Childminder in DevonOfsted inspection, 18 Jan 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307204 Inspection date 18 January 2006 Inspector Janet Butlin

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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 has been registered since 2005 and lives in a three bedroom semi-detached house in Kingsteignton, Devon. She shares the house with her husband and two children. She is registered to care for up to five children under the age of 8 years and currently there are two children enrolled within this age group. Areas of the house used are mainly the downstairs, although children may sleep upstairs. There is an enclosed rear garden.

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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 house is in walking distance of schools, pre-schools and parks. Family pets comprise a dog and a rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean house where daily routines such as removing shoes and cleaning floors, protect them from infection. They learn good hygiene rules and a clean hand-towel is provided every day, however, this is shared by the children which presents a risk of cross infection. Children receive very good care when they are ill. The childminder has a current first aid qualification and good procedures for recording and sharing details of accidents and medication with parents. Children are protected in emergencies as the childminder has obtained consent to seek emergency advice or treatment. She takes appropriate steps if children become ill whilst in her care. Children enjoy regular opportunities to be physically active, as they walk for at least part of the journey to and from pre-school and school each day. They attend local toddler groups where they can use the equipment and have regular opportunities to

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Helping children to be healthy

dance and move to music when at home with the childminder. They also enjoy the fresh air out in the garden. They learn about healthy eating as the childminder promotes the importance of fruit and vegetables in the daily menu. Children enjoy fruit in plentiful quantities and have nutritious, home prepared meals each day. They have regular fluids as drinks are always available to them. The childminder reminds the children to drink, particularly if they have a cold, so that they remain well hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a child-friendly environment where space and resources are well used to provide a variety of play experiences. They choose from an extensive range of toys, books and games which are clean and in good condition. Their safety is well promoted by the childminder's attention to assessing and dealing with risks. For example, preventing children from accessing the sand-pit until the cover is mended. Children are safe in emergencies as appropriate fire safety procedures are in place, such as a fire blanket and systems for evacuation. The procedure for recording who is on the premises is extremely secure and accurately maintained. Children's safety is further supported by the childminder's thorough understanding of child protection procedures.

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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 Children arrive confidently and settle quickly and happily to play. They enjoy a wide range of age appropriate activities which help them develop in all areas. They are extremely well supported by the childminder who takes very careful note of their stages of development and provides activities to help them progress to the next step. For example, developing their co-ordination and balance and stimulating their communication skills. Careful planning creates situations where children can build on their interests and skills and they glow with pride when they receive praise for their achievements. Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiasm regarding the Birth to three matters framework. Her knowledge and understanding of this enables her to respond extremely well to their needs. Children enjoy being together and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

communicating with each other. They are creative, for example drawing and dancing with enthusiasm. They develop their imagination in role-play situations and make connections as they work out that pressing a button on a toy produces a tune. Children play with increasingly complex puzzles as they master the simpler ones and enjoy looking at stories and picture books alongside the childminder. Regular trips and outings further enhance their experiences, enjoyment and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are known and respected. Their preferences and stages of development are carefully considered when activities are planned. They learn about cultural differences through playing with appropriate resources and also develop their awareness of the wider community by going on outings. Children are well behaved and respond well to the childminder's appropriate praise. Strategies are consistent and effective. Children's continuity of care is supported by the childminder working closely and co-operatively with their parents. Good communication ensures that all are kept well informed of the children's daily routines and development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder provides a clean and comfortable environment for children to play. She organises her space and resources well, so they can enjoy a good variety of appropriate play experiences. She plans activities which meet their individual needs and promote their development. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Systems relating to safety are secure and keep children safe. The childminder is committed to improving and developing her practice and is undertaking further training to enrich her skills. This will further enhance the care for children. She uses documentation effectively and all is in place.

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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 have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 hygiene during hand-washing procedures

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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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