Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY233163 Unique Reference Number 20 July 2006 Inspection date Alison Jane Williams Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her partner and three children aged over eight years old. They live in a four bedroom, terraced property in the Southsea area of Portsmouth, close to local shops, schools and community parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding six children between the age of 17 months and nine years old, all of whom attend on various days and times. Registration includes overnight care for one child and the childminder does not employ an assistant.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Children have access to the ground floor of the property and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have no pets. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group. She takes children to the library and the toy library and visits the park.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of energetic physical activities, which contribute to their good health and physical development. They have daily opportunities to exercise and play outside to help them gain a knowledge and awareness of their own bodies and build up confidence in themselves. Children have access to enclosed garden with a good range of equipment such as a trampoline, climbing frame, slide, push along toys and sports equipment, which help to develop their co-ordination and gross motor skills. They benefit from a variety of physical play opportunities, with regular visits to the local parks, toddler group and outings to local places of interest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a well balanced, healthy and nutritional diet as the childminder provides cooked meals such meatballs and pasta twirls and roast chicken with a variety of fresh vegetables. They enjoy a wide variety of healthy snacks such as grapes, bananas, oranges, kiwi fruit, carrot and cucumber sticks. Children enjoy a variety of different foods because the childminder introduces new foods in small quantities. She takes the time to cut up finger food and serves meals in ways appealing to each child, such as arranging the food in funny face designs. A range of drinks is on offer throughout the day, so children are never thirsty.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, comfortable, very clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and physical care. They have a clear understanding of a healthy lifestyle. For example, they know you need to do exercise to stay healthy and you need to eat healthily to keep your body working properly. They have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder is fully aware of accident and medication procedures, the children's individual dietary requirements and the wishes of parents. Thorough procedures for nappy changing keep babies clean and protected from infection at all times.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children feel safe and settle extremely well because of the high levels of supervision and support they receive from the childminder and are able to access all toys and play materials freely and safely. Children learn how to stay safe. For example, they practise fire drills regularly, they know what to do in an emergency and the children are able to clearly explain the evacuation procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very safe and secure because the childminder is vigilant. She recognises potential hazards and addresses them immediately. For example, all cleaning materials are stored safely out of the reach of children, stair gates are in place to prevent the children using the stairs and all plug sockets have been covered, helping to protect the children. Children are closely supervised at all times, when using the trampoline, although the childminder has not obtained the written consent of parents for the children to use the equipment or checked with her insurer that they are covered for this type of activity.

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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 Children are well protected from harm or neglect. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures and has attending relevant training. Children learn to express their feelings and that the childminder is always ready to listen to them and to do everything she can to keep them safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have many opportunities to develop a range of skills and progress well in all areas in an exciting and creative environment. They listen and respond with enjoyment to stories, songs and music. Space is adapted for various scenarios with appropriate resources, props and dressing up clothes. For example, children act out crossing the road safely, using a zebra crossing and roll play different people who help us as they dress up as policemen and lollipop ladies. Children experiment and are creative using their own ideas. They use various medium for art & craft activities. For example, they make models such as a zoo and a dolls house from recycled materials and sew different materials to make and decorate rag dolls. Their work is valued and displayed on the walls and the notice board. Children prepare and cook a range of savoury and sweet dishes such as fruit and vegetable kebabs, cakes and jellies. They learn about appropriate

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

kitchen hygiene and how to follow through a sequence in the correct order as they use a recipe and they discuss how different food tastes and where food comes from. They have good self-esteem and feel very special and important as the childminder plans activities to interest each child, encouraging them to share their ideas and express their feelings. The childminder has an exceptional understanding of children's developmental needs and she provides interesting and fun activities, encouraging children to join in and participate fully.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children develop a positive view of the wider world. The childminder provides a excellent range of resources to promote a view of diversity and children find out about other cultures through planned activities and general discussion. They have frequent opportunities to develop their understanding of others and to learn to socialise with their peers through regular visits to local children's groups. Children know they are all different on the outside but inside their bodies are the same. Children enjoy regular outings to places such as Moore Valley Country Park, Canoe Lake and the beach and visits to special events such as the Festival of the Sea. During walks around the nearby area they collect brochures and take photographs. They use this information to make into a reference source of places of interest to visit in the future, including contact details and opening times. This enables them to learn a great deal about the local

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play together well and their behaviour is good. For example, they take turns to bounce on the trampoline. They respond positively to praise and encouragement and the childminder promotes their confidence and self-esteem well. Their behaviour is managed calmly and effectively and the childminder works closely with parents to ensure her approach is consistent. Children create a list of house rules, helping to develop their sense of responsibility. Children

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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 are confident and at ease in the childminder's home. They help themselves to drinks and snacks and visit the toilet independently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit greatly from the strong links with home. Sharing information in the children's diaries and discussing activities and children's achievements daily, enabling parents to contribute to their child's experiences with the childminder and work in partnership to promote their welfare and development. Children and their families receive additional support to help them through difficult and stressful times, such as during clinical depression. Parents are extremely happy with the exceptional care provided their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from an organised, safe, secure environment, where they are protected by sound procedures. They are fully occupied with many play opportunities during their time at the setting, as the childminder organises the daily routines exceptionally well. They enjoy their time with the childminder because activities are well planned, interesting and fun. Space and resources are well organised enabling children to move freely and confidently around. They make their own choices from the wide range of activities available both inside the home and in the garden.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Their health, safety and well-being is promoted because all the legally required documentation is in place. The childminder continues to attend training, this ensures her practice is up-to-date and enhances the opportunities she provides for the children in her care, so the children benefit greatly from her knowledge and experience.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to review the procedures for hand washing. Children now have access to anti-bacterial liquid and individual paper towels. They wash their hands at all appropriate times. They learn the importance of personal hygiene and are developing excellent self care skills.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints 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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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

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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): • improve your risk assessment to ensure the safety of the children while using the trampoline

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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