Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY294246 Unique Reference Number 07 February 2008 Inspection date Anne Legge 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 has been registered since 2004 and may care for up to five children, aged under eight years. There are currently six children under eight on roll, as well as some older children. They all attend part-time. The childminder lives with her three children, aged from six years to adult, in the village of Moretonhampstead in Devon. The ground floor of her home is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. There are two pet cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well protected from infection. They play in a very clean and tidy home, where all floors and surfaces are regularly washed, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Nappy changing procedures are hygienic, as the childminder is meticulous in disinfecting the changing mat after each use and washing her own hands. Pets are treated regularly for infestation and their bowls pose no risk to children's health. Children learn good hygiene routines, washing their hands before cooking or eating, and after using the toilet. They use liquid soap and paper towels, 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 reduce risks of cross-infection. Children's care is good, when they are unwell or injured. The childminder has a current first aid qualification and she keeps detailed records of accidents and medication, sharing them appropriately with parents, to ensure that children's care is consistent. She provides sensitive and appropriate care for children who have minor injuries.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through a variety of cooking activities, discussions, books and by singing songs about healthy foods. They eat well-balanced snacks and meals throughout the day, and they understand which foods are eaten only as treats. The childminder offers snacks of fresh fruit and bread, to supplement meals provided by parents. Children drink water or pure fruit juice and have constant access to drinks, ensuring that they are able to maintain good fluid levels. Special dietary needs are known and carefully met. Children enjoy regular access to fresh air and physical exercise. They use the garden to run around, play ball games or plant bulbs. They also make frequent visits to a local pony centre or to the park or zoo.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from very good security, as the childminder ensures that outside doors are always locked during sessions, with the keys readily available for emergencies. They play in a very safe home, where they have plenty of space to move around freely. Children choose from a wide variety of toys and resources, which are maintained in a very good condition. Toys are very carefully organised, with each item in its designated place and all at low levels, so that children can access resources easily and without risk. There are good systems for regularly checking play materials for cleanliness and safety. Children are safe on outings, as they use buggies, car seats or restraints, as appropriate. The childminder ensures that adult ratios are very high and children know her clear routines for walking near traffic, such as holding hands and walking in pairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues and she regularly risk assesses her home. She checks that electric wires and sockets pose no risk, and she uses a stair gate to keep children safe. Upstairs windows are locked and children are supervised closely when using the kitchen. Children are safe in emergencies, as the childminder has appropriate fire safety equipment and carefully planned evacuation procedures. She discusses safety procedures with children, developing their awareness of how to behave in emergencies. Children are well protected from abuse or neglect. The childminder has undertaken relevant training and has a clear understanding of all safeguarding issues and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide variety of activities, which effectively promote their development. They develop their creativity through a good range of art and craft activities, such as painting, gluing and making collages. Children enjoy singing and dancing, as well as using musical instruments. They develop their imaginations, as they dress up for role play or use an excellent variety of hand and finger puppets. Children design and make, using construction sets or a wooden train track. They share books with the childminder, enjoying discussions about characters and plots. Children play with toy cars and dolls or complete puzzles. They explore sand, water and dough or use cardboard boxes to create imaginary worlds.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a very good understanding of children's development and she spends time talking and playing with them, very effectively challenging their thinking and skills. For example,

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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 while cooking, she discusses the ingredients used and the changes caused by baking. She plans activities which meet children's individual needs and interests, sometimes supporting what they are learning at pre-school. For example, she takes children to the local library to choose books about their current pre-school topic. Children enjoy regular outings to local places of interest, broadening their experiences and developing their sense of place.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's care is consistent, due to the childminder's good systems for communicating with their parents. She is very flexible in meeting the needs of whole families and she exchanges information daily with carers, so that they are able to be fully involved in their child's care. There are effective induction procedures, including initial visits and trial periods. The childminder shares her written policies and procedures with parents, although some are not fully up-to-date. There are no children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities on roll, but the childminder has a positive attitude to supporting and including children with additional needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very settled with the childminder, and are treated as family members. They are very busy during sessions, so generally behave well. They enjoy plenty of praise, which promotes their self-esteem, and they sometimes receive stickers for good behaviour, which further encourages their co-operation. The childminder uses positive strategies for managing behaviour, such as distraction or gentle reminders about good manners. She has clear house rules, which are shared with parents and children, when they first attend. Children learn about differences, as they use resources, such as dolls and books, which reflect different races, beliefs and ages. Their individual interests are valued and taken into account in the planning of activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to further developing her skills through completing relevant training. She has attended many short courses and is currently working towards a Level 3 qualification in child care. She provides a well organised service for children, ensuring that they have plenty of individual attention and that they make good progress in their development. Children enjoy the facilities of a safe, clean and child-friendly home, where the space is used effectively, to provide a good variety of activities. Their care is underpinned by all the required documentation, which is mainly comprehensive and well organised. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to develop resources which promote anti-discriminatory practice and to ensure that registers are appropriately detailed. Since that inspection, good resources have been made available to children, including books and postcards which reflect diversity and extend their understanding. Registers are now detailed with the exact times of children's attendance.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • further improve the consistency of children's care by updating policies and procedures, to reflect recent changes.

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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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