St Austell Sixth Form College

Inspection report for early years provision

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128556 Unique Reference Number 31 August 2007 Inspection date Silvia Richardson 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 was registered with the local authority in 1984 and with Ofsted in 2002. She lives with her husband and adult children. They live in a house close to shops, parks, a library and public transport links. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding one child aged three years on a full-time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have two cats as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The home is clean, comfortable and well organised, promoting children's welfare. Facilities are hygienically maintained and good routines, such as for nappy changing, are minimising the risk of cross infection. The childminder helps children to be healthy, through encouraging them to

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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 wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. Children are well nourished, because the childminder provides a good range and balance of healthy meals, including plenty of vegetables and fresh fruit. Children particularly enjoy grapes and melon and they know these are good for them, because the childminder talks to children about healthy eating. Children enjoy an active lifestyle, because they go for walks regularly and play in the park. They enjoy fresh air and exercise in the garden too and have access to a good range of physical play equipment, helping them to develop balance and co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play safely in the home, because they are well supervised and some good measures are in place to help children stay safe. Gates are fitted across the bottom of the stairs and positioned across the kitchen doorway, so that these areas are inaccessible to children. Fire safety precautions include working smoke alarms and a fire blanket in the kitchen, although it is not fitted appropriately for ease of access and use in the event of a fire. Children can play safely in the garden, because the childminder is always with them, so that she can closely supervise and make sure they use play equipment safely. The garden is not fully enclosed, because the fence panels are missing at the bottom of the garden, compromising children's security. Suitable records are kept, including an accident book, although details are not fully recorded to promote accountability and welfare of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have an excellent range and balance of toys and play materials, helping them to develop well and acquire skills. Resources are very well organised and sorted into sets, so that children can see what is available and help themselves to what they want to do and what they wish to play with. Children enjoy a good variety of play materials, so they are always purposefully and constructively occupied. The childminder takes children out to community groups, library and parks, so that they enjoy a broad range of play and learning experiences. Children have lots of opportunities to mix with others too, helping them to develop social skills. Children enjoy active play times in the back garden, because there is a wide variety of play equipment set out and available to them. The childminder sits and plays with children and talks to them about what they are doing, so that they receive plenty of support, helping them to make good progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Partnerships with parents are well established, so that children's welfare is fully promoted. Written agreements and parental consent are in place, regarding childminding arrangements and activities, so that appropriate care is given. Children's behaviour is managed appropriately and in agreement with parents, ensuring consistency and helping children to behave in desirable ways. The childminder is respectful of parents' wishes and is very willing to meet individual needs and requirements, such as the provision of organic foods. The childminder communicates well with parents, such as by text message and a verbal exchange of information on a daily basis, so that they are well informed of children's welfare, progress and development. The setting reflects diversity and positive images of differences, through provision of dolls, books and puzzles, helping children develop respect and understanding for races and cultures. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder is well prepared to accept children with learning needs, because she has completed

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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 some appropriate training and can use Makaton sign language effectively, helping children to communicate.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Adult members of the household are properly vetted ensuring their suitability to be with children. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has completed training in child protection, so she can safeguard children and respond appropriately as situations may arise. Suitable records are kept including a daily register, so that the childminder accounts for the times children are in her care. The home is very well organised for childminding, so that children have plenty of comfortable floor space to spread out and play. There is ample space for indoor active play, such as dancing and space for quieter activities, art and crafts and role play, so that children's play and learning needs are met well. Furniture and resources are well arranged, so that children may take meals, relax and rest as required. Children's wellbeing is promoted, because routines are child centred. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder keeps up to date records of attendance of minded children, improving accountability.

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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.

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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 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): • promote safety, ensuring the fire blanket is easily accessible in the kitchen and fitted according to manufacturers instructions; ensure the garden is secure and accident records include full details

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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 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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