Rebecca Griffiths

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY299507 Inspection date 06 October 2005 Inspector Lynne Stephanie Bowden

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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 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 satisfactory. 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 pre-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. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time and is currently minding 1 child under 5, 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, takes children to the local library and the local park. The family has one pet dog.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of first aid. Comprehensive records are kept of accidents and medicines administered. There are clear policies and procedures in place regarding these and care of sick children. Children are generally protected from cross infection. They use their own drink bottles, individual flannels and the childminder uses disposable gloves during nappy changes. However, the childminder has not established effective hygiene practices as part of children's daily routine. She does not always ensure that children wash their hands at appropriate times and the shared use of a towel could put them at risk of cross infection. Children benefit from the regular opportunities planned to exercise and play outdoors in the fresh air. They play happily out in the garden and go for daily walks. The childminder ensures that children are able to follow their familiar routines, providing

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

opportunities for them to rest and sleep, as they need to. Children enjoy the healthy snacks of fresh fruit, provided by the childminder, which they eat with relish.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are welcomed into the warm, comfortably furnished cottage, where toys are on view and children's work is displayed. Most play takes place in the cosy, front room, where there is enough floor space for children to either play with floor toys or dance to musical toys and tape recordings. There is a large front garden, equipped with suitable ride on toys, slide, swings and sandpit. Children enjoy using and playing with the range of clean, suitable and safe equipment. Toys are stored appropriately, so children can easily see and access them. Toys with small pieces such as puzzles are stored away in a cupboard, where the childminder can control children's access to them. The childminder has considered how to evacuate the premises and sited fire equipment suitably, to protect children from the danger of fire. Areas accessible to children are generally safe. However, children are not protected from the hot surface

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of the solid fuel burner. Children's welfare and wellbeing is protected through the childminder's sound understanding and knowledge of child protection issues.

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 Children are confident and secure with the childminder and her child. The childminder provides a balanced, varied range of activities, which children are familiar with and enjoy. She provides opportunities for children to develop their physical skills as they enjoy playing on wheeled toys in the large garden and enjoy dancing to familiar music indoors. Children enjoy using all their senses as the childminder provides interesting resources and encourages them. They enjoy listening to and exploring sounds as they listen to building bricks being shook and shake and play with bells and musical instruments. Children use opportunities to explore textures, with concentration, as they handle a silky shawl, play dough and a textured book. The childminder encourages children's attempts to communicate. She listens and responds to their

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

attempts to speak and gestures as they point to what they want.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and develop their self confidence as the childminder gives them choices about food and activities, which she respects. Their own methods of comfort are respected, with children able to access their own comforters as they need. The childminder praises their knowledge and achievements, celebrating them in their personal scrap books and in their daily diaries. She introduces children to diversity, different cultures and languages, through their use of multi cultural resources, which she supplements from the toy library. Children behave well. The childminder has established clear simple ground rules and ensures that children are happily occupied and engaged. Partnerships with parents are well fostered. New parents learn about the childminder's service through her clear policies and procedures. She ensures that she has up to date information about children and uses effective contracts. The

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder keeps parents well informed about their children's activities and routines through their daily diaries, including what children eat and drink. She and parents also make time to discuss the day’s events, when they come to collect children, so they can all provide consistent care.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and training. The childminder makes effective use of the limited available space. She provides good quality, interesting and a balanced range of resources. These are suitably stored, so children can find and access them easily. Young children are able to sleep in the travel cot provided for them, and the childminder arranges activities to fit children's routine. All necessary documents to promote the welfare, care and education of children are available and shared appropriately with parents. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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

p.4

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 satisfactory. 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): • reinforce good hygiene practices • protect children from hot surfaces.

p.5

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

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