Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308618 Inspection date 06 January 2006 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 partner and two children in a mid-terrace property in Tiverton. The whole house is used for childminding; children mainly play downstairs. There is an enclosed rear garden for outside play. The house is within walking distance of local schools and parks. The childminder has been registered since 2005 and is currently caring for three children on a part-time basis during the week. The family have one goldfish.

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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's hygiene is promoted very well with the good procedures followed by the childminder. For example, children remove their outdoor shoes, they are reminded to wash their hands and good procedures are followed when changing nappies. A clear policy is in place in the event of a child being unwell and is shared with parents. Children's care in the event of an accident is ensured through the childminder's knowledge of first aid; there are first aid kits accessible. Children's dietary needs are met by parent's supplying meals. Healthy eating is encouraged and the childminder ensures children have plenty of fluids. Children's dietary needs are known to the childminder and parents are kept well informed of what their child has had. Children's physical development is promoted well by regular walks to the park and along the canal. Outside play is encouraged in all weathers to ensure children have

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Helping children to be healthy

plenty of fresh air. Children have use of toys and equipment to develop their confidence to move with control, using their bodies in various ways. For example, dancing to music and using tunnels and a mini trampoline.

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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, happy and safe environment. They move freely in the lounge and hallway whilst being safe and have use of a secure outside play area. Children have a good range of resources to select that are rotated to provide variety. The childminder is vigilant to ensure they are age related and pose no risk to the children. Children are supervised well at all times and are safe due to the very good safety precautions in place within the home and the vigilance of the childminder. For example, the childminder supervises the children vigilantly whilst giving them opportunities to be independent and explore. Children sleeping are checked regularly and the childminder also uses a baby monitor. Children are well protected by the childminder's clear knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are secure and settled. They have a good relationship with the childminder and each other. They are developing their confidence and stimulated well. The childminder encourages them to access all the resources and promotes the use of

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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 books and puzzles. Young children are stimulated well and encouraged to grapple with new experiences. Their language is encouraged and resources are used to encourage their interest. For example, children have use of resources that encourage their movement, make sounds and project lights. Their development will be extended further by the childminder increasing her knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework to plan activities for their individual development. Younger children are encouraged to share, and learn their colours and numbers whilst engaged in play opportunities. The day is planned to give children a range of play opportunities both indoors and outside.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive consistent care from the childminder. They learn to share and to be kind to each other. There are clear boundaries used encouraging children to learn right from wrong. The childminder is sensitive to children's feelings and understanding of children's different ages and needs. The children respond well to the childminder and are secure and happy in her care. The childminder has a sensitive understanding of supporting children with special needs and aware of the importance of consistency of care for children and ensuring individual needs are met. Children are gently introduced to an awareness of diversity from the use of resources at a young age. The childminder has a very sensitive understanding of the importance of this and to ensure children are all treated equally. Children's parents are kept well informed through daily discussions on how their child has been and what they have been doing to ensure consistency of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are very happy and secure and cared for in a well-organised environment where they receive a good level of attention from the childminder. The day is planned to ensure individual needs are met to include play and rest periods, and to ensure children have a varied and stimulating day. Children's documentation to support their daily placements is all in place, well-presented and shared with parents. This exchange of information ensures that children are cared for in accordance with parent's wishes and there is a consistent approach to their welfare. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides care.

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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

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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): • continue to develop knowledge of activities for young children, for example, by the use of the Birth to three matters framework

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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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