Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY236559 Inspection date 20 September 2005 Inspector Melissa Louise Patel

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 October 2002. She currently cares for 16 children on a full and part time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and two children who are aged 4 and 6 years. They live in a semi-detached property near Shipley. There is a short distance to local amenities. The whole of the downstairs is used for child minding purposes. There is some use of the first floor rooms, except for the main bedroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden which is used for outdoor play. The family have pet fish.

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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. The children enjoy a broad range of good physical activity which contributes to their overall good health. Every day the children benefit from outdoor activities such as playing in the garden, with access to a range of varied and exciting equipment to develop gross motor skills well. For example, there is equipment to ride on and push and pull. There is a soft play area where children of all ages can swing and climb and develop their imagination fully. Children also benefit from regular walks and outings. Indoors, children have use of a well-organised environment. This means there is freedom to move around freely and develop independence and self-confidence well. Children are well nourished and receive healthy snacks and meals. For example, they eat fresh fruit, sandwiches, foods on toast and meals with pasta, such as vegetable lasagne. Children are able to access regular drinks including drinking

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Helping children to be healthy

water. Dietary needs are met well, through discussion with parents and recording and following through their wishes. Children are also able to move around in a clean and healthy environment. They are learning the importance of good hygiene practices. The children are encouraged to wash their hands and they know why hand washing is necessary.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home where risks are mostly identified and minimised. They are kept safe by the childminder's understanding of generally good safety procedures. This means the children are able to move around safely, with confidence and are learning how to keep themselves safe. For example, the children are supervised well whilst being encouraged to climb down the steps to the outdoor play area. The childminder gives priority to promoting children's safety. However, the fire evacuation procedure has not been considered fully to include the first floor, which presents a hazard. Children are able to self select activities and resources that are in good condition and stored safely. The childminder has most of the procedures in place to ensure children's safety is protected and promoted. For example, the childminder has a suitable understanding of local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

However, the guidance booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused - Summary' is not available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled well and they are happy. The childminder has a good

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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 understanding of all the children's needs to include different ages and stages of development. This means the children are learning well and are enjoying becoming independent. They are choosing their own activities which are readily available for them. For example, the children can use a wide range of resources such as, books, a range of construction toys, push and pull toys, sorting toys, jigsaws and creative play materials. The children also learn well about textures which are displayed at a level suitable for babies and toddlers to explore. The children are able to express themselves well. Their learning is enhanced through good communication at story time. There are good opportunities used for children to develop their learning well through one to one with adults. Children are learning to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

recognise colours, shapes and about the world around them through planned and spontaneous activities. For example, the children enjoy a visit to an Asian musical workshop and enjoy making instruments.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are all included in activities and their emotional needs are met well. For example, children are encouraged to join in activities by ensuring younger children can sit at the table or on the childminder's knee. Children are starting to learn a positive view of the wider world and diversity of others in society through a broad range of resources, outings and activities, such as books and dressing-up costumes and materials. Children's behaviour is good and this is reinforced by the childminder recognising children's achievements well, for example, by praising children. Children are also learning a clear understanding of boundaries. For example, the older children learn about acceptable behaviour through the written house rules which are displayed. Gentle reminders are given if necessary. All children are involved in the house rules through discussion. Children's overall needs are met well by the childminder liaising well with the parents,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

by talking with them and providing useful written information. This includes a range of policies and procedures and a daily diary for each individual child under two. This means children's overall welfare is protected and promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children access a well-organised environment which is bright and stimulating indoors and outdoors. Children benefit well from the childminder and assistant working efficiently together. This enhances children's care and learning. Children are happy. They relate well to the childminder and they are developing self-confidence. The children are able to move around freely, access their own choice of play materials and are developing their individual skills well.

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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 Purposeful documentation is available to promote and maintain the welfare of any minded child and keep parents well informed about the service provided. Children's overall welfare is also maintained by the childminder's commitment to up-date her knowledge by attending regular training courses such as, Birth to Three Matters. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure all policies and procedures are recorded and are available for information. She was also asked to improve her planning of activities, introducing themes and topics, to enable children's needs to be extended. The childminder has now recorded all her policies and procedures and added a simple menu and a list of activities. These are readily available for information. The childminder has improved her planning of activities by introducing themes around seasons and festivals. She ensures all children are involved to help develop their individual needs.

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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): • review the fire evacuation procedure to include all areas of the house used by child minded children • update documentation to include the government booklet 'What To Do If You're Worried a Child Is Being abused - Summary'.

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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 procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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