information about children’s specific needs and works

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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 closely with parents. Children are provided with a suitable range of resources to promote diversity. However, activities to increase children’s knowledge and understanding of the wider world and their understanding of others is limited. Children settle well and play harmoniously with adults and other children. They behave well and respond well to the childminder's sensitive handling of any behaviour management situations. Children are made to feel welcome at the setting and gain confidence and self-esteem as the childminder rewards achievement through positive praise. Children thrive on the interaction and attention from the childminder. They are confident to try out new ideas and make themselves at home. Children benefit from the positive working relationships developed with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's general welfare is promoted since the childminder consults closely with parents on any issues or concerns and the required documentation is maintained. Children are looked after according to parent’s wishes as individual routines are followed. Parents are informed daily about their child's routine and play activities; this enables the childminder to meet each child's individual needs and provide continuity of care. Children’s work and activities are recorded in individual scrapbooks; for example, photographs of special events, places visited and displays created. Parents express a high level of satisfaction with the care and service available.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children's care, learning and play are appropriately supported by the childminder as she gives them individual attention. The childminder is experienced and organises the environment well to enable children to feel at home and at ease. Children move around freely and confidently and initiate and extend their own play and learning. They gain independence through the childminder's encouragement and support. Children's health, safety and welfare is generally promoted by the childminder keeping the required documentation and most procedures in place. Children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe as the childminder explains simple safety practices to them. The childminder shares information daily with parents to keep them informed about the service and their child's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. Children are provided with a range of age appropriate activities throughout their

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Organisation

time with the childminder and have the opportunity to socialise with others. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection, the childminder has improved children’s safety. Children can no longer access restricted areas within the home. Bolts have been fixed to these doors to prevent children entering. The garden has been made safe for

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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 children by the erecting of a suitable fence along the full length of the wall and the gate is padlocked. Thus, now enabling this area to be included in the registration. The childminder agreed to improve documentation and record keeping. All persons present, when minding takes place, are recorded in the attendance register, therefore ensuring children's safety and the correct procedures are followed.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are 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): • practice the emergency evacuation procedure regularly with the children • update knowledge and understanding of child protection policies and procedures and obtain a copy of the local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines • further develop activities and resources for children that promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others.

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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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