Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY320739 Inspection date 03 July 2006 Inspector Alison Large

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and five children aged 11, nine, seven, five and one in the Purbrook area of Hampshire. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play which has a swimming pool. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five all day and three children over five on an occasional basis.

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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 childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family have a rabbit and some fish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children begin to learn the importance of good hygiene in their daily routines, for example when washing their hands before eating and after messy play, they gain an understanding of their own personal care. Children's health is well promoted by the childminder especially when responding to accidents and preparing snacks. However the childminder has not yet completed a first aid course which means children's well-being is not fully protected. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Drinks are offered throughout the day, including water. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents and children's choices, to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. Children enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities which contribute to their good health and physical development. Garden games and regular visits to the park offer

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Helping children to be healthy

children challenging outdoor experiences and improves their physical skills. The childminder's understanding about appropriate types of activities and levels of support gives children confidence to try out new skills and know when to ask for help.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised, which enables children to move around freely, safely and independently. The childminder ensures children are under her direct supervision at all times and the swimming pool is fully fenced to ensure the minded children cannot access it. The childminder has all the required documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. She has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and recognises her role and responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm. Children are well cared for in a bright, spacious environment and resources are stored accessibly. The developmental needs of the children are met by the range of equipment that is made available to them, which is clean, safe and well maintained. The variety of toys provide the children with a good balance of learning opportunities.

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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 The childminder gets to know the children well and makes provisions for their needs on arrival. Children settle well, they enter confidently and make themselves at home. The children respond well to the praise and encouragement they receive and interact well with the childminder. She enjoys the children's company which raises their confidence and self esteem. The children relate well to each other and are able to socialise with other children through visits to carer and toddler group and the toy library. Children enjoy their play and develop their independence by being able to access a wide range of resources, they are able to choose between a variety of toys, games, puzzles and books which appeal to all. Children are interested in a suitable range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. The childminder interacts

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

well with the children and joins in with their play, encouraging their social skills. The childminder recognises the value of play in a child's development and introduces a range of experiences, enabling the children to play together as well as independently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and have a good relationship with the childminder. She gets to know the minded children well, is interested in what they say and do and takes time to listen to them, which ensures they are respected as individuals. Children behave well because they know what is expected of them. The childminder manages behaviour calmly and ensures clear boundaries are in place. The children benefit from the childminder's good relationship with the parents; information is shared daily which ensures children's individual needs are met. However, the childminder has not put a complaints record in place, which affects the sharing of information with parents. Children with special needs are welcomed and the childminder ensures all children are able to participate fully. Children are able to access some resources to promote a positive view of the wider world and increase their awareness of diversity, which helps them develop an understanding of others.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The children are able to move around freely in the well organised environment, which maximises the play opportunities for the children. The effective discussions the childminder has with parents means children are supported and cared for appropriately and parents are kept informed of their child's activities. Most of the required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being is in place, stored confidentially and regularly reviewed.

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Improvements 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

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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.

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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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • keep a record of complaints and any action taken

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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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