Home Childcarer in Southampton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY316817 Inspection date 10 May 2006 Inspector Jacqueline Munden

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and their school age child in Southampton, Hampshire. The childminder lives within walking distance to local shops, schools and parks. All areas of the childminder’s home are used for childminding except one bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a cat. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for two children on a part time basis. The childminder attends the local toddler group. She is a member of the National Childminding Association

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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 holds a current first aid certificate.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children’s good health is effectively promoted by the childminder who has a good understanding of health, hygiene and nutrition. She has put measures in place to avoid cross infection through her regular routines. For example, when nappy changing she uses gloves, cleans the changing mat with anti-bacterial wipes and disposes of nappies safely. Even very young children learn about good personal hygiene as she ensures their hands are washed before eating. Children are cared for in a home that is clean, warm and comfortable. The childminder ensures babies can crawl and explore without risk of infection through regular cleaning routines. Children's health records are accurate and kept up to date, including those for accidents and the administration of medication. The childminder is well-prepared to respond to emergencies as she has a current first aid certificate and carries a first aid

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Helping children to be healthy

kit on outings. Children enjoy the healthy and nutritious range of snacks the childminder provides, and meals that parents supply. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents and meets each child's dietary needs to ensure they remain healthy. Children are offered drinks on a regular basis to maintain their fluids. Children have ample opportunities to develop their large muscles as the childminder provides a good range of outdoor and indoor play equipment and activities. They benefit from daily outings in the fresh air. Babies develop confidence in their abilities as the childminder encourages them to move and explore.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are comfortable and feel at home in the childminders house. They have ample space to play and move around safely. Children can freely access a wide range of play materials that are made available to them and a full range of equipment ensures they are cared for appropriately. All of which is clean, safe and well maintained. Children are comfortable and feel at home in the childminders house. They have ample space to play and move around safely in. Children can freely access the good range of play materials that is made available to them. A full range of equipment ensures they are cared for appropriately. All of which is clean, safe and well maintained. The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues and pays high attention to ensuring risks and hazards are minimised and that children's safety is promoted. She supervises young children closely ensuring they stay safe; the childminder

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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 conducts regular risk assessments to ensure this continues. However, the fire blanket is not easily available in the kitchen and the emergency evacuation plan is not practised with children, so she is unable to clarify whether she could effectively evacuate all children in an emergency. The childminder has the required documents and procedures in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded, including those to ensure their safe collection. She has a reasonable knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, and recognises her role and responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children relate very well to the childminder who offers a nurturing environment. They enjoy the interesting range of activities and experiences offered to them. Babies explore as they slot the balls into the pot, as the childminder broadens their vocabulary by using words to describe their colours. Children build close and caring relationships with the childminder, which increases their sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self. They benefit from the wide range of resources provided that meet their interests and developmental needs. This includes a treasure box the childminder has made for young children, with various natural materials and fabrics with different textures to stimulate their interest and encourage language development. The childminder knows the children well and ensures that their favourite toys are made available. The childminder has an awareness of the Birth to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

three matters framework. She has a good understanding of child development and how to ensure their care and welfare is promoted. The childminder's knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework and in particular her constant interaction, ensures that young children become skilful communicators. She has a good understanding of child development and how to ensure their care and welfare is promoted. Children socialise with others outside the home through regular attendance of a toddler group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children flourish in the childminder's care. They are welcomed and play a full part in their day because the childminder respects each child's individuality. The childminder knows the children well. They benefit from the high level of care she provides. She ensures they can sleep when tired, and eat when hungry; therefore, meeting their immediate needs. Children learn about other religions and cultures through resources that promote positive images of race and gender. The childminder has a positive attitude to supporting children with special needs. She works closely with parents to ensure she meets each child's needs. Children develop independence, confidence and self-esteem as the childminder praises and values their achievements. She has a very calm and consistent approach to behaviour management.

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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 Partnership with parents and carers is good. Effective communication takes place between the childminder and parents, and they work together to meet the children's individual needs. This includes regular discussions upon collection. Parents are provided with a good range of information, written and verbal, to support the care of the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. All aspects of the childminders care are very well organised. The environment is welcoming and well planned so that children can move around freely and safely. Children get a wide range of play experiences and are well stimulated. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder has a good knowledge of the National Standards and child development. She has the appropriate training for her role as a childminder, including first aid. Children benefit from the full range of policies and procedures the childminder has devised to support her good practice. These are all shared with parents and records are stored confidentially.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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. There are no complaints to report.

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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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • improve fire safety by practising and recording the emergency evacuation procedure and ensuring the fire blanket can be accessed quickly in an emergency.

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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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