Childminder in DevonOfsted inspection, 20 Apr 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY315444 Inspection date 20 April 2006 Inspector Denys Rasmussen

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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 works with her husband who is her co-childminder. They live with their two children aged four and six years. They live in a house in a residential area of Beckenham. Within walking distance of parks, schools, shops and public transport. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time when working alone, and a maximum of six children when working with her husband. They are currently minding one child under five.

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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 family have two pet cats and attend local toddler groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children take part in a range of activities that contribute to their good health and physical development, such as regularly playing in the garden, or at the local allotment. They practise physical skills such as kneading and rolling play dough and using large physical equipment in the garden. Children are cared for in a clean, well-organised and comfortable home. They learn about the importance of good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands when appropriate. This reduces the risk of cross contamination. The childminder's effective sick child policy ensures the risk of the spread of infection is minimised. The childminder keeps clear and accurate records. For example, of any accidents. She is trained in first aid ensuring accidents are dealt with appropriately. Children are provided with a healthy and nutritious diet. They are encouraged to snack on a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and are offered drinks regularly. The children

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Helping children to be healthy

are encouraged to be involved in the cultivation of vegetables in the allotment to promote healthy living.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to play freely and safely around the home and garden because the childminder ensures the resources provided are suitable for the age and stage of the children playing with them. The home is organised to make it welcoming to children with resources stored at a low level to enable easy access. She is aware of potential risks in her home and has put effective measures in place. For example, stair gates and socket covers. This ensures that hazards are minimised to keep children safe. However, there is a large trampoline in the garden which could prove hazardous. Minded children are not using it presently. There is very good supervision of children as the childminder works with her husband who is her co-childminder. Children are well protected because the childminder recognises her responsibility towards the children in her care and understands the child protection procedures she

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

must follow if concerned about a child's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and settled and make themselves at home within the child

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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 orientated setting. The children relate well to the childminder because she joins in with their play and knows them well. Children experience a wide range of activities inside and outside the home. The children are offered many creative activities because of the childminder's knowledge and skill in this area. This contributes well to their development. The childminder regularly takes the children out to local open spaces and toddler groups. They are introduced to nature and the local wild life when the childminder walks them around the allotments. Children also have direct access to the garden, which promotes their physical development and enjoyment of the outdoors. There is a consistent routine which helps children to feel secure. The childminder encourages the children to express their thoughts and feelings through good

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

questioning and supportive interaction. This encourages the use of language and fosters children's self-esteem. Children are learning to be independent when they access resources for themselves and make choices in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from positive relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder makes sure she spends time each day exchanging information with parents, and keeping them up-to-date with what children have been doing. This helps children experience consistent care. Parents are shown a port-folio to inform them about the service provided. The childminder discusses useful information with parents at their first visit and encourages regular "settling in meetings", which are flexible and led by the parents. This helps the children to settle well. The childminder has a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour, which takes into account their age and stage of development. Her realistic expectations help children to behave well. She takes detailed information about the children which means their individual needs are well met. The childminder provides activities and play resources that help children to value

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Helping children make a positive contribution

differences and appreciate the world around them. The childminder has a positive attitude to providing an inclusive environment where all children are welcomed.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised child orientated environment which helps them gain confidence and be independent. Children's play opportunities are maximised because of the skills of the childminders who ensure they understand the children's interests and abilities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care and learning. Both childminders have attended training to ensure their service is up-to-date.

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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 The childminder works with her husband as her co-childminder. They work well as a team meeting the needs of all the children well. The childminder is conscientious and has a good understanding of the National Standards. She is well organised with appropriate policies and procedures in place, however, the complaints procedure is not yet in line with current legislation. Nevertheless they work well in practice to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare. Children's needs are well met because of the good relationships and communication with the parents. Parents are well informed about their child's day and the care provided. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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): • complete a risk assessment on the use of the trampoline in the garden • ensure the complaints procedure is in line with current legislation

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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:

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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 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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