Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY330158 Inspection date 22 August 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 satisfactory. 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 two children aged seven months and three years in Romsey, Hampshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. At present she is caring for one child on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

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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. Children enjoy a suitable range of activities in a clean home, which contributes to their good health. The childminder ensures children have regular outdoor exercise to help them develop co-ordination and control of their bodies. For example children walk to and from school and enjoy walks in a local arboretum. Children start to understand the importance of good personal hygiene as they are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder's training in first aid needs updating to ensure she can deal with medical emergencies appropriately. She is booked on to a course in order to do this. She has a suitable first aid kit in the home and carries a small pack with her on outings. Most documentation is in place ensuring children's health is suitably protected. Children's dietary requirements are known by the childminder who ensures they are met at all

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Helping children to be healthy

times. This ensures children remain healthy and that their religious and cultural needs are met. Children enjoy a choice of healthy snacks including fruit and vegetables as well as the occasional cake.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is promoted in most areas of the childminders home. For example, they have secure areas in which to play in and outdoors and safety gates are fitted to prevent children's access to the dangers of the stairs and kitchen. However low level glass is not safe. Fire safety is not adequately promoted as a smoke detector and the fire blanket are not appropriately available and an emergency evacuation procedure has not been devised and practised. The childminder ensures that play materials are accessible and stored in low level storage containers. Children enjoy using the wide range of play equipment and books that are clean and in a good, safe condition. Children are adequately protected regarding child protection due to the childminder's basic knowledge and understanding in such issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's house. They enter confidently and make themselves at home. They relate well to one another, demonstrating care and consideration. Children make choices of the activities they engage in. They choose from a good selection of toys and play materials which promotes their development in all areas. The childminder supports children effectively to ensure they learn and develop well and take part in meaningful activities. For example, a child draws a picture for another, folds it, puts it in an envelope, writes the name on the front 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 gives it to the child. Children benefit from the warm relationship and support they receive from the childminder; they enjoy her company as she takes time to listen to them and values what they say and do. They chat together freely and as a result children have high self-esteem and are competent speakers. They use their imagination well and enjoy listening to and making up their own stories. Children benefit from the regular outdoor activities offered both at the childminders home and on outings. Children excitedly describe an outing to the arboretum. "We were explorers, we saw rabbit holes and dragonflies".

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder welcomes all children into her home. They settle well, grow in confidence and develop a clear sense of self. For example, children make choices about drinks and snacks and talk about their personal experiences. Children are helped to become aware of the wider world and the needs of others through resources and activities the childminder provides. The childminder has a positive approach to supporting children with special needs. Children behave well due to the childminder's positive, consistent approach. They are generally involved in stimulating activities and are beginning to learn the boundaries of acceptable behaviour. The childminder develops good but informal relationships with parents. They share verbal information regularly to ensure the care of children. However, parents are not fully aware of all aspects of the provision as some documentation is not in place. For example, to inform them of the complaints

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and at ease, as most aspects of the provision are suitably organised. This means children are confident to initiate their own play. Space and resources are used effectively. The childminder plans her time well enabling her to spend time with children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder is suitably qualified to care for children. However, her first aid qualification needs updating. Most documentation is in place. However, additions are needed to fully ensure children's health, safety and wellbeing and it should all be made more readily available to parents.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

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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 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 satisfactory. 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 children's safety regarding the low level glass in the front and lobby doors, fit and maintain smoke detectors on both floors, ensure the fire blanket is suitably fitted in the kitchen, devise and conduct an emergency evacuation procedure • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment and advice, devise a sick child and complaints policies and further develop the information given to parents outlining the policies and procedures of childminding.

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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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