Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY264003 Unique Reference Number 10 December 2007 Inspection date Judith Harris 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 in 2003. She lives with her partner who is also a registered childminder and two children, aged seven and nine, in the North Devon town of Torrington. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local groups and takes children to the local library, to local parks and to the common.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has experience of supporting children with learning difficulties. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five. The family has a dog and two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children use hygiene routines they go to wash their hands before eating and when they come in from play or after using the toilet. The childminder supports the children to develop good

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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 levels of independence with their own hygiene. The childminder uses appropriate health and hygiene routines when changing nappies. The childminder maintains good hygiene throughout the day and her home is clean and well organised. Children have quiet times and active times within the daily routine. The childminder talks to parents to agree routines with them and children's individual needs for rest and sleep are met within the daily routine.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a very good range of balanced and healthy meals and snacks. The childminder works with the parents, who provide packed lunches for the children. The childminder ensures that children have fruit snacks twice a day and the children clearly relish their fruit. The childminder talks to parents and takes information about any allergies or dietary restrictions children may have. Children have drinks available in their own cups at all times.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children take part in an extensive range of outings and have daily outdoor play opportunities. Children can play in the garden and the childminder takes the children out to the local area. Children go to the park and the common for walks. Children walk as much as possible on outings and to and from school. The range of outdoor play supports children to develop their physical skills and provide opportunities for daily exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Childminder holds a current first aid certificate which means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a clean and well organised environment. The childminder clearly identifies any risks to children within the home and takes effective steps to minimise these. The childminder uses an suitable range of safety and fire safety equipment. The sitting room is provided as play space for the children. They have a good amount of clear floor space and move safely and independently. Children sit safely at the dining table for snacks and meals. The childminder works with her partner, who is also registered, and this allows a very good level of supervision at all times for the children. Children are able to play together with support from the childminder which does not intrude on their play. Children play outside in the garden where they have safe access to a range of age appropriate equipment. Risk assessments are done for outings and the childminder checks the areas they visit for any hazards. Children walk on outings wherever

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

possible and younger children can travel in a buggy. Children's safety is supported on outings they are learning to use good road safety practise. Children sleep in the first floor bedroom and the childminder has a intercom in the sitting room and makes frequent checks on any sleeping children. The childminder has a risk assessment system but does not clearly show dates when it is carried out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children play with a wide range of toys, equipment and resources. The childminder has effective systems to ensure toys are safe and clean at all times. Children have safe access to the play materials and resources allowing them to choose freely from the range provided. The childminder carefully monitors the children's choice to ensure that they play safely. Toys and equipment are set out on the floor for the younger children and they can easily access them. Children are learning about keeping themselves safe and the childminder talks to the children about not running in the house for safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder is familiar with the paperwork and procedures for recording and reporting child protection issues.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are well settled and happy in the childminder’s care. They are nurtured and supported through the warm and caring relationships they have with the childminder. Children are provided with a wide range and good balance of activities and experiences that are effectively meeting their individual needs. The play is very child led and the children have time and space to explore and investigate through play. The childminder engages enthusiastically with the children while they play, talking to them about the activities. Children’s development is consistently encouraged by the childminder, who makes very effective use of her interaction with them to support their learning. The childminder sits with the children at activities and talks to them about their play. She uses very good descriptive language and open questions to encourage the children to be confident language users. The childminder continues to talk with the children while they play

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

or have snacks and meals. She constantly encourages them by praising their achievements. Children are confident and motivated, they clearly thrive in this environment. The childminder effectively organises the day to ensure the children have time and space for different types of play and to take part in a comprehensive range of activities. The planning includes time for outdoor play and visits to the local area and parks and the common. The childminder has made herself familiar with the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes a comprehensive range of information from the parents to ensure she knows each child well and is effective in meeting their individual needs. Throughout the child’s stay with the childminder she continues to share information about what the children are doing each day and their progress and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and settled with the childminder and they have a clear sense of belonging. Children are learning about their local community through regular outings. Children are learning about the wider world through a suitable range of activities. Children have looked at different festivals throughout the year. The childminder is confident about caring for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. She has a clear understanding of the different levels of care children may need to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved and positive behaviour is effectively supported by the childminder. Children are beginning to learn about sharing and taking turns and the childminder actively encourages them to think about each others feelings. The childminder has good knowledge of each individual child. She knows what may cause them to become frustrated or upset and is vigilant for any signs. All behaviour management strategies are agreed with parents. The childminder is a very positive role model for the children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good partnerships with parents. She provides information for parents at admission about the service, which includes policies and procedures. Clear information is taken from parents to ensure the childminder knows each child's individual routines. This information supports the childminder to effectively meet children's needs. Regular informal discussions with parents ensure information is exchanged. The childminder talks to parents about the children's day and all records are effectively shared.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The service provided by the childminder is very effectively organised. There are records in place for all children cared for. These records are well maintained and stored confidentially. Records are effectively shared with parents and this ensures children's welfare is clearly well supported. A good two-way flow of information ensures continuity of care. Children are comfortable and safe in the well organised play space. The toys and equipment are stored to allow children very good access to toys that are suitable for their ages. Children know the daily routines well and know where to find the toys or their drinks while they play. There have been no changes to the childminder's household and all necessary checks are in place.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has met the recommendations set at the previous inspection. She has ensured that all records clearly indicate which childminder each child is registered with. All children's records now contain all required written permissions, including permission for emergency medical treatment. The fire blanket is now fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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 records 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): • develop a system of risk assessments which are dated and carried out at regular intervals

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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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