Childminder in CornwallOfsted inspection, 5 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY101497 Inspection date 05 October 2005 Inspector Sarah Jane Wignall

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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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two primary school aged children in the town of St Austell. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children on different days throughout the week. The childminder walks to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and the local park. The family has one cat.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and is also a member of the St Austell College Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a clean, tidy and well maintained home environment. The childminder takes appropriate steps, such as providing wet wipes and individual towels to limit the risk of cross infection. Children learn about health and hygiene through daily routines such as washing hands before eating and after using the toilet. Animals are well supervised when around children and the childminder ensures they are free from illness and infections. The childminder holds current first aid and food hygiene certificates and takes appropriate action when children become ill. Parents are kept informed of accidents through the use of comprehensive record forms. Children are provided with a healthy range of mid day snacks and lunches, which include fruit, vegetables and other healthy items. Babies individual feeding routines are discussed and followed. Children have regular access to water throughout the

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Helping children to be healthy

day, and they are encouraged to drink more during hot weather. Information about special diets and allergies are recorded. Children benefit from daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They enjoy walking to local schools, parks and other local attractions. They enjoy playing in the garden where they have access to swings, a small trampoline and a range of ride on toys. They access large play equipment when they visit the local parks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is promoted by being cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder uses the accommodation well, ensuring that it is safe and free from hazards, for instance in the use of cupboard locks, fire guards and safety gates. Most minding takes place downstairs where children can be closely supervised. Children are protected from hazards in the garden through the use of fencing and barriers. Suitable emergency policies and procedures are in place and children learn about fire safety as they practice regular fire drills. Children are aware of safety issues and respond well to requests to ''walk nicely'' when going upstairs. Children are well supervised and supported by the childminder during their play. Children enjoy access to a good range of age appropriate toys and resources. Most resources are sorted and stored in labelled containers, and these are provided for

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

children when requested. The childminder ensures that babies and young children are protected from small items such as construction pieces and doll accessories, and these are not available when babies are present. The small trampoline has some frayed elastic and could present a hazard to children. Children benefit from access to

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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 small furniture such as child sized tables and chairs, allowing them to safely and independently use this furniture if they wish. Children benefit from the childminders understanding of child protection procedures. She has a written policy in place and has attended additional training in the past. She has the relevant publications and is aware of action to take, and agencies to contact if concerned about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are extremely confident, happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. They confidently enter the setting and settle easily. They enjoy a good relationship with the childminder and other children. The childminder offers a flexible approach to the day, where she is guided by children's interests. Children eagerly complete colouring pictures where they show good levels of concentration and perseverance. They enjoy playing with small world resources and are enthusiastic when putting on a puppet show of 'Little Red Riding Hood'. The childminder uses focussed activity sheets to support learning at nursery, and she has begun to use observation sheets to help identify children's progress. Children benefit from opportunities to attend local toddler and nursery groups where they can mix and socialise with others. They enjoy participating in a range of craft and creative projects such as colouring, cooking and collage. The childminder has

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

recently completed training in the Birth to Three Matters framework and she is planning to use this knowledge to support her care of the under 3's.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge and understanding of their individual needs. She has cared for several children for long periods of time, and has built up a good understanding of their personalities and differing needs. She works very closely with parents when settling new children into her care and establishing daily routines. Children are well supported in their play, and requests for different activities and equipment are promptly met. Babies needs for comfort and cuddles are recognised and met well. Children have some opportunities to learn about diversity and the wider world as they participate in celebrations of festivals such as Chinese New Year. They regularly participate in local community groups such as toddlers, and they make good use of the local library. Children respond well to the childminder's calm and consistent approach to behaviour management. She has a written policy in place, which is backed up by

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Helping children make a positive contribution

simple house rules. She has attended training workshops to increase her knowledge and understanding. Children behave well and respond sensibly to increasing independence, for instance when using the toilet upstairs. Children are caring and considerate when around babies, for instance colouring pictures for them to take

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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 home, and offering them toys when they are distressed. Children benefit from the childminder's positive relationship with parents. They are provided with good quality written information on enrolment and are kept up to date through the use of verbal feedback. The childminder has very good settling in procedures which help new children to feel confident in her care. The childminder makes regular use of photographs as a way of sharing information about children's activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from being cared for by a childminder who is committed to developing her knowledge and skills. She has attended several training workshops in the past and is currently undertaking further training in childminding practice. She is a member of the local college network, where regular visits help to monitor her practice. Children enjoy access to a well organised environment where they can move freely within the designated play areas. They have suitable access to the outdoor environment. The childminder meets her ratios effectively and children are well supported in their play. Comprehensive and well organised documentation is in place. This is used to help keep parents informed about their child. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to ensure that the evacuation procedure was practised, to ensure parents sign to acknowledge all medication is administered to children and to request written permission for seeking emergency medical treatment or advice. She was also asked to review the child protection statement and update records of all adults present in the home. Children now learn about fire safety as they practise the evacuation procedure. Appropriate medication records are in place and written permission for emergency treatment and advice has been obtained from parents. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and a suitable policy is in place. Records of all adults living on the premises are kept and available for parents information.

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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 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 the small trampoline is safe.

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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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