Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY358593 Unique Reference Number 27 May 2008 Inspection date Jan Healy Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and three children aged 18, 15 and 12 years in Torrington, North Devon. The whole of the childminder's home is registered for childminding except for one bedroom on the first floor. There is a secure garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. Currently the childminder is caring for two children aged three years and 10 months. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes reasonable steps to ensure the children in her care stay healthy and free from cross-infection. She encourages the children to clean their hands using hand sanitizer when appropriate and they have adequate drying facilities. Sick children are not permitted into the provision, to protect the good health of the other children in the group. If a child becomes ill during their stay, they are swiftly reunited with their parents. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and is confident to deal with an accident should one occur. The parents are

p.2

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 kept up to date about any injury to their child and are requested their signature as evidence. The parents are requested their written permission for the seeking of emergency medical treatment or advice, to prevent the delay in the children from receiving appropriate attention.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The children have the provision of a mid-morning and afternoon snack, which they eat whilst sat together at a low-level table for their comfort. Information is gained from the parents about the children's likes and dislikes, so plans can be made for the provision of food and drink. The children provide a packed lunch, which is stored appropriately, to prevent items from spoiling. However, they have the choice of a cold lunch, if they wish one. The childminder seeks information about any food allergies or intolerances the children have, so she is able to protect their good health.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The premises are safe and remain secure whilst the children are in attendance. There is enough space for the children to play and rest and they have access to adequate facilities, which help to promote their development. There is a fully enclosed outdoor play area, where the children take part in physical activities, which aid to further the children's strength and stamina. Suitable nappy changing arrangements are in place and the premises are clean and well maintained.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The children have the advantage of being provided a range of equipment, which is suitable and safe for use. A travel cot enables them to rest and to sleep in comfort and there are enough toys to ensure their amusement during their stay. Items are in good condition and are age appropriate. Toys can be reached easily, as they are within the children's reach, helping to further their independence. There is a need, however, for further equipment to be made available, to help the children become autonomous learners.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder takes appropriate measures, to ensure the children in her care remain safe at all times. She checks the smoke alarms are in good working order and keeps the fire exits clear. Low-level glass is made safe for the benefit of the children and electrical sockets are covered. Hot liquids are kept out of the children's reach, to prevent scalding. Sleeping babies are checked regularly to ensure they are happy and comfortable. Public liability insurance is in place for the contentment of parents. The children are appropriately supervised at all times and are protected from adults who are not vetted.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has sound understanding about child protection issues and is able to assist a child in need of help. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and is knowledgeable about the procedure to follow in the event of an allegation of abuse being made about herself. The parents have the advantage of perusing a written statement, so there is no misunderstanding about the childminder's responsibility to report a concern to the appropriate authority.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children have access to a reasonable range of play opportunities, for example, they build creations of their choice using bricks. They have the use of dolls and prams and learn to dress and to undress the dolls clothes, fastening buttons and tying laces. The children enjoy the childminder joining in with their play as she sits on their physical level and chats to them about what they are doing. The children are learning about modern technology with the use of a

p.3

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 computer. They like to play football and are learning to throw and to catch a ball with increasing accuracy. The children go for walks to the local park, where they climb large apparatus and are learning to balance. They attend a local toddler group, socialising with other children of their age. The children like to ride wheeled toys, learning to avoid bumping into each other and to ride a scooter. There are no details, however, about the children's progress made during their time in the care of the childminder.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder gains relevant information from the parents about the family background, culture and first language spoken. This enables her to plan for their attendance and to provide a suitable range of activities. She is careful not to use stereotypical language and allows both the girls and the boys to have equal access to all the toys available. However, there are too few resources available that reflect positive images of diversity.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has some knowledge about learning difficulties and disabilities and intends to further her understanding. She keeps the parents up to date about the children's progress and about any concerns noted, so intervention can be swiftly put into place if required. The available space is organised to allow all the children to take part in the play opportunities on offer.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder puts into place positive behaviour management strategies, which the children relate well to. They are praised when displaying desirable behaviour and are distracted when displaying unwanted behaviour. The parents are kept informed about any incidents that occur and they work together to ensure consistency is applied. This prevents misunderstanding on the children's behalf, as they do not receive mixed messages.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder and parents work in partnership for the benefit of the children. They keep each other informed about any progress the children are making and about any concerns noted. Suitable written consent keeps the parents informed about the childminder's provision, for example, that she will be taking the children on outings using public transport. The certificate of registration is clearly displayed and there are positive references from previous parents, detailing their contentment with the care provided. The childminder, however, does not provide the parents with an introductory leaflet about herself, which helps to provide the parents with information about the provision.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She keeps herself up to date with current legislation and is currently furthering her knowledge and understanding about child development through the attendance of a training course. She keeps a record of attendance, which details the times of the children's arrival and departure, so they are accounted for in an emergency. The adult to child ratio is maintained at all times, for the children's safety. All records are stored confidentially to protect the children's personal details. All documentation is readily available for inspection, so historical checks can be made.

p.4

Improvements 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

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration, 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.

p.5

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.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

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 the range of toys and resources that promote diversity • provide the parents with an introductory leaflet about the provision • further the range of equipment to help create an accessible environment for the younger children • consider keeping written details about the children's progress

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5