Childminder in Torbay

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY310986 Inspection date 27 March 2006 Inspector Janet Butlin

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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 in a 3 bed roomed house in Brixham, in Devon. She shares the house with her partner, who is also a registered childminder, and their 2 young children. She has been registered since 2005 and may care for up to 3 children under the age of 8 years when minding alone, and up to 9 children under the age of 8 when minding with another childminder at this address. Overnight care is provided for up to 1 child. There are currently 8 children enrolled. Areas of the house used for childminding are mainly the downstairs and the garden, although if staying overnight, children may sleep upstairs.

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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 The house is within walking distance of schools, pre-schools and parks. There is a large, enclosed garden. Family pets comprise two rabbits.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in an extremely clean house, where good standards of hygiene prevail. Children are becoming skilled at washing their own hands and take their shoes off in the hall. This ensures that the carpets remain clean and fresh and suitable for children to play on. Children are well cared for in an emergency, as the childminder holds a qualification in first aid, and all systems are in place to record accidents and seek emergency care if necessary. They are further protected from becoming unwell, as sick or infectious children are requested not to attend. Children enjoy extremely healthy meals which are prepared by the childminder. These meals are nutritionally well balanced and are prepared from fresh ingredients. Good attention is given to ensuring that children's dietary needs are met and that they enjoy a healthy amount of fresh fruit and vegetables. Children develop their large muscles effectively as they play outside on suitably

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Helping children to be healthy

challenging equipment and go on walks frequently. This ensures they receive the health giving properties of fresh air regularly.

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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, spacious environment where they have ample space to play active games as well as to rest and play quietly. They easily, and safely, access the washing facilities which are conveniently located on the ground floor. They play safely in a secure rear garden which has been landscaped to provide safe play areas. Children choose their playthings from an extensive range of very good quality resources and toys, which they can access easily. They sit securely at appropriately child-sized furniture to develop their play. Children are kept safe as the childminder has identified and addressed all hazards and risks in and around the property. An accurate register is kept of children's attendance, and this provides a clear and reliable record of who is on the premises. This enhances children's safety, as does their familiarity with the practised evacuation procedure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is further supported by the childminder's generally sound understanding of the child protection procedure and this is an area she intends to develop.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children play at a range of extremely worthwhile and stimulating activities. They show excellent relationships towards the childminder who is enthusiastic and caring in her interaction with the children. The evident warmth and security they feel in her presence enhances their experiences and their ability to enjoy and achieve during their time with her. Young children are becoming skilful communicators, and their language is very well supported by the childminder who reinforces pronunciation, rhythm and rhyme. The children predict the rhyme that will come next as they listen to stories, and for example, discuss the experiences of the characters in the books. They develop their learning very effectively, as they play instruments and sing and dance. They explore texture and colour in their craft activities, chattering eagerly to one another and playing most cooperatively. They benefit from very well planned

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities which help them to work things out, such as how to create a collage chick, and also extend their experiences when they go on outings to nearby toddler groups and places of interest. These trips provide children with increased opportunities to socialise and investigate different toys and experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are known and respected and children with special needs receive good, sensitive support. Their individual circumstances and needs are well understood by the childminder and planned for in close cooperation with their parents. Children are very well behaved, and respond well to the childminder's consistent praise and calm manner. They take turns and share very well. They show concern towards one another, apologising as necessary, for accidental bumps. They benefit from the childminder's thoughtful and effective behaviour management strategies. Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. A good system of communication ensures that parents are kept up to date with their child's activities and this helps them to take an active part in their development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised, safe environment where they enjoy a range of activities which help them to develop in all areas. All systems are in place to support their care appropriately, and they enjoy their time with the childminder. They demonstrate a warm relationship with the childminder who is caring, suitable and interested in her work with children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children benefit from the secure way in which the record-keeping is organised, and all regulatory documentation is in place. The

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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 childminder gives good emphasis to ensuring children receive continuity of care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted have received no complaints 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): • develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues

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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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