Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY299507 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2006 Inspection date Nicola Jayne Pascoe Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her partner and primary-school aged child, in Trewellard, near Pendeen, in Cornwall. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five, on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group, and takes children to the local library and the local park. The family has a pet dog.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the Cornwall Childminding Association (CCMA) and National Childminding Association (NCMA).

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a clean and well maintained environment. Suitable written policies are available to parents. Children learn the importance of keeping healthy through established daily routines, such as washing hands before eating meals and snacks and after outdoor play. They have use of their own hand towel and flannel. Children 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.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet. The childminder provides well-balanced and nutritious meals for the children attending. Fresh fruit is offered at snack time. They receive a sufficient quantity of food to meet their individual needs. Children have free access to drinking water throughout the day. Children learn about keeping healthy through regular daily exercise indoors and out. They enjoy fresh air in the garden, on the beach and at the local park.

p.3

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. Children are collected by authorised persons. Daily visual checks of the environment, equipment and resources identify and minimise any risks to children. The childminder has developed and implemented a suitable written risk assessment. Children are well supervised at all times. Fire safety equipment is available and maintained regularly. Fire evacuation procedures have been developed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children enjoy free access to a wide range of suitable toys and resources. They can safely and independently make choices. Age appropriate safety equipment is available. Children 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 are transported safely on regular outings to local parks, beaches and social groups.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children 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 children enjoy a craft activity, the childminder provides high levels of support and encouragement. Children benefit from the childminder's participation in their chosen activity as she interacts well and communicates enthusiastically. Children have free access to a wide range of both man-made and natural materials.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to rest and relax as required. They benefit from opportunities to participate in active physical exercise either indoors or out on a regular basis. They make good

p.3

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 use of the outdoor environment to explore wildlife; they are particularly excited to find a spider in the garden. They are confident to initiate activities, to which the childminder eagerly responds. The childminder has developed some written plans of themes and activities to follow. Children receive a well-balanced range of experiences throughout the day, which promotes their learning and development of skills.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are supported well by the childminder, who demonstrates a sound understanding of their individual needs. She is aware of their preferences and plans to provide activities they will particularly enjoy. Children receive good 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 cultural differences. However, there are no resources which effectively promote their awareness and understanding of people's differing abilities.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's positive approach to behaviour management. She is a good role model. She uses age appropriate strategies to reinforce good levels of behaviour. Children are well stimulated, busy and occupied at all times. The childminder recognises the importance of working closely with parents. She generally provides suitable levels of written information. However, parents are not provided with sufficient levels of information regarding the procedure to be followed should they have any concerns. The childminder and parents engage in daily discussion when children are collected. A written daily diary is provided for younger children. Appropriate contracts and records forms are used.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge, experience and skills. The childminder is committed to ongoing training and development. Children 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.

p.4

Organisation

Children's records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained. Records are updated regularly and shared appropriately with parents. Documentation is well organised and readily available for inspection. The childminder has developed a suitable range of written policies and procedures. Registration systems clearly record the times of arrival and departure of the children attending. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was satisfactory. There were two recommendations agreed, relating to Standard 6: Safety and Standard 7: Health. The childminder was required to reinforce good hygiene practices. Children are now encouraged to wash their hands at regular and appropriate times. They have use of their own, individual hand towel and flannel. It was

p.4

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 also recommended that children be protected from hot surfaces. Children do not now have access to any hot surfaces. The ray burn has been removed and will soon be replaced with a wood burner, which children will not be able to access, as a secured guard will be fitted.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • provide children with a suitable and sufficient range of resources and visual aids, with which to positively promote their awareness and understanding of people's differing abilities • provide parents with sufficient levels of information regarding the procedure to be followed should they have any concerns.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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

p.5