Childminder in DevonOfsted inspection, 5 May 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313470 Inspection date 05 May 2006 Inspector Linda Dawe

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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 with her husband and young child in a 3-bedroom linked house, which is situated in a residential area in a town between Newton Abbot and Exeter. The town and local amenities are within walking distance. Children play downstairs and in the securely enclosed rear garden and deck area. They have access to the first floor to sleep. The childminder was registered in 2005 and is currently caring for 3 children between the ages of 18 months and 5-years-old on a part-time basis. She offers flexible care from Tuesday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00. The childminder is able to take children to,

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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 collect them from, local primary schools and pre-schools. Children can be taken out regularly to local attractions including Paignton Zoo, nature reserves and local parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are offered a varied and nutritious diet that fully meets their dietary needs. Main meals are freshly prepared by the childminder taking into account parent's wishes, for example, providing meat-free lunches and snacks. Children enjoy regular healthy snacks of fruit and rice cakes, which they eat enthusiastically. Regular drinks of water are given to children to keep them hydrated. Children benefit from regular access to fresh air and exercise as they play outside in the childminder's garden or are taken on walks through the surrounding area. Children equally have opportunities to rest or sleep according to their individual needs. This contributes to their overall good health. Children learn the importance of good hygiene practices as they are expected to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. They are also encouraged to clean their teeth after eating their lunch. Each child has their own towel and the

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder is very vigilant about cleanliness in the home. Appropriate action is taken should children be ill, for example, the childminder has a 48-hour exclusion period following diarrhoea and sickness. This all helps to prevent the spread of infection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is generally a high priority. The premises are secure as the front door is kept locked and children are prevented from entering the kitchen, climbing the stairs and accidentally going down the steps in the garden as there are secure gates in place. However, not all electric sockets are covered and this poses a risk to children's safety. Children are protected from the harmful effects of the sun by wearing sun hats and a high protection sun cream. There are also areas of shade in the garden to allow them to play outside without exposure to direct sunlight. Children can be alerted quickly in the case of a fire as there are smoke detectors located on each floor and these are regularly tested. There are clear procedures regarding evacuating the building, that are posted on the wall near the door. However, the emergency escape plan has not yet been tested to see if it works in

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

practice. Children have free access to a wide range of toys and equipment that are safe and

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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 appropriate for their age and stage of development, keeping them safe. Children are constantly supervised by the childminder who ensures that they are within her sight or hearing at all times. They learn about road safety as she teaches them how to cross the road safely when they are out on walks. Children's welfare is further safeguarded as the childminder knows of her responsibility to seek protection for them if necessary. She has undertaken some child protection training which has provided her with the necessary knowledge of issues and procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child in her care. She is also planning to do a more detailed course in the near future.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are calm and settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy a wide range of activities that are planned to provide them with good learning opportunities. Children take part in activities with enthusiasm and are given lots of encouragement to do so. Simple themes ensure children's learning is consolidated, for example, children learn about growing things by planting sunflower seeds and cress head men. Lots of discussion about what seeds need to grow makes children think and develops their language. Children are given opportunities to develop a love of books both in the home and by visiting the local library. Children really enjoy cuddling up on the sofa, being read to by the childminder. A flexible planned routine gives children time to play on their own where they develop their imagination, time to rest and time to be active. Children respond positively to the childminder's gentle approach and as a result, are confident

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to make their needs known, for example, asking for more snacks. Trips to local nature reserves give children an understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are made known to the childminder as a result of a structured settling-in period. This gives the childminder opportunity to find out about the child's likes or dislikes and other care needs through observation and discussion with the child's parent or carer. Children are given lots of praise and encouragement to boost their positive self-esteem. Reward systems, such as star charts are used effectively, for example, when toilet-training. Clear and sensible 'house-rules' such as saying 'please' and 'thank you' and not jumping on furniture are explained to both children and their parents to encourage good behaviour. Children gain an awareness of other cultures and religions as they explore festivals, such as Diwali. Children benefit from the positive relationships that the childminder builds with their

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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 parents. Parents are provided with detailed information about the childminder's service in the form of a typed information folder. Consent forms seek parents' involvement in their children's day-to-day care. Although the childminder has limited experience of caring for children with special needs, her knowledge of child development enables her to be aware of any child who is not reaching his or her expected milestones. She is able to raise these concerns sensitively with the child's parents to enable them to obtain specialist help if required.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Effective use is made of the childminder's home to provide children with a variety of activities. They can play safely in the garden, undertake 'messy' play in the sunroom and have quiet times in the lounge. Good use is also made of the local area to give children a variety of learning experiences, such as trips to the zoo, play parks and nature reserves. Children benefit from the effective and organised way that the childminder keeps her paperwork. Relevant policies and procedure are in place to promote the welfare and care of the children that attend. The childminder completes a daily register, however, this is not always completed promptly to show what children are present in her care at any time. The childminder has shown a commitment to increasing her knowledge and skills of caring for young children by attending training on subjects such as the Birth to three matters framework. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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.

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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): • improve safety for children by ensuring all sockets are covered and by practising the emergency escape plan • make sure that the daily register is completed as children arrive and when they leave.

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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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