Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318149 Inspection date 01 August 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 January 2006. She lives with her family, which includes one child under eight years of age, in a village on the outskirts of Cambridge. The ground floor of the childminder’s house is mainly used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five years of age and one child over five after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. Children have supervised contact with the family cat.

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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 The childminder attends the local childminder and toddler groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted through the childminder's sound awareness of health issues and the effective hygiene practices that are in place. The childminder reduces the risk of cross-infection by ensuring that her home is always clean and well maintained. Children wash their hands before meals and after going to the toilet and also when they have supervised contact with family cat. Children benefit from a healthy diet. The childminder provides snacks and meals which are balanced and nutritious including fruit and fresh vegetables. Water is always available and children learn to recognise their own needs as they help themselves when they are thirsty. Children's dietary requirements are discussed with parents so that children remain healthy. Babies are held tenderly whilst being given their bottle. Children develop new physical skills according to their stage of development using

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Helping children to be healthy

the wide range of suitable toys and resources the childminder provides. Babies crawl around safely and pull themselves up to standing using the sturdy furniture. They have plenty of exercise and fresh air playing outdoors and going on local walks. Children rest and sleep according to their own individual routines. Babies and toddlers are tenderly soothed to sleep so that they feel secure and settle quickly.

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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 childminder has a good understanding of safety issues; children have space to move around safely and freely as she has minimised the risks to keep them safe from harm. For example, there is a fire blanket in the kitchen and risks assessments are carried out conscientiously for new children. The garden is secure and children are always well supervised. Children learn about staying safe outside the home, observing the highway code on local walks. Children have access to an broad range of quality toys and resources, which are suitable for their ages and stages of development. Resources are carefully chosen to support children's play, particularly for the younger age group, and are regularly checked for hygiene and safety. Children readily help themselves from the well organised selection so they can follow their own interests.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well protected because the childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to promote their safety and welfare. She has a clear knowledge and understanding of the child protection as she has attended regular

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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 training in her previous employment. She has a copy of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures.

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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 have established warm and affectionate relationships with her. Babies and toddlers form good relationships with other children as they play alongside them and learn to share resources. Children display high levels of confidence in their daily activities, and are developing very good independence skills. They busy themselves and become absorbed in their activities, for instance playing exuberantly with a range of shakers made with plastic bottles containing rice and pasta, playing imaginative games with the cars and road mat, and enjoying the ball pool in the garden. Children's early communication skills are very well supported through high quality interaction with the childminder as they discuss their activities, talk about what they are doing and enjoy stories and rhymes together. The childminder listens and responds to children respectfully so that they develop good self esteem. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

also develop their social skills as they explore the local community, visiting the library and attending local groups. The childminder is skilful in encouraging children to make good progress in all areas of development. She has a sound knowledge and understanding of child development. Children enjoy a wide range of activities in their daily routine which is well planned. The childminder has not yet obtained a copy of the 'Birth to three matters' framework to use as a reference tool to inform her practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs and characters are clearly understood and respected by the childminder. All children are welcomed and included in the provision. For instance, their particular interests and enthusiasms, such as Thomas the Tank Engine, are well known which contributes to their sense of belonging. Children have a good variety of resources and activities which promote a positive view of cultural diversity and help them to understand their differences and similarities. The childminder has not cared for children with special needs in her current role but she has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the issues from previous work experience. Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder has a clear and consistent approach to behaviour management, which means children know what is expected of them and they feel secure. She has a range of age-appropriate strategies and also

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Helping children make a positive contribution

ensures that children are well occupied and have good opportunities for more exuberant activities. The childminder uses her effective skills to encourage and help children develop their relationships with one another.

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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 The childminder knows the children and their families well so that they have a good sense of belonging. The good partnership with parents contributes significantly to the children's care and well-being. The childminder is sensitive to their needs during the settling-in period. She shares information with parents on a daily basis, including a daily diary. This ensures that parents are well informed about their children's achievements and progress and children receive good continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's conscientious commitment to their safety and welfare so that they are never left with anyone who has not been vetted. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development and of her legal duties and responsibilities. She has a clear professional framework of policies and procedures which are shared with parents so that they know about the provision and their children's care. All required documentation is in place and kept up to date which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. The childminder is well qualified and experienced and open to new learning to improve her practice. The children have good levels of support to help them feel comfortable and at ease in the well-organised environment. They enjoy a broad range of activities both indoors and outside as the childminder makes effective use of time, space and resources. Routines allow for quiet and active times. Children are

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Organisation

confident to initiate and extend their own play both independently and with the childminder. Overall children's needs are met.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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

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 written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment and advice • continue to develop the range of resources and activities for children over three years of age • display the poster for parents informing them how to contact Ofsted.

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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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