Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY278895 Unique Reference Number 18 December 2007 Inspection date Juliet Eileen Hartridge 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 and lives with her two young children in a residential area on the western side of Exeter, within walking distance of schools and other local amenities. She is registered to care for five children under eight years, overnight care is not included. There is currently one child on roll. Children have access to the whole house, as well as the enclosed rear garden. The family have a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are well cared for in a clean and hygienic environment where appropriate hygiene routines are promoted, this includes hand washing after using the toilet and before eating. Parents and carers are aware that the childminder cannot care for children who are ill, which reduces the risks of cross infection. However these risks are not fully minimised as children do not have their own individual towels to dry their hands. Documentation, including accident and medication records further support the good health of children, and children are well cared for in the event of an emergency, as the childminder is appropriately qualified in first aid.

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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 are well nourished with healthy snacks of fruit or light, well balanced lunches. Drinks are regularly offered, and the childminder has sought information regarding children's specific dietary needs. Children have good opportunities to benefit from regular exercise. They enjoy walks to the local park, or play in the garden on the swing and slide. If the weather is poor they have ride on toys to use indoors, and enjoy navigating through the house on an imaginary journey.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home is safe and welcoming to children, the low table and chairs promote their independence and means that children feel welcome and can play or enjoy art activities safely. There is a wide range of good quality toys and resources which are available for children to safely choose from the toy box in the sitting room or from accessible shelves. Children are reasonably protected from the dangers of fire as the smoke detectors and fire blanket are appropriately installed. However children are not fully protected as the fire evacuation plan has not been devised or practiced.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety measures are in place to ensure children are safe and secure. Chemicals and medicines are stored well out of reach of children, and the front door is secure. The garden is securely enclosed and safe for children. Discussion takes place to remind children about any new potential hazards in the home, for example the Christmas tree decorations. Discussion also takes place with the children when they are out and about to promote their awareness of road safety, the importance of holding hands and not running on the pavement. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to protect children in her care, and has recently attended child protection training which has helped her in her role regarding safeguarding children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled and in the care of the childminder. Children enjoy playing together with the wide range of toys and resources. Children's imaginations are particularly well promoted, as they play with the stimulating variety of role play resources, including dolls, a variety of prams and dressing up clothes. They talk about taking their babies to the supermarket, and arrange them comfortably in their toy car. The childminder chats with them or helps them whilst they play, but is also sensitively aware when they would rather play alone. She ensures that children have a balanced and enjoyable day, to include visits to groups where they can socialise with other children, or the park, as well as indoor activities such as baking, painting or bead threading. Children are very confident and their independence is encouraged when they help each other with their dressing up outfits, or choose their play resources. Books

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

are readily available and the childminder promotes an interest in books, when she reads to them and encourages their ideas. She is calm, warm and friendly and this helps children to feel settled and valued.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is well aware of the needs and interests of the children in her care, and this ensures that children feel welcomed and have appropriate play opportunities. The childminder has some experience of caring for children with specific needs and is most aware of the

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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 importance of working closely with parents and carers to ensure the needs of their children, as well as their wishes regarding their care are met. New children have a helpful gradual settling in period, and their families are encouraged to make several visits in order to discuss their requirements. Documentation further supports the good communication with parents and carers, including contracts and consents for outings and emergency medical treatment as well as clearly recorded information forms. The childminder always talks to parents and carers at the end of the day to ensure they are kept well informed about what their children have been doing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well occupied and content, which helps to support the good standards of behaviour evident. Children play most harmoniously together. They share their toys and are considerate, happily helping each other whilst they play. The childminder has a good awareness of positive strategies to use to further promote appropriate behaviour. These include simple reward strategies as well as time out and discussion or distraction as appropriate.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well organised and good use is made of the space to ensure that children have suitable areas to play. For example role and creative play is set up in the conservatory, but children also play with the wide range of toys in the living room if the weather is particularly cold. Documentation is in place which further supports the care of children. The registration certificate is displayed and her register of attendance is fully recorded. Documents are confidentially stored which supports the welfare of children in her care. The childminder is positive and enthusiastic and is an experienced child carer, she has a level three child care qualification, as well as first aid and recent child protection training. This commitment to developing her knowledge promotes the quality of care provided for children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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. 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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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

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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): • minimise the risks of cross infection by providing individual towels • improve fire safety by devising and practising a fire evacuation plan.

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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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