Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY363511 Unique Reference Number 10 April 2008 Inspection date Heather Morgan 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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and two young children in the Wilcombe area of Tiverton, Devon. Children mainly have use of the ground floor of the premises. There are toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a large rear garden which is fully enclosed and available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding five children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also provides care for children over eight years and attends the local toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing a good awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. They regularly play outdoors in the fresh air and get plenty of exercise as they use resources such as a trampoline and climbing frame. They also walk to the nearby toddler group and other events in the local area. They enjoy eating healthy snacks such as a variety of fresh fruit, which is

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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 sometimes accompanied by bread sticks or crackers. Children can choose from different types of fruit and are encouraged to try new tastes. They are also reminded to have regular drinks and they each have their own cup so they can easily access fluids throughout the day.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well protected from the risk of infection. Their play areas are kept very clean and particular attention is paid to ensuring that surfaces are cleaned with anti-bacterial spray before mealtimes. Children are familiar with the routine of hand washing, and younger ones are given help to ensure they do a thorough job. Children use liquid soap and dry their hands on disposable kitchen towel to limit the risk of cross infection. Parents are well informed about the importance of keeping children at home when they are unwell and happily comply with this policy.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's continuity of care is supported by the availability of a range of documentation for exchanging information regarding accidents and the safe administration of medicines. In the event of an accident, there is an easily accessible first aid kit in the kitchen and a portable one taken on outings. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Doors are kept locked so that the premises cannot be accessed by unauthorised persons and children cannot leave unsupervised. Areas used by children have been assessed in order to identify any risks. Children are protected from potential hazards as the childminder has taken steps to keep them safe. For example, access to the stairs is restricted by a safety gate, cleaning fluids and sharp knives are made inaccessible using safety catches and new fencing has been erected to ensure the garden is fully enclosed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children can easily choose from a wide range of resources that are well maintained and stored in low level cupboards. Young children are protected from the risk of choking hazards as games that include small pieces are stored on high shelves. Children learn to use tools such as scissors with increasing confidence and safety under the close supervision of the childminder.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn how to keep themselves safe when out walking. They are clear about the importance of road safety and older children are also alert to stranger danger. Younger children are kept safe in buggies or by following the familiar routine of staying close to the childminder when they are out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is given good consideration as the childminder has a basic awareness of child protection issues. For example, she is aware of various signs and symptoms of different types of child abuse and of her responsibility to report concerns. However, she lacks confidence in implementing appropriate procedures to ensure that referrals are made promptly in the event of any concerns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children thoroughly enjoy spending time at the childminder's home. Once they have all arrived they use a pictorial activity folder, that they have made themselves, to choose what they would like to do during the day. They also plan ahead, deciding on activities for the following day so that resources can be prepared, for example, if they would like to cook.

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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 As well as regular activities, such as attending the local toddler group where they have opportunities to mix with other children and develop their social skills, children choose from a wide range of play experiences that they enjoy. They like to create elaborate art work using paints, crayons pens and collage materials and they also enjoy making and responding to music through dance and song. Their progress and development is supported well by the childminder, who interacts sensitively with their play, sometimes joining in to help them understand the rules of games or to read them stories, and at other times allowing them the freedom to explore and investigate resources for themselves. Children confidently seek help, for example when they are learning to write their name.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

In addition to the wide range of indoor activities, children also enjoy playing outdoors and exploring the local environment. They like to visit the park and feed the ducks and also attend local events such as an activity and fun day. The wide variety of play experiences provide children with enjoyable and interesting activities that sustain their interest and support their development and learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy, confident and settle quickly in the childminder's welcoming home environment where they develop friendships with the other children attending. Children are encouraged to access all available activities; boys and girls all enjoy cooking, role play and sporting activities. Children's sense of self is promoted effectively through enjoyable activities that celebrate cultural differences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. They respond well to the regular praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder, who provides a good role model and focuses on positive reinforcement of good behaviour. Children have a good understanding of important social skills such as turn taking and sharing, which enables them to play cooperatively and harmoniously together. Children are supported well in adapting their behaviour in different social situations as they are given sensitive and clear explanations, for example if they use resources inappropriately.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual or specific needs are met well because the childminder fosters good relationships with parents in order to support her in meeting those needs. They are given clear information about the service provided, which gives them the confidence to entrust the care of their children to the childminder. Documentation is used effectively to gather and share information regarding the children, which supports their continuity of care and ensures they are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. She is well organised and plans her days effectively to ensure that children are offered a wide range of activities in a safe, secure and clean play environment.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation is in place and is used effectively to exchange information with parents and support her in meeting children's individual needs. Clear registers include children's times of attendance and demonstrate compliance with conditions of registration.

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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 demonstrates a good commitment to the ongoing development of her knowledge and childcare practice to support her in providing positive outcomes for children.

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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.

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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): • further develop knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures

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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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