Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY272466 Unique Reference Number 17 March 2008 Inspection date Anne-Marie Moyse 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 November 2003. She lives with her partner and two children, who attend secondary school. They live in a semi detached home in Bodmin. There are shops, parks, pre-schools and schools within walking distance of the home. The lounge and dining room is available for childminding. Toilet and washing facilities are located on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has one pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder cares for a total of nine children aged from two to 13 years. Of these, eight are aged under eight years old. Children attend for various times during the week. The childminder belongs to the National Childminding Association, and is a member of the Bodmin and District Childminding Group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes children to Berrycombe Primary School in the morning, and collects children from St Mary's Primary School after school. She collects children from St Petroc's Primary School in the middle of the day.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in an impeccably clean and well presented home. The childminder places a high priority on promoting high standards to children. The children learn the importance of protecting themselves from germs as they wash their hands using liquid soap and individual towels to prevent cross contamination. Nappy changing routines are in line with children's individual needs and protective gloves are used by the childminder. The childminder takes extra precautions to prevent the spread of infection between children as she uses antiseptic gel on her hands after wiping children's noses and faces. Children are very well cared for if they become unwell or in the event of an accident as the childminder maintains her first aid training. There are good systems in place to record accidents and if any medication should be required.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is promoted as the childminder provides a range of healthy and interesting foods for snacks. For example, children sit together at the table and select from the plates of fresh and dried fruits, which they eat with relish. They are also offered pieces of hot cross buns to try, extending their tastes and textures. Children bring packed lunches from home, which are stored appropriately to ensure that the foods remain wholesome and fresh. Children are involved in helping lay the table so that food is attractively served and good social skills are promoted. Children remain well hydrated as they can access drinks throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from plenty of fresh air and exercise to promote a healthy lifestyle. They regularly go on walks and visits to local play areas where they climb and run, developing their muscles and coordination. Often this is extended to involve a picnic with other childminders and their children, so group games and play develops. They walk each day to take or collect children from nearby schools, and attend a soft play session, which contributes to their muscle development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a very spacious and well organised home where rooms are used effectively for different types of play. They have a quiet area where children can rest or sleep, as well as a dedicated area with low table and toy storage where they can be involved in more messy play. This ensures that children are able to play safely yet with freedom, and the childminder can supervise all areas easily. All toys and resources are in good condition and are cleaned regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home is safe and secure, with the childminder conducting regular risk assessments to minimise any hazards. She has undertaken training in accident prevention to highlight safety aspects. Sleeping children are in sight of the childminder, and checked frequently to ensure they are safe. The childminder has a system in place for emergency cover if a situation arises. She has developed an evacuation plan, but does not keep a record of when this is practised with the children. Children have a sound understanding of road safety and the childminder uses good procedures to ensure that children are kept safe when on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is further safeguarded as the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection procedures, and has attended training to refresh her knowledge of the signs and symptoms which may cause concern. She is fully aware of her responsibilities and knows who to contact should she have any concerns.

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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 happy and content during their time with the childminder. They are confident and chat freely with each other. Children are very well supported in their play, as the childminder sensitively joins in and develops their ideas and learning during their chosen activity. Children are able to access a wide range of resources which have been set out for them, but additional toys and materials are easily accessible from the storage areas around the room. The children are involved in various planned activities and trips out to meet with other children at childminding groups or play areas. They frequently visit the library to select books and the childminder makes good use of the toy library to extend the range of toys on offer to the children. In better weather children use the outside area for gardening and messy play, such as painting plant pots.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play well together, taking turns and helping each other with tricky situations, such as standing up the toy animals in the farmer's field. Children laugh and giggle together as the animals fall over. They use their imagination to pretend and extend their play. Older children, on return from school, are keen to share the events of their day with the childminder, talking and showing her some of the work they have been doing. They quickly find their favourite puzzle to do with the childminder, and work cooperatively with each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about cultural and social diversity as they play with toys and puzzles depicting positive images. Displays of children's books around the home illustrate images of children from other cultures and with disabilities, providing discussion points between the children and the childminder. The children's individual needs are well known by the childminder, and children's specific routines are maintained. Children requiring special care are well supported as the childminder attends any relevant training to develop her knowledge and expertise. This is further developed through the good relationships with the children's parents, who work closely with the childminder to ensure that consistent care is offered to children. They exchange information daily with each other, including the use of text messages to keep in close communication if either the parents or the childminder have any concerns. Parents receive

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Helping children make a positive contribution

good information on the business arrangements and regulatory procedures, although Ofsted's contact in the policies has not been updated. Parents are able to see the childminder's written policies and records at any time. They have provided all appropriate consents to ensure that children are cared for according to their wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are very well behaved as the childminder uses her gentle but consistent approach to managing their behaviour. Children are polite and well mannered, respecting their toys and the resources. They play cooperatively together and are willing to help with tidying up and some of the routine activities such as laying the table for snack.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised home by a childminder who is dedicated and committed to providing high quality care for each child. The childminder is diligent and friendly, and creates a stimulating environment for children. They benefit from her enthusiasm to attend ongoing

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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 training to keep her up to date with all aspects of childcare, including the new Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Organisation

She maintains all her regulatory documentation to a high standard, and keeps all relevant records in confidential, yet accessible filing system. She has developed various written policies and procedures, which provides good information for parents. The childminder is very aware of keeping within her ratio, and has applied for a variation to this so she can offer continuity of care for existing children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to develop opportunities for parents to receive regular information on emergency procedures. The childminder ensures that all emergency procedures are well known by the parents and that all contact details are reviewed and updated frequently.

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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): • develop a system to record details of emergency evacuation drills, including a fire log

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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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