Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY278683 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2007 Inspection date Sara Bailey 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 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and four years of age, in the village of Sampford Peverell in Devon. She occasionally works with an assistant. She lives in a bungalow situated in a cul-de-sac, close to local amenities such as the school, pre-school and park. All areas of the home are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. There are currently eight children on roll, six of whom are under the age of eight years and attend on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is promoted through the childminder's established routines. For example, children wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Each child has an individual towel, which prevents the risk of cross infection. The home is clean, well maintained and well ventilated to further promote children's good health. All accident and medication records are accurate and countersigned by parents. The childminder has recently updated her first aid training and has a comprehensive first aid kit readily available to deal with minor accidents.

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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 Children greatly benefit from the childminder's knowledge of healthy eating and homemade, nutritious snacks and meals. For example, children enjoy homemade lasagne, tuna burgers and casseroles. Fruit and vegetables are promoted with meals and as snacks. Children are offered regular drinks of water and juice as well as their beakers being easily accessible throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily outside play to promote their physical development. Toddlers are encouraged to walk whenever possible to develop their large motor skills, older children have open access to the garden where they play on a range of age appropriate equipment on the lawn. Wheeled toys are enjoyed, with supervision on the pavements in the quiet cul-de-sac.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are generally very safe within the home as most hazards have been identified and addressed through a detailed written risk assessment. However, poisonous plants are accessible in the garden and a key left in the bathroom lock are potential hazards to children's safety. The childminder talks to the children about road safety and the importance of walking rather than running inside. This increases their knowledge of safety and helps children to take responsibility for their own safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can easily access a wide range of toys stored in low units within the designated conservatory or from the children's' bedrooms, with supervision. The childminder is aware of the car seat belt laws and uses both her own car seats and those of the parents to ensure children are correctly transported.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder is knowledgeable about all aspects of child protection. She has recently completed a training course and has experience of the correct procedures to follow in the event of being concerned about a child, through her involvement in a local pre-school.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and relaxed at the childminder's. They form positive relationships with the childminder and her own children. Older children play harmoniously together in the bedrooms, which are easily supervised due to the layout of the bungalow. The childminder interacts well with the children and ensures they are busy and happy. They occupy themselves with the other children, seeking little help or support from her as they are settled and fully engaged in activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Younger children are appropriately supported with age appropriate activities linked to the Birth to three matters framework. The childminder highlights different aspects of the framework to concentrate on each week with each of the children, using the cards to help her focus on specific activities, language or ideas. Each child has a named pointer on the Birth to three matters poster displayed, to show which aspect is being explored to meet specific individual needs. Children's routines are given the utmost importance. For example, eating and sleeping times from home are adhered to. This ensures consistency of care and helps young children feel secure and settled.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about diversity through everyday activities and discussions. For example, children enjoy books, dolls and play people from different cultures. The childminder answers questions from children as they naturally occur. Boys and girls have equal access to all toys and equal opportunities is promoted positively. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. Specific knowledge is sought from the parents to ensure that the childminder is meeting the children's individual needs appropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved and show respect for each other and their belongings. The childminder is a positive role model. For example, she talks to the children with respect and explains things clearly. She praises and encourages children. For example, the childminder tells the children that they have made wonderful Lego models but also checks out that they are happy themselves with their achievements and suggests ways to improve if appropriate. She is very aware of the importance of building children's self esteem but also to help children develop their skills further.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from positive partnerships between the childminder and their parents. For example, the childminder interacts informally at the beginning and end of each day to ensure children's individual needs are met effectively and daily routines are adhered to. All parents are given a copy of the complaints poster and contracts are updated regularly. All records are countersigned and written consent is obtained to cover a variety of situations.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children of all ages benefit from the childminder's effective organisation of time, space and resources. For example, older children enjoy special time with the childminder whilst young children are sleeping, older children are allowed to play outside on scooters and bicycles, in the cul-de-sac with direct supervision when they request, after a day at school. Young children's daily routines are respected and taken into account alongside the planned activities. Time allows for children to be independent and dress themselves.

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Organisation

All documentation is in place and the childminder is aware of the additional records needing to be maintained by employing an assistant. The daily register is clear and accurate, the registration certificate is displayed and evidence of household members' suitability is held on file. Confidential records are stored within a locked filing cabinet. The childminder is very conscientious. She completes regular self evaluations and detailed risk assessments with a critical eye to further improve the outcomes for children in her care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last care inspection it was agreed to address two recommendations, relating to toys which promote equal opportunities and ensuring that written parental consent is obtained for seeking emergency medical treatment. Both have been appropriately addressed. The childminder has several toys and books, which enable children to learn about diversity. All children have written, parental consent on file for seeking emergency medical treatment. This promotes their good health.

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Improvements 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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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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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 the bathroom lock and poisonous plants are made inaccessible to children.

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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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