Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319949 Inspection date 12 September 2006 Inspector Juliet Eileen Hartridge

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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 who registered in 2006 lives with her partner and young child in Exeter, within walking and driving distance of local schools and other amenities. Children play downstairs and in the fully enclosed rear garden and rest upstairs. The childminder is registered to care for a total of five children under eight years, of whom no more than two may be aged under five years, and may care for one child overnight. The childminder is currently caring for a total of two children. The family have three dogs who do not have direct access to children.

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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 are well cared for in a clean and well maintained family environment. They are well protected from infection as they have their own towels and flannels, and wash their hands before eating. Their parents are well informed about the childminder's sickness policy and any emergency arrangements. Sensible arrangements for the family dogs ensure that children are safe when they play outside. Documentation is carefully maintained which supports children's good health, including accident and medication records and parental consents for emergency medical treatment. Children benefit from regular daily exercise, including running in the park or walks in the woods as well as outdoor play at home on trikes, a slide or tunnel. Their familiar sleep patterns and arrangements are carefully followed and this ensures their care is consistent. Children have a well balanced and varied diet, and are offered healthy

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Helping children to be healthy

choices and treats, for example small individual boxes of raisins instead of sweets. They enthusiastically enjoy a healthy snack of bread sticks and well presented fruit, and have good opportunities to try new foods following careful consultation with parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The environment is welcoming and safe for children. The front door is securely locked and chained. The toys are regularly cleaned, varied and in good condition and are stored where children can safely access them. Children are well protected from the dangers of fire as there is an appropriately situated fire blanket, smoke detectors on each floor, and the fire evacuation plan has been practised. Children are safe when they travel in the car as they are secured in appropriate children's seats, and the childminder has up to date knowledge about new legislation regarding seat belts. Potential risks in the home have generally been well identified, as there are well designed gates at the top and bottom of the stairs and a fire guard in place. However although children are unable to access cleaning materials in the kitchen, the drawer containing knives and other sharp implements has not been secured and is

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

accessible to children. Children are well protected from harm as the childminder is aware of her responsibilities to protect children in her care. She has a good understanding of appropriate child protection procedures and is intending to complete further training this year.

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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 The provision is good. Children are confident, happy and well cared for. They are familiar with the daily routine and are settled and secure with the childminder. Children enjoy exploring and playing with a good variety of play resources appropriate for their ages and stage of development. Some of these are made from natural materials, for example wooden train tracks, bricks and bead frame. Children enjoy creative activities including painting, crayoning and play dough which are available every day. Toys are stored in the two play areas and rotated for variety, where children can easily choose. However although there is a wide range of books, children do not have regular opportunities to handle and select them as they are mainly stored in an inaccessible cupboard. Children's imaginations are stimulated

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

when they dress up or play with dolls or listen and dance to music. Children enjoy interesting, enjoyable and well planned outings, including visits to other childminders who live on farms. The childminder is warm and cheerful and this helps create a friendly and relaxed environment for children. She uses her knowledge of Birth to three matters framework, to plan some interesting activities for younger children, including exploring treasure baskets. Children's developing language is encouraged when the childminder counts their hands or chats to them about colours or size whilst they play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of the individual needs and interests of the children in her care, which helps her plan appropriate activities and outings. Boys and girls are encouraged to pursue their individual interests when they select toys to play with. They learn about the wider community when they play with ethnic dolls or look at books depicting different cultures. The childminder has a sound understanding of learning difficulties or disabilities and the importance of sensitive discussion with parents and carers if there are any concerns. Children play happily and harmoniously together and are learning to share; they are warmly praised when they do well or help to put toys away. Good manners are encouraged and the childminder is positive, clear and firm regarding her expectations, for example to play safely and not climb on furniture. Children feel valued as their art work is displayed, or carefully dated for their parents and carers to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

take home. The childminder communicates effectively with parents and carers. They are well informed about her policies and routines when they read her information pack, and the simple, friendly information leaflet which is given to all parents. Parents and carers are assured their children are cared for according to their wishes when they complete the children's information forms and contracts. Information about the plans for the day are shared when the children arrive, and feedback on the day is given at the end of the day, this helps to promote parents and carers involvement in their

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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 children's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for in a well organised environment. Good use is made of the sitting room for floor play and dining room for creative activates. The outdoor area is well designed with the safety of children in mind, and further improvements are planned. Children are well supervised at all times. The childminder who is an experienced child carer, is interested in training and consolidating her knowledge which further enhances the care of children. She has current first aid training, and has undertaken the foundation and Birth to three matters courses, and has plans for further training this year. The childminder has a well organised approach to documentation, which is carefully and confidentially maintained in the children's individual files to ensure children are well cared for. This includes consent forms and records of information. Her registration certificate is appropriately displayed, and daily register properly

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Organisation

maintained. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards. 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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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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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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 that knives and other sharp objects are not accessible to children in the kitchen • ensure that a selection of books are easily accessible to children where they can freely choose.

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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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