Childminder in Cumberland

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 316905 Inspection date 11 July 2005 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 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 1989. She lives with her mother in Brampton, Cumbria. The whole of the ground floor of childminder's house is used for childminding except for the utility room. The bathroom is on the first floor and the rear bedroom is used as a sleep room. The two other first floor bedrooms are excluded from use for childminding. The paved area of the rear garden and the grassed front garden are used for outdoor play. The childminder, when working alone, is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. When working with an assistant they may care for a

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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 maximum of seven children at any one time. Currently there are seven children under eight on roll, most of whom are part-time. The childminder cares for babies, pre-school and school age children. In addition, she also cares for school aged children over eight years. There are schools, shops and parks within walking distance. The childminder attends local carer and toddler groups and takes children on outings. 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 a wide range of activities, which contributes to their good health. Indoor and outdoor activities are provided to encourage physical development, for example garden games like playing on the slide, on sit and ride toys and in the sand pit. Children benefit from a healthy lifestyle with activities that improve physical skills. For example, walking to and from school each day and regular visits to the park. Children are happy and contented in their play. Children begin to learn the importance of appropriate hygiene practices and personal care. They are encouraged to wash their hands after being changed or going to the toilet; however, the children did not wash their hands before eating their snack and lunch. Children gain independence and learn appropriate self-help skills, for example, helping to put on clean clothes and shoes before going out. Children are protected

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Helping children to be healthy

from the risk of potential infection as the childminder takes appropriate measures, following her sick children's policy. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. They help themselves to a range of drinks throughout the day and are provided with regular snacks and meals. Individual routines are followed as discussed with parents, to ensure continuity of care.

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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 welcoming, secure, indoor and outdoor environment. Risks are identified and minimised allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. Children are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe. The childminder skilfully explains the importance of using the scissors carefully and not throwing toys. They are encouraged to tidy away toys so they do not fall over them on the floor and they take part in fire evacuation practices. Children are able to make choices about their play and use safe, suitable equipment. They confidently move around the room helping themselves to the wide selection of age appropriate resources and activities available. These are carefully monitored 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 supervised by the childminder to make sure they are safe and appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children are protected and their safety and welfare promoted by the recording methods used and the suitable checks made on all persons working with the children. The childminder regularly updates her knowledge and understanding of child care issues. She holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection in line with the local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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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 relate well to each other and socialise with other children through regular attendance at carer and toddler groups. The childminder provides activities which take into account children's individual interests, for example, growing tomato plants. She is interested in what children do and say and becomes actively involved in their play, for example building a train track and reading traditional stories with children sat on her knee. As a result, children are interested, motivated and their all-round development is promoted. Children develop self-confidence and self esteem. The children learn to be increasingly independent as a result of the consistent support and praise and encouragement given to them by the childminder. They confidently help to put on clean clothes and shoes before going out and help themselves to the assortment of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

age appropriate resources. Children make positive relationships with adults and other children. They play well together and begin to distinguish between right and wrong. They learn to share, ask questions and show an interest in what they do. Children's sense of well being and security is promoted as the childminder cuddles the children and further develops the strong bond between them. Children have a sense of belonging within the setting. They acquire new knowledge and skills and respond to challenge. For example, the young child is encouraged and appropriately supported when using a pair scissors to cut out a picture of a wolf.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has an appropriate understanding of equal opportunities. Children have access to all toys, encouraged to dress up and provided with some craft activities to celebrate festivals. However, there is a limited range of resources available for children to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase children’s awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. Children are valued and respected as individuals. They are made to feel very welcome at the setting and make themselves at home. Their individual needs are met as they follow their normal daily routine as discussed with parents. Children play harmoniously together. They behave well and respond to the childminder's sensitive

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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 handling of any behaviour situations. Children gain confidence and self-esteem as the childminder rewards achievement through positive praise. Children are self-motivated to learn since they can depend on the affirmation and warmth of the trusting relationship they have with childminder. They are confident to try out new skills, for example, cutting out pictures using scissors and putting on their shoes. Children benefit from the positive working relationships developed with parents. Children are looked after according to parent's wishes and these are discussed before the child starts. Parents are informed daily about their child's routine and play activities. The childminder keeps a photographic record of the children she cares for and the activities children undertake.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care, learning and play are fully supported by the childminder, as she gives them individual attention. Children feel at home and at ease in the bright, welcoming, well-organised environment. They are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning and are gaining independence. The childminder is experienced and undertakes additional relevant training to update her knowledge and understanding of key issues in child care, for example, First Aid, Behaviour Management and Equality and Diversity. Children's general well being is maintained by the use of relevant documentation and from the procedures in place. Information is shared daily with parents to keep them informed about the service, their child's routine and activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. Children's health, safety and learning is promoted. Children are provided with a range

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Organisation

of age appropriate activities throughout the week and have the opportunity to socialise with others. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve children safety indoors and outdoors. The childminder has placed wire netting across the front garden fence to cover any gaps which children may climb through. She also supervises their play in the front garden and secures the garden gate. The cupboard under the sink and the utility area are now kept locked, so children cannot access any household items and a gate has been placed across the kitchen door restricting children's access to the kitchen area. It was agreed that the childminder would provide resources to promote diversity. The childminder has obtained some resources that introduce children to different cultures and help them to value each others' similarities and differences; however, these are still limited and after discussion the childminder agreed to continue to add to them.

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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

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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): • continue to develop the range of resources reflecting diversity and difference.

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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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