Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY346698 Unique Reference Number 01 May 2007 Inspection date Christine Powlesland 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 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 2007. She lives with her children aged 12, seven and six years in the town of Tavistock. The whole of the house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five and four children after school, all of whom attend on a part time basis. She is able to transport children to the local school, parks, shops and amenities. A rabbit lives in a hutch in the garden and is the family pet.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification, level 3, in Early Years Care and Education. She is a member of the Devon Childminding Association and the National Childminding Association.

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 thrive as high priority is given to their individual needs. For example, personal resting and sleeping routines are followed and children's dietary and medical needs are known and met. Children's health needs are closely supported through the use of clear documentation systems that keep parents fully informed of accidents and the administration of any medication or first aid. The childminder ensures her home is always well maintained and clean to help prevent infection. She also follows a written rota to ensure toys and equipment are kept clean. Children enjoy daily excursions outside the home so that they benefit from fresh air and exercise. The childminder has recently attended first aid training to update her knowledge. Children's well-being is supported as the childminder has ensured that she has the necessary written parental permission to seek medical advice and treatment in an emergency.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children bring packed lunch boxes, which are stored in the refrigerator. The childminder provides a main cooked evening meal she serves early in the evening to help prevent children snacking. A daily diary shows children enjoy a very healthy diet with well-balanced meals, which include three portions of fruit and vegetables each day. Menus are available for parents to see. Drinks are readily available to children at all times. The childminder has ensured that information on any food allergies or special dietary needs is sought and recorded when children first begin to attend. Emotional well-being is given high priority and the childminder ensures that babies are always cuddled and talked to as they are bottle fed.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a well maintained environment. They benefit from the sound attention given to minimising hazards in the home. The home is kept secure and all children are supervised satisfactorily. Young children enjoy using suitable toys, which are in good condition. Equipment, such as a safety gate and a fixed fireguard, is satisfactorily maintained. However, there are hazardous plants in the garden which children could access. Children's safety is supported by the childminder’s sound understanding of child protection procedures.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children settle well with the childminder. They enjoy suitable, flexible daily activities and playtimes. Babies' sleep routines are woven into the daily routine so that their individual rhythms are respected. The day usually includes a trip out of the home, for example, a walk to local parks and play areas. The childminder makes good use of the local toy library to extend a variety of play provision for the children, for example babies enjoy exploring a treasure box. Photographs show older children concentrating on playing table tennis and making Christmas cakes.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder’s sound knowledge of their individual needs and preferences. Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. Both parties work together to support the children's care and welfare. Informal, oral exchanges of information

p.3

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 support this, and useful written information has been recorded. Behaviour management is satisfactory. The childminder uses techniques, such as distraction, praise and encouragement, which are appropriate for children's ages and stages of development. Children have some opportunity to develop an understanding of the wider world as the childminder talks with the older children and borrows cultural dressing up clothes from the toy library. However, overall there are limited resources reflecting diversity.

p.3

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. They are cared for in a well-organised environment where adults have been appropriately vetted. The childminder has obtained helpful paperwork and has a sound means of recording information. She has suitable early years qualifications and previous experience of working with children. She continues to attend training to improve her practice. Good attention has been given to documentation needed to underpin the children's safety, care and welfare.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.4

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.4

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 hazardous plants are inaccessible to children, in particular the ivy • increase resources reflecting diversity.

p.4

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.4

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.4