Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY289243 Unique Reference Number 15 November 2007 Inspection date Heather Morgan 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 2004. She lives with her husband in the small town of Okehampton, in Devon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with the bathroom and a bedroom for sleep purposes on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time. She is currently minding twelve children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Children over the age of eight years also attend. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a BA(Hons) in Early Childhood Studies.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing healthy lifestyles as they enjoy regular opportunities to play outdoors in the fresh air. They use a range of resources when playing in the garden, which helps them

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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 develop specific physical skills, such as riding wheeled toys, throwing and catching balls and climbing. They also enjoy walks in the local park. Their daily routines include lots of opportunities to eat nutritious meals and snacks and drink plenty of fluids to ensure they are well nourished and hydrated throughout their busy day. Children with special dietary requirements have their individual needs met well through close consultation with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from the risk of infection as they learn to wash their hands after using the toilet or before eating, using liquid soap and their own towels. Wet wipes are available for those that cannot yet manage this. Clear procedures to exclude children with infectious illnesses are shared with parents to limit the possibility of spreading infection. If children become ill during the day their parents are contacted to ensure they are taken home as soon as possible.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well cared for in the event of an accident as the childminder maintains a current first aid certificate. A first aid kit is easily accessible and also taken on outings to ensure children can always receive swift, appropriate emergency care. A clear record of accidents is kept and shared with parents in order to promote children's continuity of care. This is further supported by the careful recording of medication, which parents countersign to acknowledge their awareness of the time of the last dose.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move safely around the ground floor areas of the house, choosing where they would like to play, because the childminder has assessed her home environment and taken steps to minimise risks of accidents. For example, the fires are protected by fixed guards, the coffee table is covered with soft fabric and safety gates are used to restrict access to the stairs and the kitchen. Upstairs, children can use the bathroom safely because cleaning materials are inaccessible and the lock is placed at the top of the door to prevent children from locking themselves in.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose from a wide range of resources, a selection of which are displayed each day so that they can access them independently. When children of varying ages and stages of development are attending good use is made of different areas of the house to protect young children from choking hazards; for example, toys with small pieces are kept on the dining room table where only the older children can reach them. There is a clear evacuation plan in place, which children occasionally practise to ensure they can leave the building quickly and safely in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is supported well as the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues. Parents are informed of her responsibilities and she has appropriate documentation in place to support her in recording and referring information in the event of any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children engage in a range of activities that support their progress and development. Resources are rotated on a five weekly plan to provide variety, and activities are linked to themes which promote learning; for example they play games that focus on number, letter or colour awareness. Children engage enthusiastically with the activities offered and enjoy initiating there own games. They are supported well by the childminder, who interacts sensitively with them to

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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 encourage their progress. For example, when building a station for small world vehicles the childminder encourages children to count the number of bricks they need.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's activities are linked well to their stage of development; for example a young child who is not yet able to walk is offered push-along toys to encourage mobility. Older, more able children are challenged by interesting games that develop their awareness of concepts such as identifying opposite words. Children use resources imaginatively as they create stories using small world toys that represent favourite characters, for example the vehicles that feature in Bob the Builder stories. They enjoy listening to music and like to join in with familiar songs; younger children spontaneously join in by moving rhythmically to the music or attempting to imitate actions.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Daily and weekly routines, along with planned activities provide children with many opportunities to learn through structured play. They regularly listen to stories, cook and experiment with different craft materials. They explore the outside world on regular walks through the park and into the nearby town centre. Special excursions provide additional opportunities to extend their learning; for example they use buses and trains to visit places of interest, such as the seaside, and sometimes meet up with other childminders and their children, which extends their social experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's welcoming home environment. Their individual needs are met well because the childminder gathers lots of information about their familiar routines, likes and dislikes when they first register. All children are encouraged and supported in accessing the available resources and activities. They begin to develop an awareness of diversity through using appropriate resources in their play. Children with special needs are supported well as the childminder has a good deal of experience in caring for children with varying and complex needs. She has accessed additional training to support her in caring for children with specific needs and works with parents to promote a consistent approach, for example when managing challenging behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Overall, children's behaviour is good. Children are learning to respect resources and each other as the childminder has a calm and consistent manner and encourages them to think about the consequences of their actions. They are learning how to play co-operatively and to negotiate sharing and taking turns; for example, older children are encouraged to find alternative toys when younger children want to take things from them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes as the childminder uses a range of documentation effectively to exchange information. For example, comprehensive contracts detail the care and activities offered and consent is sought before embarking on planned excursions. Children's continuity of care is promoted through daily discussions and diaries which include information about activities they have enjoyed and meals they have eaten.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. She is well organised and implements effective procedures and familiar routines to promote children's good health, safety and welfare. Careful planning ensures that children can access a wide range

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 of enjoyable activities and that routines take account of pick up and drop off times for children attending schools or pre-schools.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation is in place and supplemented by a range of written policies and procedures. These reflect and underpin good practice, and are available to parents. Some records, such as those relating to accidents and incidents do not fully protect children's confidentiality.

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Organisation

The childminder regularly attends relevant training courses and workshops to update and increase her knowledge. She has a secure understanding of regulatory requirements and promptly implements procedures such as informing Ofsted of changes within the household to ensure that appropriate vetting procedures are undertaken.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder has improved her documentation relating to recording accidents. These now include detailed information about the children and are countersigned by parents to promote continuity of care. Safety has also been improved through the implementation of an emergency evacuation procedure which is clearly displayed and practised with children.

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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): • ensure that all documentation is recorded appropriately with due regard for confidentiality

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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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