Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY236110 Unique Reference Number 08 February 2006 Inspection date Janet Butlin Inspector

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Integrated Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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.

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and young daughter in a three bed-roomed bungalow in Paignton, Devon. Childminding mainly takes place in the playroom but children may use other parts of the property. There is a secure rear garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The dwelling is within walking distance of green spaces for walks and a short drive to schools, pre-schools and parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2002 to care for up to five children under the age of 8 years; there are currently four children enrolled within this age group, one of whom is 4

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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. years old and in receipt of funding. Overnight care is provided. Children who have English as an additional language are supported.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder receives the support of the local authority and the Devon Childminding Network Co-ordinator.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a very clean house where good hygiene is observed, for example in the kitchen when preparing food. Children are cared for appropriately when they are ill or injured. The childminder has a current first aid qualification and implements well organised procedures for recording accidents and medication. Children are protected in emergencies as all necessary consents have been obtained and they are protected from infection. For example, if a child falls ill the childminder takes prompt and efficient steps to ensure the other children are not put at risk. Children have easy access to hand washing facilities, although sometimes they forget to wash their hands before lunch, which puts them at risk of cross-infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a nutritious diet which always includes some fruit. Their packed lunches are stored appropriately which ensures they remain wholesome. Children benefit from themed activities which promote healthy eating and the inclusion of fruit and vegetables in their daily diet.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular opportunities to be physically active. The childminder belongs to a local group which gives extremely good attention to ensuring that children enjoy the fresh air frequently and go on stimulating outings. They also play in the garden, using equipment which will develop their large muscles effectively.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a well organised and spacious environment. They enjoy using a dedicated playroom where they can access their toys and playthings easily. They also play in a secure garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children choose from a very good range of suitable toys and equipment, all of which are in good condition. Additional toys and games are obtained from the local toy library and this ensures that children constantly have a fresh and interesting selection to choose from.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe as a clear and accurate register ensures that it is possible to check who is on the premises. Also, the childminder makes regular checks for hazards inside and outside the home and those which may occur when on outings. However, less obvious risks have been overlooked.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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. Children are further protected by the childminder's sound understanding of child protection issues. This awareness is underpinned by the childminder's commitment to in-depth training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy an excellent range of activities appropriate to their individual stages of development. Young children benefit from the childminder's thorough understanding of the Birth to three matters framework which she uses to help her plan stimulating activities for young children. Older children interact sensitively with their younger playmates and the childminder helps all the children play happily together, working out complex games and receiving well presented challenges to maintain their interest. Thoughtful and conscientious planning ensures that all children enjoy and achieve during their time with the childminder. Children display a warm relationship with the childminder who is sensitive to their individual needs. They take part in stimulating and healthy activities out of doors and frequent, well planned outings enable children to enjoy their local environment in meaningful ways.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are interested and engaged throughout their time with the childminder. They make good progress in their learning as the childminder uses effective methods of teaching and gives clear explanations, helping the children to think and work things out. The quality of teaching and learning is good.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy vocabulary-enriching discussion and share books and stories enthusiastically. They are very competent mathematicians, working out what happens when you have to add on a group of squares to the board game and counting up to high numbers as they follow a number line. Children explore and investigate how things work, and learn about their local environment. They also enjoy using simple computer programmes to further extend their learning. They dance and enjoy painting regularly, exploring and describing the colours they are blending. As well as developing their large muscles playing outside on equipment, they develop their small muscles by manipulating game controls and small puzzle pieces.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Planning and assessments ensure that all areas of learning receive comprehensive coverage. Assessments are clear and have helpful targets for the children's next steps. However, some of the early learning goals do not receive sufficient regular emphasis, for example making marks for a variety of purposes and exploring letter sounds.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle happily and quickly to play and concentrate for substantial amounts of time at quite complex games like Monopoly. They take turns well and share the toys good-naturedly. They are aware of cultural diversity and also learn about aspects of their own culture in meaningful ways. All children's individual needs are known and respected.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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. Children are polite and well behaved and the childminder helps them to understand the reasons for rules and expectations. Clear and consistent expectations result in children who are considerate to each other and who play well together. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There is a good partnership with parents. They are kept well informed about their child's activities through informal discussions. Children who are in receipt of nursery education have a clear, detailed record book which provides helpful information for their parents regarding the targets for the child's next steps. Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes and their continuity of care is well promoted.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children play in a well organised environment where they can access their playthings easily and receive good attention. Their care is enhanced by the childminder's conscientious enthusiasm for training. She has undertaken many courses which improve and support her practice and the care the children receive.

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Organisation

Children are well cared for as all necessary documentation and systems are in place.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

The monitoring and organisation of the nursery education is good. The childminder receives the regular support of the Network co-ordinator and the local authority to help her improve her practice. Regular meetings help the childminder to reflect on provision; and improving the monitoring of the delivery of the early learning goals has been identified as an area for improvement.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was requested to improve the storage of food and give increased attention to safety. She was also required to improve the children's access to activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children enjoy food that has been appropriately stored and the childminder has a good understanding of issues to do with food safety.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Children are kept safe as the childminder has examined her new home and addressed and identified most risks. However, some less obvious risks are overlooked.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Activities and resources now help children to gain a very good understanding and awareness of cultural diversity and equality of opportunity.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection Ofsted have received no complaints.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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. 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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE AND NURSERY EDUCATION

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 AND NURSERY EDUCATION

The quality and standards of the nursery education are good.

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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 low level glazing is protected • improve handwashing procedures

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

To improve the quality and standards of nursery education further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • improve the monitoring of planning and assessment to make it clear that all the early learning goals receive sufficient, regular coverage

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The quality and standards of the nursery education

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the 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.

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