Smith, Lisa

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY317597 Inspection date 27 June 2006 Inspector Janet Butlin

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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 lives with her husband and three children, two of whom are school aged, in a four bedroom house in the market town of Newton Abbot, in Devon. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding and children may also go upstairs to sleep. There is a fully enclosed front garden for outside play. Registered since February 2006, the childminder may care for up to four children under the age of eight years and there is currently one child enrolled. The family has a pet rabbit, two guinea pigs and one hamster. There are shops, parks, places of interest and schools within walking distance.

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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 good. Children play in a clean house, where daily routines effectively protect them from infection. They learn good hygiene procedures, such as washing their hands before their snacks. They also have their own towels, this helps to protect them from cross infection. They are well protected in an emergency, as the childminder has a current first aid certificate and all consents and systems are in place to respond appropriately. They are also protected by the childminder's rigorous safe practice regarding the administering of medication. Children enjoy healthy snacks, which are nutritionally balanced. Good emphasis is given to promoting the enjoyment of fruit and vegetables. Meals sent from home are prepared in accordance with parent's wishes. Children can access drinks frequently and whenever they want to, this ensures they remain well hydrated. Children enjoy fresh air regularly as they go on outings and walks. They explore the

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Helping children to be healthy

local parks and play in the secure front garden. They are conscientiously protected from the harmful effects of the sun, as the childminder ensures they are wearing their sun-cream and their hats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a well organised environment, where they have sufficient space to play and to rest. They access their playthings easily and play with a good range of resources, all of which are clean and in good condition. They choose their favourite toys from a well presented range of stimulating playthings. The childminder makes good use of local sources to augment her stock of toys and equipment; this ensures that the children always have something fresh and interesting to investigate. Equipment, such as highchairs, are sturdy, clean and safe. Children are generally well protected in the home. The childminder has identified and addressed most hazards, and increasing the risk assessment to include areas not previously used for childminding is an area for development. An accurate record of attendance is maintained, although occasionally children's arrival is not promptly entered. This compromises its effectiveness as a means of knowing who is on the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

premises in the event of an emergency. Children's safety is strengthened by the childminder's secure understanding of the child protection procedures.

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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 are happy and settled in the childminder's home. They demonstrate a warm affection for her and play very well together. Children are lively and extremely interested in the toys and games which are set out for them. They look at books, making attempts to communicate what they can see in the pictures. The childminder reinforces their early communication skills by repeating the words back to them. Children are fascinated by electronic toys, watching in amazement as the forks go up and down on the little fork-lift truck. This encourages them to work things out, for example, that pressing a button makes something else happen. They become competent learners and make connections in their play as they develop their ability to fit puzzle pieces together and carefully pack away the tea set, counting as they do

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

so. Children extend their enjoyment when they go on trips to nearby parks, activity groups and places of interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are known and respected. They develop an awareness of cultural and social diversity in meaningful ways, by playing with toys and looking at books. The childminder has a secure understanding of working closely with parents to provide appropriate support for children with special needs. Children are well behaved and benefit from the childminder's consistent and effective strategies. They co-operate and share well and older children show care and concern for the younger ones. They understand the agreed codes of behaviour, such as helping to tidy away the toys, and respond well to the childminder's calm and sensitive interaction. Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. There is a good communication system, and parents are encouraged to share information about their children's likes, dislikes and stages of development. Systems are in place to help

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Helping children make a positive contribution

parents to take an active interest in the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised environment, where all systems are in place to support their care appropriately. They demonstrate a warm relationship with the childminder who is well qualified, suitable and interested in her work with children. She ensures that all persons who come into contact with the children are suitable to do so, for example, when attending groups or going on outings. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. All regulatory documentation is in place and is used effectively to promote consistent care for children and to share information with parents. The childminder is aware of all the supportive agencies that are available to help her enhance her practice.

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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 Not applicable.

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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): • ensure children's times of arrival are promptly recorded • develop risk assessments and ensure they include the rear garden

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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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