Childminder, Out-of school day care in Cambridgeshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY279715 Inspection date 06 March 2006 Inspector Sheena Osborne

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and their children aged five and seven years in a village near to St. Ives, Cambridgeshire. Some of the rooms on both the ground and first floor of the childminder's house are used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five one morning per week and five children over five part-time before and after school. The childminder is able to walk to local amenities and walks to the local school to take and collect 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 clean, warm home and are beginning to develop an understanding of self-care through planned daily routines, for example, they clean their hands before and after eating. The childminder has knowledge of first aid and keeps some of the required documentation. However, she has not obtained written parental permission to seek emergency medical treatment and the first aid box is not frequently checked to ensure that it continues to remain suitable. This means children's health and well-being is not fully supported.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder meets the children's individual dietary needs well. She records suitable information about their diet and works in partnership with the parents. She provides all children with healthy snacks and regular exercise in the fresh air, thus encouraging them to learn about the benefits of these in relation to developing a healthy lifestyle. Older children are able to access drinks independently, thus encouraging them to develop an awareness of meeting their bodily needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely in a spacious and comfortable home where risks are mostly minimised. This means they are able to move around and select their own activities independently. The childminder has a good understanding of the children's development and therefore is able to ensure toys and play equipment is safe and appropriate for their age. The childminder has safety procedures, which on the whole are very effective. However, some procedures need to be reviewed, such as ensuring that no one can enter the premises unsupervised and obtaining written parental permission to transport children in a vehicle. Children are supervised both indoors and on outings, which mean they can develop their independence in a secure environment. They are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe, by following simple procedures, such as walking to the inside of the pavement when out and using the zebra-crossing when crossing roads.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder supports children's safety and well-being because she has a sound understanding of child protection. She knows who to contact and is aware of the local area child protection procedure. Parents receive a copy of the childminder's child protection policy keeping them informed of her practices.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are confident in the childminder's home because she makes it very welcoming for them. The childminder organises consistent routines so that

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

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 have time for rest and quiet as well as active games. This helps to ensure children are secure and know what to expect. Children benefit from the good support offered during their activities and children's communication skills are developed through good quality interaction with the childminder, who responds positively to them. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development which helps her to promote children's personal, social, emotional and intellectual development. She does this by providing a wide range of stimulating and challenging activities, which are adapted to promote children’s individual learning. As a result, children spend their time engaged in purposeful play, making choices and developing their own interests as they independently choose between a variety of toys, books and activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder regularly plans activities, using children's particular interests as a starting point so that the children feel involved and learning is meaningful, for example, children enjoy baking on a regular basis. Their creative development is well supported because the childminder provides a good range of activities that children enjoy such as painting, crafts and T-shirt designing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have their individual needs met. The childminder has good relationships with the parents and through regular discussions gathers up-to-date information, which enables her meet the needs of the children well. The childminder helps children to become confident and develop their self-esteem by giving lots of praise and acknowledging their achievements. As a result, children are settled, relaxed and happy. Regular walks and visits ensure all children are familiar with their environment. This helps them develop their understanding of differences and similarities and to be aware of the needs of others. Children begin to learn about all members of society through discussion and looking at books. However, this is an area that the childminder is looking at developing, thus enhancing the support offered to enable children to learn about all members of society and develop positive attitudes towards

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Helping children make a positive contribution

diversity. Children behave well in response to the consistent, positive methods that the childminder uses to help children of all ages understand the rules and learn to respect the needs of others. They play together harmoniously, sharing and taking turns. They clearly enjoy each other's company.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are secure and confident and have their needs meet because the childminder effectively organises space, resources and activities. Consistent routines

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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 and kind and caring support enables children to confidently explore their environment, begin to express their needs and develop their ideas and interests. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend. Most of the required documentation is in place and regularly reviewed which contributes to the children's health, safety and well-being. The written policies and procedures provide a framework to ensure that children are safe and well cared for. These are shared with the parents, which means they know about the provision and the care their child receives.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical help and ensure that the contents of the first aid box are frequently checked and replaced as necessary. Thus improving the help available to help care for children in the event of a medical emergency • further develop safety procedures to ensure that no one can enter the premises unsupervised and obtain in written parental permission to transport children in a vehicle.

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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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