Hastings, Amanda Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319073 Inspection date 21 June 2006 Inspector Mandy Gannon

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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 husband and three children aged eight, five and three years, in Farnborough, Hampshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered for three children under the age of eight years and currently cares for three children, all on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children or uses her car,

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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 attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are aware of good hygiene practices; they wash their hands after visiting the toilet. Children visit the toilet independently and are well supported by the childminder. However, children must ensure they wash their hands regularly, especially after playing in the garden and before food. Children have opportunities for a varied balanced diet including ample portions of fruit, vegetables and salad. The childminder provides meals and encourages older children to be involved, for example making their own pizza's. The childminder is aware of food hygiene she washes hands prior to preparation and stores food appropriately. Children have access to regular juice and have their own cups available. Children are encouraged to participate in a regular varied range of physical activities; they play in the playgrounds on large equipment daily when taking children to and from school, they have an extensive range of outside toys in the garden and enjoy

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Helping children to be healthy

regular walks to local woods and lakes. The childminder works closely with the parents and regularly reviews contracts to ensure she meets the child's individual needs. However, some documentation detail to ensure children's health requires further detail. Children are developing their understanding of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are made aware of safety; the childminder ensures they remain safe by giving children boundaries, they learn about road safety when out and about. Children's safety is highly valued as the provider has considered and addressed potential risks, for example she goes for walks in isolated woods and by the lakes with other friends and childminders in order to safeguard all the children in her care. The provider reminds children of potential hazards and the household rules explaining the safety implications. Children's independence is being developed and encouraged by the childminder. Fire safety equipment is in place and the childminder has considered procedures to follow in the event of evacuation. The children are well protected as the childminder has a comprehensive understanding of child protection. She has attended training and is aware of her role and responsibility to seek further advise or report to the necessary agency.

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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 good. Children are happy, settled and involved in activities. They show interest and good interaction with their peers and adults. Children are confident and are involved in making decisions and choices, the childminder talks to the children keeping them informed. For example, she asks the children what they would like to do and extends and develops activities from children's own interests. She explains why I am visiting and that she had previously discussed before my arrival. Children develop self-confidence and self-esteem through their childminder who provides encouragement and praise. She is very aware of individual needs and ensures she adapts activities to meet the needs of all the children in her care. Children use their own initiative, they select activities and change the day and date chart without being reminded by the provider. They develop good self-help skills through routines, they are aware that they need sun cream on before going outside

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and select from their bag and help to apply. A wide range of suitable activities are available where children can select or are given choices. Children are involved in activities inside and outside of the home on a regular basis. The childminder is aware of Birth to three matters and is currently awaiting the pack.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children make strong positive relationships with others. Children are developing their ability to share through support from the childminder, for example a three year old explains she would like to leave some for the minder's child when they return from pre-school. Children behave well; they are confident, polite and courteous. Children's behaviour is good and the childminder has appropriate strategies and agreed 'golden rules' to manage behaviour. The childminder works closely with parents; she ensures information is shared daily and uses a communication diary for younger children. She regularly reviews contracts to ensure she is meeting the individual needs of the child and the wishes of the parents. She is aware of individual family requirements and ensures she is informed so she is able to meet these. The outcome for the children is that their individual needs are identified, valued and met and therefore the children flourish and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

develop. Children have access to resources that reflect a positive view of the wider world through books and puzzles. The childminder uses the local library as a resource. They are involved in helping to prepare different food from around the world, for example they made pizza's. Children are developing an understanding of their local community and the wider world.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has completed a childminding course and has obtained a first aid certificate. Certificates are displayed. She is aware how children learn and provides a good range of suitable activities. The environment is used well, children have access to some toys and resources that they are able to independently select. Resources for older children are kept separately, although children are able to make choices. A separate area is designated for quieter activities. The majority of documentation is in place, however not all is complete and some detail is missing. The childminder has recently drafted written policies and procedures but has yet to share these with parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been 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 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 there is signed consent to transport minded children, permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice and clear written consent prior to the administration of medication.

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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 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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