Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343537 Unique Reference Number 12 September 2007 Inspection date Valerie Button Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her partner and under-school- aged daughter in the market town of Holsworthy. Family pets are fish in a tank. Registration is to care for four children under eight years old. The whole of the ground floor and the back bedroom on the first floor are used for childminding. Toilet facilities are on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are currently two children on roll. The childminder is a member of Devon Childminding Association (DCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a clean home environment. Satisfactory systems have been established to record accidents and any medication given to children: no entries have been made to these so far. Appropriate attention has been given to recording any existing injuries children have when they arrive at the childminder's; however, these are not always sufficiently accurate. Children's well-being is supported by the childminder's first aid training

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 and by the fact that she has ensured that she has the necessary parental permission to seek medical advice and treatment in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Flexible arrangements are agreed with parents to support their children's nutrition, for example, young babies bring prepared bottles of milk: these are stored in the fridge and carefully warmed before babies are cuddled to be carefully fed. Older children enjoy snacks and meals with the family. Children's well-being is supported because the childminder's ensures she has appropriate systems in place to record any allergies or special dietary needs. The childminder is aware of the need to register with the local authority as a food provider, but this has yet to be accomplished.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have sufficient space, both indoors and out, to enjoy their play. Appropriate attention has been given to minimising hazards in the home, for example, safety locks have been fitted to kitchen cupboards and safety gates are in place at the top and bottom of stairs. Resources used by children are clean and soundly maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety arrangements are very appropriate for the ages of the children currently minded. Children are kept safe by diligent supervision, with the childminder being closely involved with the children when they are awake. Frequent checks are made whilst they are sleeping, as well as use of a baby listening monitor.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Equipment to support fire safety is maintained, including smoke alarms and a fire blanket. The childminder has produced a basic floor plan of the house and has practised emergency evacuation of the premises with her family. She has not, however, practised when minded children are present, in order to confirm its feasibility.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is supported by the childminder's sound understanding of child protection procedures and by the ready accessibility of guidance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's sound understanding of their developmental needs. She ensures that she is prepared for babies' arrival by setting out appropriate toys and equipment. They benefit from the good levels of attention she is then able to give to supporting their care and development. Children enjoy appropriate activities in a calm, homely, caring environment. They are able to freely choose items, such as role play resources, books and toys. Their sleeping routines are discussed with parents to support their continuity of care. Their activities at the childminder's home are recorded to inform their parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's sound knowledge of their individual needs and developmental stages. Children are cared for in accordance with their parent's wishes: informal, oral exchanges of information support this, and useful written information has been recorded. A written diary of activities is maintained to inform parents about their child's care and activities

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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 at the childminder's home. Rules for expected behaviour have been devised for children to follow.

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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 home where all adults have been suitably vetted. Practical organisation of the children's play activities is sound, with suitable items being prepared and ready for children's arrival. Documentation needed to underpin the children's care and welfare is efficiently filed. However, since attending initial childminding and first aid courses, no other training has been attended by the childminder, in order to further develop her childminding practice and keep abreast of current developments in childcare.

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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.

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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.

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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 satisfactory. 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): • practise emergency evacuation of the premises when minded children are present • develop childminding practice by attending further training • register as a food provider with the local authority.

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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

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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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