Childminder in Cornwall

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY286672 Inspection date 26 September 2005 Inspector Nigel Lindsay Smith

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 months and 7 years in Filton, South Gloucestershire. The whole of the ground floor and the main bedroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered for to look after 4 children. The childminder is currently minding 3 children, 2 of whom attend on a part-time basis and 1 full-time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the toddler groups, takes children to the local library and to the park, city farm and the

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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 zoo. The family has 3 cats, a rabbit, birds and fish.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn the importance of good hygiene through well-established daily routines such as regularly washing their hands and using individual flannels. The childminder has a first aid certificate and maintains a supply of recommended first aid provisions. She has a good awareness of how to manage accidents and the administration of medication, although she has not requested permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They enjoy varied, freshly cooked meals and have snacks in the morning and afternoon. They are given regular drinks, which stops them becoming dehydrated. Meals, snacks and drinks comply with any requirements for allergies to ensure that children remain healthy. Children sit at the table together for their meals, which helps to develop their social skills. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs. Babies benefit

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Helping children to be healthy

physically from being able to move around and stretch in a safe space, and older children from regular walks, such as to a park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe as the childminder has a good understanding of risk. Areas accessible to the children have appropriate safety features, such as an intercom so that the childminder can monitor children when sleeping in a cot. Children are able to evacuate the premises in the event of a fire because the childminder has identified escape routes from the rooms used for childminding. Children are well protected in relation to child protection concerns as the childminder is appropriately aware of her responsibilities, and will not leave children alone with anyone who has not been vetted. Children are safe when using the toys and equipment as they are carefully chosen and regularly checked by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and enjoy being at the childminder's house. They play in the through living/dining room, which is comfortable and welcoming, with a large floor area. Children concentrate well on drawing and cutting at the table. They enjoy regular outings to the zoo, city farm and local railway station. They learn to socialise

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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 through regular attendance at toddler groups, and interact well with each other. Children are able to make choices about their play, as resources are readily accessible. They make good progress. The childminder gives them the time and opportunity to do things for themselves and offers encouragement so that they become more independent. She uses the Birth to Three Matters framework to encourage younger children to develop. Children develop their language and knowledge of numbers well through the childminder's constant interaction with them, such as when saying "use two squirts of soap".

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children access a good variety of resources that positively represent people from the wider community, such as jigsaws with multi-cultural scenes. This helps them to develop a positive attitude to others. The childminder does not have experience of minding children with special needs, but she has given thought to how she would include them in her activities. Children benefit from the childminder developing a positive partnership with their parents. She makes information about her childminding service available, including weekly plans. She exchanges information with parents about their children after the childminding session. Children are well-occupied and the childminder redirects them to different activities when their interest flags, so that they behave well. She is calm and provides clear explanations to children from an early age, so that they become familiar with her expectations.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder arranges the premises to provide children with appropriate space in welcoming rooms and in the garden. The equipment is well-organised so that children have free access and benefit from the opportunity to make choices. The childminder protects children by maintaining thorough records. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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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

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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 that written parental permission is requested at the time of placement to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future

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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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