Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY261837 Inspection date 12 April 2006 Inspector Sally Hall

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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 2003. She works with her husband who is a separately registered childminder. They live in a detached bungalow in Pinhoe. The whole home is used when minding and children are able to play in the front and rear garden. A child sleeping overnight has a separate bedroom. The childminder is currently caring for two children, the arrangements are part time; no children were present during the inspection. The childminder takes the younger children to a toddler group and to visit local play areas and places of interest, and is able to walk to a nearby farm. They have one dog

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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 which is kept outside when minded children are present. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a generally clean environment where sound procedures are followed to minimise the risk of infection to children. They learn about the importance of washing hands before meals, and the childminder is aware of the importance of promoting appropriate hygiene procedures when changing babies' nappies. Children's continuity of care is supported and documentation is in place to ensure that children receive appropriate care in the event of accidents. Clear procedures are in place should a child be unwell and documentation is properly recorded and countersigned. Children's dietary needs are known, they have a nutritional diet and the childminder knows their likes and dislikes and provides children with foods that they enjoy. Menus are shared with parents and fruit is encouraged. Children enjoy fresh air on a regular basis, they are able to play in the gardens and the childminder takes them on walks

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Helping children to be healthy

to nearby parks, farm and places of interest. They go to a Toddler Group on a regular basis, giving children the opportunity to interact with other children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have sufficient space to play and rest and move freely between the rooms which are organised to provide a satisfactory environment. Due to the layout children are easily supervised at all times. They have access to an appropriate range of toys and resources which are easily accessible for children to select. The childminder has recently moved to the premises and is taking appropriate safety precautions within the home and gardens to ensure a safe environment. Children's safety is further supported by the childminder's secure knowledge for dealing with child protection and the improved documentation and her training in first aid.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have a range of play opportunities to encourage their development and individual interests. They cook on a regular basis and often follow this through into role-play where they have tea parties. They also enjoy setting up tents indoors and using tunnels to support their role-play. Children are encouraged and praised. They

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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 learn about capacity in their water play, and have opportunities to explore and investigate in the garden. Children's awareness of the world about them is encouraged by regular local outings and through listening to tapes in various languages. Children have a range of opportunities to experiment with craft materials and different textures. Children's individual routines are followed and younger children are cared for well. Their development will be supported further with the childminder increasing her knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are encouraged to share and take turns, and good social skills are encouraged. Children's individual needs are known and equality of opportunity is promoted well. The childminder has a sound understanding of caring for children with special needs and the importance of working with parents to ensure consistency of care. Children's parents are kept well-informed through daily discussions regarding the day their child has had and the improved written agreements ensure children are cared for in accordance with parents' wishes. The childminder has received positive feedback from parents and appreciation of the care she has provided for their child. Children behave well and the childminder has clear boundaries that are followed. Children receive praise and encouragement and the childminder is confident in implementing effective behaviour strategies.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises the time children are minded to ensure individual routines are followed and that children have a range of play opportunities to encourage their development. The rooms are set up in readiness for the children prior to their arrival. Documentation has been improved to ensure all regulatory consents are in place and children's attendance is reliably recorded. Documentation is shared with parents to ensure they are kept well-informed and their wishes respected and written agreements are in place and followed. This includes systems in place in relation to health and safety to ensure children are protected. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The outcome of the previous inspection was inadequate. The childminder was given actions to: improve documentation; ensure parents countersign records of any

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Improvements 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 accidents; and keep a daily record of attendance including times, of children minded and the childminder responsible for their care. To establish and maintain all regulatory documentation and consents. This has been implemented and shared with parents and ensures appropriate documentation is in place to support children's placements. The improvements made have resulted in a satisfactory outcome.

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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 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): • increase knowledge of Birth to three matters framework to support younger children's development

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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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