Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY309132 Inspection date 25 July 2006 Inspector Mandy Black

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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 May 2005. She lives with her husband and daughter aged 18 months old. The family home is semi-detached house with an enclosed rear garden, in Catterick Garrison, near Richmond. Most rooms are used for childminding. She is registered to care for five children, and she currently provides care for two children under eight years, and two children over eight years. Overnight care can be provided for one child under eight years. A school collection and delivery service is offered for Carnagill Community Primary School. Family pets include two dogs and a cat.

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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. Worthwhile, daily physical activity is provided for all children, and they benefit positively from fresh air and plenty of opportunities to run around. Excellent use is made of local parks and children often go for walks in the area. The garden is used regularly and is well-equipped with appropriate play equipment to suit all age groups. Children are protected from infection and are well taken care of if they have an accident or become ill, because the childminder has carefully considered her health and hygiene routines and procedures. She provides detailed written information for parents which ensures that her sickness policy is well implemented and helps children to stay healthy. Children are actively encouraged to wash their hands appropriately after playing outdoors, before they eat and prior to a baking activity. Older children use the antibacterial spray on work surfaces when they are preparing

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Helping children to be healthy

to bake cakes and they talk about the possible dangers of eating raw eggs. Children are well nourished and learn effectively about healthy eating as they make their own fruit smoothies and discuss how good they are for you. They are actively encouraged to help themselves to fresh fruit, such as nectarines and bananas, and have very good access to drinks. For example, older children help themselves freely from the drinks dispenser in the fridge and younger children are frequently offered their drinks by the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very well cared for in a clean, warm and welcoming home that is safe and secure. All safety issues are well considered and all necessary equipment is in place to protect children. A full range of varied resources are available to suit the developmental needs and interests of all minded children. These are clean and in good order, with systems in place to ensure they are regularly checked for safety and comply with safety standards. An excellent range of resources ensures older children are constantly stimulated and encouraged to develop their creativity. The childminder keeps children very safe when outdoors by making sure younger children are securely strapped into buggies. She supports older children's growing independence by encouraging them to walk sensibly, holding on to the buggy as they approach busier roads, and discussing road safety as they go along. Children are

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

very well protected because the childminder is totally clear about her important role in child protection; she is clearly familiar with local procedures and has implemented a detailed policy to share with parents. Children are fully aware of the dangers of fire and are learning effectively how to keep themselves safe, because they carry out regular drills with the childminder. Older children are clearly very aware and tell the inspector that they know what to do

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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 if they hear the smoke alarm and explain their routine. The childminder takes every opportunity to raise children's awareness of possible hazards, such as the danger of the hot oven as they bake cakes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very secure and confident in their surroundings because the childminder provides a very warm welcome and obviously enjoys their company. She is very encouraging and praises children's efforts frequently, which effectively promotes their self-esteem. Children are very talkative, ask plenty of questions and talk freely about their home and family life. They show great interest in what they do. For example, older children enjoy varied and interesting creative resources and make very unusual models with pipe cleaners, feathers and cocktail umbrellas. Children respond to challenge as they count how many spoonfuls make 30 millilitres when using a five millilitre spoon for baking. They think carefully about what they are doing as they complete number books outdoors. Younger children have suitable opportunities to learn through their senses, such as scrunching paper and enjoying musical toys, but their developmental needs are not

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

fully extended. Younger children respond excitedly to the older children and the childminder's cheerful, enthusiastic interaction with them. They smile and laugh a lot, making plenty of sounds. Older children demonstrate caring attitudes towards the younger children and support them with their activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel a strong sense of belonging and are evidently secure and happy in their surroundings. For example, all children approach the childminder with confidence, and younger children reach out their arms to be held. The childminder acknowledges the children's first language and is learning key Slovak words, in liaison with parents. Children become aware of wider society as they access a range of appropriate resources that reflect diversity and different lifestyles. Children respond well to secure and consistent boundaries for behaviour that the childminder has in place. Good manners are strongly encouraged and children cooperate well with the childminder as she asks them to help tidy away the paints. She gives children clear explanations, negotiates taking turns well when baking, and deals very skilfully with disputes between siblings, using entirely appropriate strategies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Successful relationships with parents ensure that the childminder has a good, working knowledge and understanding of the needs of individual children. She shares information very effectively and provides useful written information about all aspects of her childminding service, including detailed policies for all parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. The adult to child ratio and group size positively supports children’s care, learning and play. The childminder supervises children well and organises her routine so that all children participate in worthwhile and enjoyable activities. She has a good regard for safety and ensures all visitors to the home are never left unsupervised with minded children. Mandatory documentation is all in very good order and stored with a high regard for confidentiality. The childminder has written and adopted a full range of user-friendly policies and procedures, which she shares very effectively with all parents. They work well in practice to promote good outcomes for children and accurately reflect her working practice. Overall the provision meets the needs of the range of the 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): • extend activities to support younger children's development, in line with the aspects and approach described in the Birth to three matters framework.

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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 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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