Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301343 Inspection date 25 October 2005 Inspector Sally Hall

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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 lives with her husband in an end-terrace house on the outskirts of a village in the South Hams. The ground floor of the house is used when minding, with access to the bathroom upstairs. The children are taken to the local park. The childminder has been registered since January 2005 and is currently caring for two children on a part-time basis during the week, including after school care. There are no family pets.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from infection due to the effective procedures put in place by the childminder. For example, children are provided with separate hand towels and are reminded of the importance of washing hands. A clear policy is in place in the event of a child being unwell, which is shared with parents. Documentation is in place to record accidents and the administration of any medication. However, there is no written record of parental consent in place to seek emergency medical advice or treatment for minded children. Children's dietary needs are largely met by parents taking responsibility for supplying their meals. The childminder respects parents' wishes and encourages healthy eating; she provides healthy snacks of fruit and encourages the children to have plenty of drinks. Children are given time to have their meals and good social skills are encouraged. For example, children are reminded to say please and thank-you and

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Helping children to be healthy

take turns. Children enjoy a range of physical exercise with regular visits to the park, and by participating in dance and movement activities indoors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are minded in a very caring and safe environment, they have space to play in the lounge, and the dining area is set up with role-play and craft activities. Children's toys are in good condition and regularly checked to ensure they are safe. Children are safe due to the sensible precautions taken within the home to minimise risks. Children are supervised well, particularly when walking to and from school, the childminder feels that limiting the numbers of children minded, and having children of a similar age their safety is ensured. The childminders clear understanding of the procedure for dealing with child protection and first aid training further protects children's welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a good range of well-presented resources to play with, which are rotated, easily accessible, and provide children with a range of play opportunities. Children are challenged and stimulated well; they are encouraged to access all the resources particularly role-play, puzzles and books. Children play happily and share well, they are stimulated and encouraged to learn their colours and numbers and carry out simple additions. Children clearly enjoy the

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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 home corner, and using water to fill the kettle and practise pouring; the range of toys is good and provides challenge. For example, they enjoy using the tea set taking turns and offering each other drinks. The toaster has a pop-up function and the kettle makes realistic sounds, which children clearly enjoy playing with. Current minded children have been with the childminder for a short period of time but are very settled, and play extremely well with each other. They have a very good rapport with the childminder who has quickly established their stage of development and takes an active role in their play. Children under the age of three are not currently minded and the childminder is aware if this changes it will be important to familiarise herself with the Birth to three matters framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well; they are thoughtful and caring to each other, and are clearly fond of the childminder. Children have opportunities to play with toys, games, and books, which promote their awareness of cultural diversity. Children value the resources and help to tidy up; they receive praise and encouragement as they play. Children's parents are kept well informed through informal discussions with the childminder on a daily basis, for example how settled the children have been during the day. This exchange of information ensures that children are cared for in accordance with their parent's wishes and there is a consistent approach to their welfare. The childminder has a sensitive understanding of supporting children with special needs and raising her awareness of the importance of inclusion.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are extremely happy and are cared for in a well-organised environment where they receive a good level of attention from the childminder. The childminder ensures their individual needs are met, and provides a varied and stimulating day for the children. Overall, relevant documentation is in place, and shared with parents. The daily attendance register is completed, but does not clearly show the hours that children attend. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides care.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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): • improve documentation with particular attention to the register ensuring it is accurately completed to show when children are minded • obtain consent to seek emergency medical advice/treatment

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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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