Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY286511 Inspection date 24 February 2006 Inspector Heidi Falconer

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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 6, 9 and 13 years in the town of Cambridge. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children under 5 part time and 3 children over 5 before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She also attends local play and toddler groups with minded children.

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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 where they learn to follow effective hygiene and personal care routines to promote their good health. For example, they wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. Nappy changing procedures make sure that children are comfortable. However, they do not always ensure that children are protected from the risk of cross infection. The childminder has a written sickness policy which contains clear guidelines for children's attendance when they are unwell. This is shared with parents, and helps to ensure that children are protected from the spread of infection. Children's well-being is safeguarded by accurately maintained accident records and because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. However, written parental permission has not been obtained for seeking emergency medical treatment and her first aid box is not fully stocked. As a

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Helping children to be healthy

result, children may not receive appropriate care promptly in the event of an accident. Parents provide most snacks and meals for their children. These are stored appropriately in the childminder’s fridge. If the childminder does provide additional snacks or meals she ensures that all parents' wishes regarding their children's diet are respected, so that children are provided with balanced and healthy foods. Children enjoy a range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are opportunities for them to go for walks or play outside. Outdoor resources such as bikes, ride on toys, low level stilts , scooters, Frisbees, swing ball, skittles and hoopla improve children's physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare soundly. Appropriate use is made of space in the home to create an environment in which children feel welcome and secure. Children use a suitable range of safe and well-maintained toys and equipment which are appropriate to their age and stage of development. Children are able to play in safety in the areas of the home used for childminding because the childminder has identified potential risks to children and has taken action to minimise dangers. For example, a stair gate is in place to prevent young children entering the kitchen unsupervised. Children’s safety in the event of a fire is promoted well because they have practised her fire procedure. This ensures that children are aware of what they may need to do to keep them safe from harm in the event of a fire. Children are mostly kept safe on outings because the childminder seeks written

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

permission from parents to take children out and to transport them in her car. However, the childminder does not seek written consent to take children on public transport. This compromises their safety and well-being. Children develop an awareness of safety through practising codes for crossing the road with the

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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 childminder. In addition, she talks to young children about why they should hold onto the buggy when they are out on walks. Children are protected as the childminder ensures that they are not left alone with anyone who is not vetted. She has a suitable knowledge of child protection issues and an understanding of the correct procedures to follow if she had a concern. However, the childminder does not have a copy of the local Area Child Protection Committee guidelines to help her protect children’s welfare. A written child protection policy is shared with parents to ensure that they are aware of the childminder’s duty to report concerns. This practice is helping to keep children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are confident and settled in the childminder’s home. They have formed warm relationships with the childminder and the members of her family, which contributes to their sense of belonging. The childminder shows a genuine interest in the children, talking to them and joining in with their play and activities. Babies enjoy positive interaction with the childminder. She supports their language development copying and imitating their babbling. The childminder has recently made some sensory bottles for the babies who attend. These contain different objects and provide children with activities which promote their sensory development. All children enjoy a suitable range of activities and experiences. Daily they attend local groups such as, messy play, bouncers a physical play session and toddler playgroups. This provides children with lots of opportunities to socialise with others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

In the childminder’s home the children enjoy activities such as, painting, sticking and playing with her suitable range of toys and equipment. Children are able to make some decisions about which resources they play with. Resources are rotated on a regular basis to maintain children’s interest and offer them variety. All children show an interest in the play opportunities available. For example, younger children enjoy playing with Thomas the Tank Engine train sets whilst older children enjoy playing outdoors and making tents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. All children have equal opportunities to access activities and resources that meet their individual needs, so that they can become confident and independent. They play with small world figures and look at books which represent the different members of society, helping them to learn about the world that they live in. Children learn about their local environment as they go on routine outings to local messy play and toddler groups. Children generally behave well and show an understanding of appropriate behaviour, for example, support younger children to share popular resources and help to tidy

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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 away activities. The childminder uses a range of age appropriate strategies to manage behaviour, she uses distraction techniques with younger children and reasons for why behaviour is inappropriate are always discussed with older children. This helps children to learn the effect their behaviour has on others and ensures that children are learning right from wrong. The childminder’s written behaviour policy is shared with parents. This helps to ensure that inappropriate behaviour is dealt with consistently. Children benefit from a positive partnership between the childminder and parents. The childminder talks to them frequently and shares information with them about their child’s day. This contributes positively towards the children's care, well-being and feelings of security. The childminder shares her written policies and procedures, such

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Helping children make a positive contribution

as her complaints log, with parents to ensure they are well informed about the provision she provides.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable, happy and at ease with the childminder and in her home environment. This means that they are confident to initiate their own play and identify their wishes to the childminder. For example, children are confident to ask for snacks and drinks as they require them. Since becoming registered the childminder has attended an introduction to a childminding course and has gained certificates in first aid and basic food hygiene. The knowledge she has gained through these courses helps her to create an environment where children are well cared for. The childminder effectively uses policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. She shares information with parents regularly so that both parties are well informed about the service and the children's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children’s care. Most of the required documentation is

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Organisation

in place and is used effectively to ensure care needs are met. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been three complaints made to Ofsted since registration. A concern was raised in relation to Standard 6 Safety. We carried out an interview in October 2004. The childminder was given one action under standard 14 Documentation. The response from the provision was satisfactory and the group remains qualified for registration.

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Complaints 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 A concern was raised in relation to Standard 1 Suitability, Standard 3 Care, Standard 6 Safety and Standard 13 Child Protection. We carried out a visit on 27th July 2005. The childminder was given one action under standards 6. The response from the provision was satisfactory and the group remains qualified for registration. A concern was raised in relation to Standard 1 Suitability and Standard 6 Safety. We carried out a visit on 10th January 2006. The provision was given two actions, under standards 1 and 6. The response from the provision was satisfactory and the group remains qualified for 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 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment • obtain written permission from parents for transporting children on public transport • improve outcomes for children from birth to three by using an approach in line with 'Birth to three matters'.

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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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