Childminder in Torbay

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY314319 Inspection date 24 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 two-bedroom house in Brixham, in Devon. She shares the house with her partner and school aged child. Family pets comprise one cat. She has been registered since 2005 to care for up to 4 children under the age of 8 years. There are currently 4 children enrolled within this age range. Overnight care is not provided. Areas of the house used for childminding are mainly the downstairs, although children may access the upstairs to use the toilet and to sleep. There is a secure rear garden.

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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.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean house, where good standards of hygiene are implemented. They wash their hands after using the toilet and have their own towels; this helps to protect them from cross infection. Children who are sick or infectious do not attend; this further protects children from catching each other’s illnesses. They are well protected in an emergency, as the childminder has a current first aid certificate and all consents and systems are in place to respond appropriately. Children enjoy healthy snacks and lunches, which are nutritionally balanced. Sufficient emphasis is given to promoting the enjoyment of fruit and vegetables. Children can access drinks frequently and whenever they want to; this ensures they remain well hydrated. Children enjoy fresh air regularly, as they go on outings and walks. They develop their muscles as they explore the local parks and play in the secure back garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in a well organised environment, where they have sufficient space to play and rest. They can access their playthings easily and play with a good range of resources, all of which are clean and in good condition. They choose their favourite toys and know where to go to get the things they want, for example, the engine they need and the pieces to make the train track larger. Children are generally well protected in the home. The childminder has established a thorough evacuation procedure, identified and addressed hazards and she also keeps a record of attendance. However, children's safety is compromised as the record of attendance is not promptly completed. As a result, this is not an effective means of knowing who is on the premises. Children's safety is strengthened by the childminder’s secure understanding of the child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle at the childminder's home confidently and play happily. They chatter about their activities and demonstrate a warm relationship with the childminder. Children are extremely interested in their activities, such as construction and playing with chalks, and respond well to the childminder's sensitive questioning. This

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 encourages them to work things out, such as how to complete the train track, build a higher tower or understand how the magnets hold the carriages together. They become skilful communicators as, for example, they begin to vocalise for the characters in their play and comment on the wheels going round on the engine. They develop their language skills effectively, as they repeat the childminder's words back to her. They become competent learners and make connections in their play as, for example, they develop their ability to make toys produce a sound. Children also extend their enjoyment when they go on trips to nearby parks and places of interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are known and respected. Toys, books and games help them to learn about cultural and social diversity in meaningful ways. Children with special needs receive good care and attention, as the childminder has a secure understanding of working closely with parents to provide appropriate support. Children are polite and well behaved and benefit from the childminder's consistent and effective strategies. They say please and thank you and co-operate and share well. They understand the agreed codes of behaviour and respond well to the childminder's calm and sensitive interaction. Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes; they benefit from the close working relationship that exists between childminder and parent. There is a good communication system and parents are made to feel welcome. Consequently, they take an active interest in the care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a soundly organised environment, where all systems are in place to support their care effectively. They demonstrate a warm relationship with the childminder who is appropriately trained, suitable and interested in her work with children. She is investigating obtaining further qualifications, which will enhance the experiences of the children in her care. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. All regulatory documentation is in place, but the registration system is not completed promptly enough to be accurate at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Ofsted has received no complaints since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 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): • ensure that the register of attendance is promptly completed

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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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