Nuciforo, Jennifer

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY306267 Inspection date 23 June 2006 Inspector Nicola Jayne Pascoe

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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 one pre-school aged child, in Longdowns, near Penryn, in Cornwall. The ground floor of the property 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 any one time and is currently minding one child on a full time basis throughout the week. She attends the local toy library and library. The family has a 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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and Cornwall Childminding Association (CCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. Suitable procedures are followed to maintain children's health, both indoors and out. Babies nappies are changed and disposed of hygienically. Children and babies are able to rest and sleep in comfort. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. The first aid kit is suitably stocked. Accident records show that injured children are treated appropriately. Written parental consent is obtained to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. Medication is stored and administered in agreement with parents. Children and babies individual dietary needs are met appropriately. The childminder promotes a positive attitude to promoting healthy eating habits. She is aware of the importance of providing fresh drinking water, freely and regularly, to all children. Children and babies receive a sufficient quantity of food to meet their individual

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Helping children to be healthy

needs. Food is stored, served and prepared hygienically. Children and babies learn about keeping healthy through regular daily exercise indoors and out. They enjoy fresh air in the garden and surrounding fields. Babies develop their large and fine motor skills and coordination, when exploring the activity and music centre.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a well organised, child centred environment, where they are able to move freely and safely. The childminder follows a comprehensive written risk assessment. Daily visual checks of the environment, equipment and resources, identify and minimise any risks to children. Children are well supervised at all times. Procedures are in place to ensure that children are collected by authorised persons. Fire safety equipment is available and maintained regularly. Written fire evacuation procedures are in place. Children enjoy free access to a wide range of suitable and safe toys and resources. Age appropriate equipment is used to maintain safety and promote children and babies independence. Children and babies are safeguarded by the childminder's knowledge of child protection procedures. The childminder is familiar with the relevant publications, action to take and agencies to contact if necessary. Children

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and babies are transported safely on regular outings.

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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 and babies benefit from access to a varied, interesting and age appropriate range of activities, which contribute to their overall development. They are very well settled, confident and happy. They enjoy good levels of interaction with the childminder. For example, when babies wriggle and move to activate the music to play, the childminder provides high levels of support and encouragement. Children and babies benefit from the childminder's participation in their chosen activity. She interacts appropriately and they communicate enthusiastically with one another, through body language and facial expressions. Children and babies are encouraged to rest and relax as required. They benefit from opportunities to participate in physical exercise either indoors or out on a regular

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

basis. They make good use of the outdoor environment to explore wildlife and experience the changing weather and seasons. Children and babies receive a well-balanced range of experiences throughout the day, which effectively promotes their learning and development of skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children and babies are supported well by the childminder, who demonstrates a sound understanding of their individual needs. She is aware of their individual preferences and plans to provide activities they will particularly enjoy. Children and babies receive appropriate levels of support and supervision. They have free access to a suitable range of resources, with which to develop their positive understanding and awareness of people's differences. The childminder demonstrates an ability to provide support for children with disabilities. Children and babies benefit from the childminder's knowledge and positive approach to behaviour management. She is a good role model. She uses age appropriate strategies to reinforce good levels of behaviour. Children and babies are well stimulated, busy and occupied at all times. The childminder recognises the importance of working closely with parents. She makes appropriate levels of written

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Helping children make a positive contribution

information available. The childminder and parents engage in daily discussion when children are collected. Suitable contracts and records forms are used. Written daily diaries are shared with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge, experience and skills. She keeps up to date with her knowledge of childcare and changes in regulations. Children and babies are cared for in a well organised, safe and comfortable environment. Familiar daily routines are followed which effectively promote children's confidence. Suitable contingency plans are in place in the event of an emergency. Children's records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. Registration systems record the times of arrival and departure of the children attending. Records

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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 are updated regularly and shared appropriately with parents. Documentation is readily available for inspection. Overall the setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 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): • implement the Birth to three matters framework.

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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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