Childminder in Peterborough

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 257025 Inspection date 16 February 2006 Inspector Carly Mooney

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1996. She lives with her husband, adult son and daughter aged eight years. They live in the village of Eye, a suburb, to the east of Peterborough city centre. The whole ground floor of the childminder's 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding two children during the day, on a part-time basis, and four over five before and after school. There is one child over five who is minded during the holidays. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and

p.2

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 attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a pet cat.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a healthy environment where good hygiene practices, help to prevent the spread of germs and maintain health. Children are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Novelty children's soap motivates them to wash their hands and a clean towel is provided on a daily basis to reduce the risk of cross contamination. Clear procedures for caring for sick children ensures that their health and emotional well-being is effectively fostered. Children are provided with a range of appetising meals and snacks, which promote a healthy diet, such as, shepherds pie, vegetables and fruit. Drinks are consistently available to all children whilst in the childminder's care. Their dietary needs are discussed with parents to ensure that they are protected from allergies and their health actively promoted. The childminder knows the children well and ensures that their individual needs with

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

regard to sleep, food and drink are met. Children develop a clear range of physical skills, as the childminder ensures they have access to challenging resources on a regular basis. They are able to access the large apparatus in the childminder's garden, attend an activity centre at the local parent and toddler group and enjoy daily walks to and from school.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a safe and suitable environment, which is appropriate to their needs. They have sufficient facilities to allow them to play, rest and eat comfortably. A range of motivating toys and resources are available which children are able to independently access. Children benefit from a range of procedures which ensure they are kept safe. The outside area is securely maintained so that children cannot leave it unsupervised and the home is organised effectively, so that children can move about freely. Safety risks, such as, access to the garage and kitchen cupboards have been addressed and minimised. Children have been spoken to about the importance of fire safety and occasionally an emergency evacuation procedure has been practised. Children's safety and well-being is appropriately safeguarded through the childminder's satisfactory awareness of child protection issues and procedures. She

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

is aware of how to report her concerns should a situation arise.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home, independently selecting toys and initiating their own activities. They are offered a varied and stimulating range of resources, such as, musical and push along toys, which are age appropriate. Effective relationships have formed with the childminder and children approach her with confidence. Regular attendance at parent and toddler groups, also provides opportunities for children to socialise with their peers. Young children enjoy choosing their favourites books to share with the childminder. They snuggle on her knee and respond well to questions being asked. The childminder ensures that children receive lots of cuddles so that they feel secure and valued in her home. The childminder understands the needs of young children, she speaks to them gently and recognises when they are hungry or thirsty. She fetches a child's comfort toy

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

from home when the child becomes sleepy, following her home routine. She is aware of the 'Birth to three matters' framework and is considering how she might use it in the future to enhance her childminding.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children from all cultures and religions are warmly welcomed in to the childminder's home, where they are valued and respected as individuals. They are able to learn about the local community as they go on walks and attend groups. In addition to this they are developing an awareness of diversity through the play resources available, such as, a belly dancing costume and books. Children behave well and their behaviour is appropriately managed. Young children are dealt with in a gentle but clear manner, which makes them aware of the boundaries. When a young child tried to pull the cats tail, the childminder explained that it would hurt the cat and encouraged the child to stroke her instead. Older children are given clear guidance and show respect for the house rules, such as, only two children on the computer at any time. The childminder offers praise and encouragement to build children's self-esteem.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with parents to meet children's individual needs and uses satisfactory records to ensure this. Verbal feedback about the child's day is given to parents in order to share their experiences and daily routine. Although there have been no parental complaints, the childminder has yet to establish a system to record, investigate and inform the parents of the outcome if the need arises. As a consequence, parents are not always informed of issues regarding their child's care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and relaxed within the childminder's care. Their individual needs

p.4

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 are effectively met through the organisation of the space and resources available. The childminder utilises her time appropriately, to provide children with opportunities to engage in activities both inside and outside the home. Children have time to rest and relax according to their needs. Children's care, welfare and development is promoted through the childminder's understanding of the required documentation and her ability to ensure that it is satisfactorily maintained. She has attended the necessary training required when registering as a childminder to ensure that she has adequate knowledge for her role. Overall the range of children's needs are met.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection three actions were raised. The provider was asked to ensure that members of her family over the age of sixteen completed the clearance procedure, a written record of medicines was kept along with parental consent for emergency medical treatment and that she increased her knowledge of child protection procedures. These have all been addressed and have a positive impact on the health, care and safety of the children.

p.5

Complaints 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. Since the last inspection there has been one complaint. Concerns were raised relating to standards 1, 3 and 11. These relate to suitability of the provider, care and behaviour management. An unannounced visit was conducted on 06 June 2005. Ofsted inspectors were satisfied that no further action was required following the visit. The provider remains qualified for registration.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should

p.5

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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • establish a procedure for recording complaints from parents including informing them of the outcome within the required time limit.

p.5

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

p.6

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

p.6