Childminder in Cornwall

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY242562 Inspection date 30 January 2006 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 2002. She lives with her husband and one pre-school child and one senior-school aged child, in the village of Crofthandy, close to St. Day, near Truro, Cornwall. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time. There are 20 children on roll. Children attend before and after school on different days throughout the week. Currently, 1 child under 5 attends on a full time basis and 2 children under 5 attend on a part time basis. The childminder drives to local schools

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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 and pre-schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group, takes children to the local library, attends 'fit and fun' and 'sing and sign' sessions, and takes children to the local park. The childminder supports children with special educational needs. She 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 benefit from learning the importance of keeping healthy through established daily routines, such as washing hands before and after eating their meals and snack. Individual cloths are used for hand and face washing, to prevent the risk of cross-infection. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. The first aid kit is suitably stocked. Accident records show that injuries are treated appropriately. These records are shared with parents. Children benefit from a healthy diet. They are provided with a varied selection of snacks and meals, which contain a good balance of vegetables and fruit. Food is stored and served hygienically. Children receive a sufficient quantity of food to meet their individual needs. They are encouraged to freely access fresh drinking water, as they have their own cup which the childminder ensures is full at all times. Children learn about keeping healthy through regular daily exercise indoors and out.

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Helping children to be healthy

Most of the floors are clean and suitable for children and babies to play on. However, although the lounge floor is cleaned daily, there is building dust, which is the result of an extension being added to the property. Children have regular opportunities to enjoy fresh air when they visit the park and the beach. They attend weekly 'fit and fun' sessions. Indoors, they develop their large motor skills and coordination when playing with construction activities, and ride-on and push-along toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a well organised environment, where they are able to move freely and safely. They are developing an awareness of safety through discussion with the childminder. The premises are kept secure and visitors are monitored. Daily visual checks of the environment, equipment and resources identify and minimise any risks to children's safety. Children are well supervised at all times. Fire safety equipment is regularly checked and maintained. Fire drills are practised with all the children attending. Children enjoy free access to a wide range of age-appropriate and suitable toys and resources. Younger children are protected through use of suitable safety equipment, such as high chairs, stair gates and restraints. They can safely and independently

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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 make choices, from the range of resources which are displayed attractively at child height. Children are safeguarded by the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection procedures. The childminder is familiar with the relevant publications, action to take and agencies to contact if necessary. Suitable procedures are followed whilst students are on placement at the setting. Children are transported safely on regular outings to local parks, toddler groups and beaches.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from access to a varied, interesting and age-appropriate range of activities, which contribute to their overall development. They are very well settled, confident and happy. They enjoy good levels of interaction with the childminder. For example, when children are having their lunch, the childminder sits at the table with them and provides high levels of praise and encouragement as they feed themselves and when they have eaten their meal. Children benefit from the childminder's participation in their chosen activity, they involve her in their role play and listen attentively as she reads stories. Children are encouraged to rest and relax as required. They benefit from opportunities to participate in active physical exercise either indoors or out on a regular basis. They are confident to initiate activities, to which the childminder eagerly responds. Children receive a well-balanced range of experiences throughout the day,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

which promotes their learning and development. They are busy and occupied in worthwhile and purposeful activities. Children's work is displayed on the walls for the enjoyment of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are well supported by the childminder, who demonstrates a sound understanding of their individual needs. Children receive appropriate levels of support and supervision. They learn about the wider world through exploration of the local environment. They enjoy free use of an extensive range of appropriate resources, which are also used effectively in planned activities, to promote children's positive awareness and understanding of people's differences. Children benefit from the childminder's positive approach to behaviour management. She is a good role model. She uses age-appropriate strategies to reinforce suitable levels of behaviour. Children are busy and occupied at all times. The childminder demonstrates an ability to support children of differing abilities well. The childminder recognises the importance of working closely with parents. She provides good levels of information and shares a detailed daily diary. The childminder and parents engage

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Helping children make a positive contribution

in daily discussion when children arrive and are collected. Appropriate contracts, records and consent forms are used.

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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 benefit from the childminder's experience, knowledge and skills. Children are cared for in a well-organised and comfortable environment. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to further training and keeps abreast of ongoing developments. Familiar daily routines are followed which effectively promote children's confidence. Suitable contingency plans are in place in the event of an emergency. Registration systems clearly record the times of arrival and departure of the children attending. Children's records are stored securely and confidentiality is well maintained. Records are updated regularly and shared appropriately with parents. A daily diary is used effectively to share useful information between parents and the childminder. Documentation is readily available for inspection. Overall 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 ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children now have free access to an extensive range of suitable resources, which promote their awareness and positive understanding of equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. They also enjoy regular planned opportunities to explore different cultures and beliefs. As a result, children are beginning to appreciate their own culture and the culture of others and are developing an awareness and positive attitude to people's differences.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1st April 2004. 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that floors are clean and safe for children's use.

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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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