Childminder in Cornwall

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY233727 Inspection date 11 October 2005 Inspector Nicola Jayne Pascoe

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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 2003. She lives with her partner and one primary-school and one senior school aged children in Falmouth, Cornwall. Most areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding seven children, one child attends during the school holidays and there are six children under 5, who attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks and drives to local schools and pre-schools to take and collect children. She

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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 attends the local childminder groups and takes children to the local library, toy library and the local park. The family has a dog. The childminder is a member of the Cornwall Childminding Association (CCMA) and National Childminding Association (NCMA). She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted effectively, through their use of clean and hygienic premises, equipment and resources. Children wash their hands at appropriate times and use individual paper towels for hand drying. They are developing an understanding of why this has a positive impact on their health. Children enjoy fresh air and physical exercise on a regular basis, through use of the outdoor play area and local park. They are able to sleep and rest in comfort when tired. Children benefit from the provision of a healthy range of snacks and meals, offered in sufficient quantities. They enjoy a balanced and nutritious cooked lunch, followed by a choice of fresh fruit. They are able to access fresh drinking water regularly. Written weekly menu's are shared with parents. As a result, children's specific dietary needs are identified and met appropriately. Children are cared for sensitively when they are unwell. They receive good levels of

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Helping children to be healthy

support and reassurance. Accident records show that injuries are treated appropriately. Written consent has been obtained from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice if required. The childminder has completed suitable first aid training and updates this regularly. As a result, children's health is effectively promoted and maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from the use of age appropriate equipment, furniture and resources. The premises are child centred, safe and secure. Toys are stored attractively on low tables, in open boxes and on low shelving. As a result, children move freely and confidently indoors and out, initiating ideas for play. Children's safety is well maintained through close supervision at all times. They are collected from the childminder by authorised persons only, as detailed on their enrolment forms. The childminder demonstrates confidence in her knowledge and ability to follow child protection procedures. She has developed a comprehensive written child protection policy which is shared with parents. Children participate in regular visits to social groups, local play areas and visitor attractions. The childminder has implemented a written risk assessment for outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 use age appropriate car seats and restraints. Suitable vehicle documentation is available for inspection. Written parental consent is obtained for outings and transportation by car. As a result, children benefit from regular opportunities to explore the local environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from the free use of a wide range of age appropriate and stimulating resources. Toys are stored attractively and children are encouraged to select items of their choice. Children are confident to initiate play with others and suggest ideas to the childminder. The childminder has recently completed Birth to Three Matters framework training, and is considering the implementation of this, in order to plan specific activities for babies and young children. Young children are able to develop their skills, such as scissor control and use of cutlery, with support from the childminder. They respond confidently to the childminder's positive interaction. They are listened to and respected. As a result, children are happy, busy and occupied in a range of enjoyable activities. Children are offered choices and their decisions are recognised and valued. Children achieve a balance in their range of activities which effectively meets their individual

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

needs. Children who have been busy during the morning, are able to enjoy restful activities such as books and colouring in the afternoon. As a result, children are settled and content.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are effectively identified, respected and met. Their favourite items are made freely available on arrival. As a result, children feel welcomed and secure. Children explore festivals and cultural celebrations, they are developing an understanding of their own beliefs and respect those of others. Toys and resources positively promote an awareness of peoples differences. Children are encouraged to develop table manners. They are polite and kind to one another. A written behaviour management policy details effective and age appropriate methods, which the childminder follows to promote high standards of behaviour. The childminder is a good role model. As a result, children are developing an ability to negotiate with others and resolve disagreements amicably. Children benefit from the regular information sharing that takes place between the childminder and parents. Verbal information sharing is supported by an appropriate

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Helping children make a positive contribution

range of written records. The childminder has developed and implemented a suitable range of written policies and procedures. Confidentiality is respected and maintained.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well cared for by an experienced and committed childminder. The childminder is keen to further develop her knowledge. She achieves this through liaison with the local support groups and the childminder network. Children benefit from the knowledge she has gained through the completion of numerous relevant training courses. Children's times of arrival and departure are recorded accurately in the attendance register, which clearly shows that adult to child ratios are met at all times. Suitable contingency arrangements are in place in the event of emergencies. Space is well organised and used effectively, to enable children to develop their independence and confidence. Documentation is stored securely and for an appropriate length of time. Records are updated as required. The childminder has developed and implemented a range of written policies and procedures to share with parents. As a result, children are well

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Organisation

cared for, well stimulated, safe and secure. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to develop and implement a procedure for the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious, develop and implement a complaints procedure, which is made freely available to parents and make safe the children's outside play area. An written illness and infection policy has been developed and shared appropriately with parents. As a result, children are protected from cross-infection. A suitable written complaints procedure has been developed and is shared with parents. As a result, any concerns may be resolved through discussion with the childminder or directed to the regulatory body. The outside play area is now safe and secure, which enables children to participate regularly and freely in active outdoor play under adult supervision.

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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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • make use of the recently acquired knowledge of the Birth to three framework, in order to further develop practice for babies and young children.

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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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