Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300706 Inspection date 14 July 2005 Inspector Christine Powlesland

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and their two children aged seven and five years. They live in a three bed-roomed, three storey house, close to local shops, library, park and schools. The whole of the first floor and one bedroom and bathroom on the second floor are used for minding. There is a large open plan lounge/dining room with direct access to a kitchen and hall. There is a bathroom available for use on the ground floor. The family have a pet rabbit, a guinea pig and goldfish.

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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. She is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding five children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example pushing the pram around the garden and helping to peg out the washing. Regular visits are made to the local park to improve children's physical skills. The younger children join in activities enthusiastically and are confident to ask for help when needed. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. This is well ventilated on hot days to keep the children cool. Children learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine, discussing why a changing mat is used to prevent contamination, however children did not wash their hands before eating fruit at snack time. Children are learning to meet emotional needs in role play situations and they care for the family pets in the daily routine, feeding a carrot to the rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Drinks are readily available throughout the day and younger children are prompted to drink when the weather is hot. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a safe home where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around indoors and in the adjacent garden safely, freely and independently. Children's safety is monitored when outside the home. Children independently select activities from a range of good quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are safe and age appropriate. The childminder has all the required procedures and documentation in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder has formed close links with another childminder living nearby to ensure in an emergency situation the needs of the children are met

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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 settle well at the childminders house. They are confident and make themselves at home. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities which appeal to them. The play provided reflects the moods of the children, quiet activities or boisterous play offered to meet their needs. Imaginative play is enjoyed with children engrossed in caring for a doll, ensuring it was fed, changed and taken for a walk in the pram. The childminder encourages conversation, helping to increase the emergent speech of the younger children by including new words and speaking clearly and slowly. Children listen with concentration to stories and questioning is used to encourage the children to think. Children spend their time purposefully. They enjoy drawing activities, feeding the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

family pets and laugh with delight when watching the fish in the pond.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase the children's awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example using the library to obtain books showing differing lifestyles, as well as routine outings to the local park, school, and shops. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Their needs are well met as they follow their daily routine as discussed with parents. They help take responsibility for routine tasks, such as helping with the laundry. Children behave very well. They make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do and helping themselves to drinks. They have time to relax as well as be active and enjoy the close contact of cuddles during story times.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease within the well organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. Children's needs are clearly identified through suitable organised documents that are completed and discussed with parents. Information is shared daily with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their children's activities. This contributes to continuity in the children's care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Complaints 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

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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): • ensure children are encouraged to learn about personal hygiene through the daily routine, in particular ensure children wash their hands before eating

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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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