Childminder in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309451 Inspection date 22 February 2006 Inspector Katherine Powell

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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 has been registered since 2005. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years; of these, three may be under the age of five years at any one time. She currently cares for five children. Of these, one child is under the age of one year, two are under the age of five years, one is under the age of eight years and one child is over the age of eight years. The childminder lives with her husband and two children in a detached house in Wisbech. The childminder's mother also lives on the premises. The house is within walking distance of the town centre and local amenities.

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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 ground floor lounge, conservatory, kitchen and toilet are used for childminding purposes. There is an enclosed area in the rear garden which is used for outside play. The family has two dogs and a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the local childminding group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home where they learn about the importance of good personal hygiene through daily routines. For example, children wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Children's dietary requirements, including their likes and dislikes, are met through close communication with parents. Children enjoy healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit and vegetable sticks, and are given regular drinks. Children enjoy participating in activities outside the home which contribute to their health, for example they are taken on regular walks around the local area and use the play equipment in the garden and at the park to practise and develop their physical skills and co-ordination. Children are able to sleep and relax according to their individual needs as a cot is provided for younger children and there is comfortable seating in the lounge. The childminder maintains appropriate records and has effective systems in place to

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Helping children to be healthy

ensure children's health is promoted. The childminder has completed a first aid course and an appropriate first aid box is provided. This ensures that any accidents can be dealt with effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a safe and secure environment where potential hazards have been minimised effectively. Appropriate safety equipment is provided within the home. Children are closely supervised at all times and are able to move around the home safely. Children enjoy regular walks around the local area and learn about the importance of road safety through the childminder's clear explanations and safety routines. There are effective procedures in place to ensure children are fully aware of fire safety arrangements. Children independently select from a range of age appropriate toys and play resources, which meet safety standards. Younger children are not able to access toys or games with small pieces which ensures their safety.

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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 Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted through the childminder's good understanding of child protection issues and current guidance. The childminder has developed a child protection policy and maintains appropriate written records which are shared fully with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home, independently selecting toys and initiating their own activities. They have formed effective relationships with the childminder and approach her with confidence. They have opportunities to develop their social skills by playing alongside other children and attending local pre-school groups. Children are learning to share toys and take turns. The childminder engages children in lively conversation to promote and support their language and communication skills. Children enjoy choosing books to share with the childminder and are developing an interest in reading. Children are able to select from an interesting range of toys and activities to promote their learning in different areas. Children's creative skills are well promoted and they have access to a good range of resources and tools such as scissors, glue, paint and crayons. Children are taken on regular walks around the town and as a result are

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

developing their awareness of the local environment. The childminder has a clear awareness of the needs and abilities of the individual children and plans and adapts activities to meet these.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals and, consequently, they feel confident and relaxed in the childminder's care. Children are able to learn about the local community by going on regular walks and outings. In addition, they are developing their awareness of diverse cultures through some activities. For example, children have tasted different foods linked to the Chinese New Year celebrations. Children have equal access to activities and their individual needs are well met. The childminder would gather information from parents to ensure appropriate care could be provided for children with special needs. Children have developed good relationships with the childminder and generally good standards of behaviour are maintained. However, children do not always benefit from being given consistent boundaries with regard to unacceptable behaviour. Children's self-esteem is well promoted through regular praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder fosters positive relationships with parents. Parents are provided with some useful information about the childminder's service in her portfolio. The childminder maintains good written records for each child and information regarding children's care, routines and progress is exchanged with parents on a daily basis. As a result, children's individual needs are well met and they are cared for within their

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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 usual routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. Children's individual needs are well met through the effective organisation of space and resources. The childminder utilises her time well to provide children with opportunities to engage in activities both within and outside the home. Children have time to rest and relax according to their needs. Children's care, welfare and learning are well promoted through the written policies and procedures in place. Records are held securely to enable children and families to benefit from confidentiality. The childminder ensures continuity of care is maintained through close liaison with parents. Effective procedures for gathering and sharing information with parents enables children to settle quickly into the setting. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure consistent strategies are used to manage children's behaviour.

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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 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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