Childminder in PlymouthOfsted inspection, 5 May 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY311768 Inspection date 05 May 2006 Inspector Karyn Yarnold

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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 son aged seven years, in Hooe, Plymouth. The whole of the house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at anyone time and presently cares for ten children, one who is over eight, during the day and after school. The childminder has use of the family car and is able to transport children to and from the local school. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, the Devon Childminding Association and the Plymouth Childminding

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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 Network. The family have a pet rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very warm and friendly home from home environment, where they learn about the importance of personal hygiene and care. Children are encouraged to develop good hygiene routines as they are helped by the childminder to wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet, and after undertaking messy play. Babies are protected as the childminder ensures that changing mats are sprayed with suitable antibacterial spray after changing nappies. These are disposed of hygienically. Individual paper towels and antibacterial soap, used by children, helps to prevent the risk of cross contamination. Routine cleaning procedures are in place which includes cleaning down kitchen surfaces prior to children attending. This helps prevent the spread of infection. Children are cared for appropriately in the case of accidents as the childminder keeps her first aid training up-to-date. A fully stocked

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Helping children to be healthy

first aid box is maintained in addition to a second one that is kept in the car. Children enjoy a good range of activities, which contribute to their good health and develop their physical skills. They regularly go for walks, where they benefit from fresh air. Children's large muscles are exercised when they attend a Tumble Tot session, where children can balance, climb and practise gym movements. Children are able to rest and relax during quiet times where they can listen to stories. Children and babies who need to sleep can as the childminder has suitable accommodation for this. Children receive regular snacks, drinks and light meals. They are offered a good variety of healthy and nutritious food that includes kiwi fruit, bananas, tomatoes and other fruits. Older children make their own pizzas that they can eat. Light meals, made by the childminder, include, pasta, bean casserole and tuna fish sandwiches

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Helping children to be healthy

on wholemeal bread. Children are offered regular drinks, to sustain their thirst, such as grape and apple juice, cordials and water. These snacks and meals provide children with a balance of food and drink to promote their health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children have access to all of the childminder's home which is very clean and well organised. This allows children to move around freely and independently under the supervision of the childminder. A dedicated play area includes two rooms on the third level of the childminder home. Children are protected from harm as the childminder identifies potential hazards and has made steps to reduce them. For example, a stair gate at the top of the third level is in place, to ensure that children do not fall down the stairs. Babies are made safe when eating as highchairs have suitable harnesses to keep them secure. Fire prevention includes suitable fire blanket and smoke

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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 detection equipment. A clear fire evacuation procedure, displayed on a parents' information board, and which is practised, regularly, ensures that older children, and visitors have an understanding of the procedure to take in the event of a fire. Children independently select toys with guidance from the childminder. They are offered an outstanding range of toys which are clean, of good quality, and which promote equality. For example, they have access to: soft toys, including large cuddly teddy bears; activity mats; musical instruments; trains sets; bucket and spades; role play materials, such as a kitchen with accessories; dolls and plastic small world figures depicting disabilities and people from different occupations. Children's choices are monitored and supervised to ensure toys are safe and appropriate for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

their age and stage of development. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of child protection procedures. Her knowledge of signs and symptoms of possible abuse are sufficient to ensure that children are protected from harm. However, at the time of the inspection, the childminder was not fully aware of procedures to follow in the event of suspected child abuse relating to children, or of allegations being made against herself.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Under three's are very well settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy a wealth of exciting and challenging activities during their stay. These include, drawing and colouring, small world play with train sets, decorating fairy cakes and making bird boxes for Mothering Sunday. They enjoy craft work such as making cards to celebrate Easter and other festivals. They delight in having their hands painted to print and make place mats. Children have opportunities to socialise with children of different ages when attending local children activities centres and childminding groups. They learn about number when counting the number of steps climbed to get to the dedicated playroom and how many pieces of banana they have for their snack. Children listen to stories and spontaneously talk about the noise helicopters, seen through the playroom window, make. They learn about colour as colourful displays of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's work depict 'blue sky', 'pink pig', 'black hat'. Children under three benefit from the childminder's use of the Birth to three matters framework. They are able to experience the world around them by, for example, growing organic vegetables and visiting the zoo. Children have access to a very good range of multicultural resources and those presenting a positive image of people with additional needs. Children play with figures that include a person in a wheelchair, a blind person and people with different occupations, such as a police officer. This enables children to learn about differences. A small selection of soft dolls from countries around the world and multicultural books provides children with an insight into other cultures. Children benefit from the warm relationship they have with the childminder. They are content and settled.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are supported well by the childminder as she liaises closely with parents to gather as much information as possible. For example, younger children with medical needs are cared for sensitively and in accordance with parents’ wishes. The childminder knows the children well and has effective procedures in place to help them settle. Good communication with parents, such as, going home books, supports the childminder in providing continuity of care. Children are encouraged to choose toys and activities that interest them and good behaviour management strategies adopted by the childminder, ensure that children behave well and are responsive to her request to, for example, share books. Children are encouraged to become involved in tidying away toys after they have finished playing with them, which gives them a sense of responsibility, and value the childminder's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

home. Children can easily reach toys and books and are able to display their own work alongside the childminders own child's paintings. This raises their self-esteem. Children's welfare is promoted as all required consent forms are in place.

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children benefit from an excellently organised environment that focuses on children and their needs. For example, toys are easily accessible to children, displayed attractively, and are in good condition. The childminder's diligent organisation of available toys, resources and books ensures that children have a free range and can independently select. A dedicated play area with soft furnishing, child sized furniture and attractive displays, provides children with a child friendly environment in which to play in. Labelling of storage ensures that individual children are catered for in regard to nappy changing. Children's welfare is promoted as the childminder keeps all necessary documentation and records to meet National Standards. She is committed to improving her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues by attending relevant training. She enhances her practice in caring for children by introducing

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Organisation

up-to-date learning programmes for younger children. The quality of the children's play and learning experiences is enhanced by the childminder's commitment to continually improve her practice. The childminder keeps suitable records on children and their attendance. Confidentiality is maintained as children's records are suitable stored. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints 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 There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues

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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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