Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY216508 Inspection date 22 August 2005 Inspector Linda Dawe

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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 May 2002 and lives with her three children in a detached house in a quiet residential area in Exminster. They live within easy commuting distance to Exeter and close proximity to schools and pre-schools in Kennford and Exminster. The childminder is currently caring for 10 children between the ages of 12 months and 11 years. Children may play in all the rooms on the ground floor apart from the dining room

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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 which is inaccessible. Children only go upstairs to sleep and have use of a large secure garden and an outdoor playhouse. Regular trips to local parks and attractions give children a variety of educational experiences. The family pets include a dog who has her own enclosed section of garden, two cats, and two rabbits that live in a cage in another separate area of the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children get lots of physical exercise. They have regular opportunity to play on a good selection of ride-on toys, climbing frame and play ball games in the childminder's garden. They are also taken out to local parks where they climb and run which helps them to develop their physical skills. Children learn the importance of good hygiene routines as the childminder ensures that they regularly wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet and when they come in from playing outside. Their dietary needs are fully met as a result of the childminder getting details of allergies from their parents. Children also have free access to drinks throughout the day to keep them well hydrated. Parent's provide all their children's food and snacks and the childminder makes sure any food is stored appropriately in the fridge to prevent illness. The childminder is conscientious about hygiene and maintains good standards of

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Helping children to be healthy

cleanliness in her home, she is particularly vigilant about hygiene issues around her pets and keeps them in separate areas of her garden. She also regularly updates her first aid knowledge to make sure she can give children appropriate help in the case of an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder is vigilant about safety meaning children can move safely and freely in her home. They are closely supervised at all times, particularly in the garden to keep them safe. She also regularly checks sleeping babies. Children have free access to a good range of toys and equipment that are of good quality and safe. The childminder ensures that toys are appropriate for children's age and stage of development, for example, getting out toys with small pieces for older children when the babies have their sleep. Appropriate fire equipment is in place and checked frequently and there are clear exit points should there be a need to evacuate children in the event of a fire. However the childminder has not had a fire drill to ensure it works in practice. The childminder is aware of her responsibility to protect children in her care and

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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 knows procedures for reporting any concerns she may have. She also regularly updates her child protection training. She is confident to discuss any existing injuries or concerns about children with their parents ensuring that the welfare of the children in her care is always a priority.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with this childminder. They confidently explore and investigate using a good range of toys and equipment that help them to make progress in all areas of their development. The equipment is changed regularly to give children variety. Children also benefit from a range of activities outside the childminder's home. They go on walks around the local area, to local parks and on outings to the local beach and boat trips. These well-planned activities provide children with additional learning opportunities. The childminder maintains constant eye contact with young babies talking to them and encouraging them to respond. All children are given ample opportunity to sleep or rest according to their individual needs. They enjoy music sessions where they dance and sing and use musical instruments.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to be polite and considerate to each other and to adults. The childminder has sensible house rules and clear boundaries that children understand and respect, for example they are not allowed to use the trampoline in the garden nor go into the dining room or upstairs. Children are kept constantly amused and therefore do not become bored and as a result their behaviour is good. The childminder is proactive in making sure that the individual needs of the children in her care are fully met. Children with special needs are particularly well supported and the childminder actively seeks information and training to ensure she is able to meet any medical needs they have. Children benefit from the professional but supportive relationship that the childminder builds with parents. These positive relationships mean that information is fully shared and therefore children's care needs are fully met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is committed to increasing her knowledge of caring for young children by attending training when possible. She acts quickly on any recommendation made to improve the care she offers.

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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 The childminder organises her time and space well to provide children with a wealth of learning opportunities both in and out of the home. She uses children's interests to develop their learning, for example, taking children who are interested in boats on a local boat trip. Overall records are clear and accurately kept and provide the childminder with information to care for children safely, for example, written consent is sought to allow the childminder to seek emergency medical treatment. These records are fully shared with parents to involve them in the day-to-day care of their children. Medication and accidents records are generally kept in line with requirements. However, records of ongoing long-term medication given are not kept daily and this is a mandatory requirement.

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Organisation

The needs of the range of children cared for are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Previously the childminder was asked to improve her documentation, particularly with regards to; information about children's dietary requirements, seeking consent for emergency medical treatment, and accident and medication records. This she is done but not fully as long term medications are not recorded daily. The childminder was also asked to develop her child protection knowledge which she has done and this has had a positive impact on the care and safety of children.

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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 all medication given is recorded and each entry signed by the child's parents. • practise fire drill to ensure children can be evacuated quickly and safely in the

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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 event of a fire

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The quality and standards of the care

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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