Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY101860 Unique Reference Number 15 June 2006 Inspection date Alison Large 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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 15 and 10 in the Stamshaw area of Portsmouth. All areas of the ground floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day. The childminder is able to walk to local schools to take and collect children. The family have a dog and two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder 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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children are cared for in a warm, clean home, where they learn the importance of good hygiene in their daily routines, for example, when washing their hands after using the toilet, they gain an understanding of their own personal care. The childminder has a relevant first aid qualification, and has all the documentation needed for ensuring children's health is protected. However, the childminder's accident records are not maintained in sufficient detail as required, which means the children's health is not fully protected.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of outdoor activities, which contribute to their good health and physical development. Garden games and regular visits to the park offer children challenging experiences and improves their physical skills. The childminder understands about appropriate types of activities and levels of support and gives children the confidence to try out new skills and know when to ask for help.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. Drinks are offered throughout the day, including squash and milk. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents and the children's choices, to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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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 hazardous materials are stored in a locked cupboard. Children are made aware of dangers through general conversations, including what to do in an emergency evacuation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to select activities from a wide range of toys and equipment that are safe, clean and of good quality, which encourages the children to make choices. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and has all the required documentation in place to ensure the welfare of the children is safeguarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder gets to know the children well and makes provision for their needs on arrival. Children settle well as 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. 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 books, toys and games, which appeal to all. Children are interested in a suitable range of developmentally appropriate indoor and

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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 outdoor activities. The childminder interacts well with the children and joins in with their play, encouraging their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel valued and have a good relationship with the children. She knows 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 with special needs are welcomed and the childminder ensures all children are able to participate fully. Children are able to access resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, which helps children develop an understanding of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 exchanged daily which ensures children's individual needs are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children are at ease and feel at home in the well organised environment. Play space is laid out to maximise the play opportunities for the children. The effective verbal discussions the childminder has with parents means children are supported and cared for appropriately and parents are kept informed of their child's activities. However the childminder has not yet put a complaints record in place which affects the sharing of information with parents. The legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place, stored confidentially and is regularly reviewed.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to improve her knowledge of child protection; obtain written permission from parents to transport children on public transport; and to ensure children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. The childminder has met all these recommendations which ensures the care and welfare of the children is fully protected.

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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): • ensure accident records are completed correctly • keep a record of complaints and any action taken

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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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