Childminder in Devon

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY269189 Inspection date 22 November 2005 Inspector Christine Powlesland

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in August 2003. She lives with her husband and four children aged 17,14,12 and 4 years. They live in a 4 bedroom detached house on the edge of Whiddon Valley, a large housing estate on the outskirts of Barnstaple. The local junior school, park and shops are within walking distance. Minded children are cared for in the lounge and dining room downstairs. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. Goldfish, in a bedroom that is not used by minded children, are the family pets.

p.2

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 childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA). She gained a City and Guild qualification in caring for children in 1993. She is currently taking a National Vocational Qualification in Early years Care and Education level 3 and is also completing her Certificate in Childminding Practice. She is registered to care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 6 children all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and physical care. The exceptional adult support and guidance helps children gain a clear understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. For example they have a clear understanding why they must wash their hands before eating and use a handkerchief to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Children enjoy a wide range of activities which contribute to their good health. They routinely play in the garden, visit local attractions or go for walks to the local park to improve their physical skills. They become increasingly aware of the needs of their bodies and understand why they need to drink regularly. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to offer nutritious meals and snacks which meet the children's dietary needs. Meal times are a calm,

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

enjoyable and social occasion. Children's needs are well met, with time to rest and sleep provided for each child on an individual basis. The childminder's keen understanding of the Birth to three matters framework ensures emotional wellbeing is considered, with cuddles and physical contact freely offered and greatly enjoyed by the baby.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Risk of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant and uses continuous risk assessment to reduce potential hazards. She has an excellent understanding of how to involve children effectively in organising their environment to help protect themselves, and each other, from harm. The safety of children is well maintained when outside the home. Children independently select activities from a wide range of high quality equipment which meet safety standards. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises children's choice of toys to make sure they are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Regular communication with parents and regular updating of all required documentation contributes to children's safety. Children are very well protected by the childminder who has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and gives top priority to children's welfare.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy their time in the childminder's home. They achieve well because she is highly skilled and uses her exceptional understanding of early years guidance, such as the Birth to three matter framework and the Foundation Stage at home, to provide high quality care and learning. All children arrive happy and eager to participate. The childminder is sensitive to their individual needs and ensures they all make excellent progress by offering a range of stimulating activities suitable for their ages. Children enjoy playing together, the older children involving the babies and sharing conversation with them. The close and caring relationships with the younger children increase the children's sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. Early communication skills are extremely well supported through high quality adult-child interactions. Children begin

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to make sense of the world as they observe the weather, work out the season and use a solar powered calculator. Older children confidently access a tape recorder and use the microphone to join in with a story tape. All children enjoy mark making and older children are adept at recognising and writing some letters and numbers. The childminder is perceptive to the children's interests and uses questions to develop their thinking and language skills.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are welcomed and the childminder values and respects their individuality and the family context for each child. The childminder supports younger children by reassuring them until they gain confidence with new experiences. There is an excellent range of multicultural books and videos, and of books explaining feelings, which help children learn about issues such as honesty, responsibility and politeness. Behaviour is good and a written policy, shared with parents, is followed. A list of 'house rules' enables children to understand the boundaries, which are consistently applied. The childminder would welcome children with additional special needs, working closely with parents to meet their individual needs and adapting her home as necessary. An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to the children's wellbeing. Parent's views about their child's needs are actively sought before the

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

child starts at the setting. The childminder ensures parents know how their children are progressing and developing. She provides information in a file for parents to access. Daily diaries are completed for babies and include links with the Birth to three framework. Regular newsletters are also given to parents and the childminder has set up a web site which includes details of her service. The children join in local fund raising activities from which children less fortunate benefit, such as taking part in a 'toddle-waddle' to raise funds for the meningitis trust. Children benefit greatly from the involvement of their parents, who are asked to complete a questionnaire to help the childminder improve her service.

p.4

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

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. Children's care is greatly enhanced by the exceptional quality of organisation provided. The premises are well organised with indoor and outdoor space laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and wellbeing is in place and regularly reviewed. Written policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of children. The childminder regularly reflects on her practice, seeking help from parents to help her improve this as part of her ongoing training. She carries contact details when outside the home in case of emergency injury to herself. She continually updates her knowledge and recently won a digital camera when a letter written by her about childcare was printed in a well known publication. The high quality of the provision means that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

Since the previous inspection the childminder has improved the procedures to ensure information is gained from parents about the individual needs of the children. She ensures an information sheet is completed for each child before they are minded and that parents regularly update her with any changes in the needs of their children. Parents are involved in discussion about the methods used to manage the children's behaviour. They are given the list of 'house rules', which the childminder consistently applies, when their child begins to be minded and they are shown her written behaviour policy, which is closely followed.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

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. There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.5

WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6