Childminder in HampshireOfsted inspection, 21 Jun 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY319007 Inspection date 21 June 2006 Inspector Helen Mary Ball

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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 partner and daughter aged one year in Otterbourne, Hampshire. An annexe adjacent to the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children under five years, and three children over five years. She is currently minding two children under five years for five mornings a week. The childminder can walk 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 are protected from becoming ill because the childminder recognises and reduces possible risks. For example, she takes steps to prevent the spread of infection by careful use of wet wipes and antibacterial spray. However, this means that children are not encouraged to be independent in self-care routines such as hand washing. Children have daily opportunities for outdoor physical play in the childminder's garden, which helps them to develop confidence and to move with control. The childminder maintains a first aid box, although she does not have a current first aid qualification. This puts children at risk in the event of an accident. Children benefit from a healthy mid-morning snack such as fruit and a drink. Mealtimes are relaxed social occasions when children sit at the table to enjoy each other’s company while eating their packed lunches.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are secure and well supervised in a clean, child-friendly environment. They benefit from a bright, dedicated playroom, which is an annexe to the main house. Children have freedom to move and play without restriction in the comfortable playroom which leads directly to the spacious garden. Children play with an abundance of accessible toys and equipment that they enjoy. Children are interested in what they are playing with and have fun. Toys are well organised which means that children can see clearly what is available and they choose freely. Children learn to tidy up toys to ensure that there is sufficient floor space for new games. Children are protected because the childminder recognises that safety is her first priority, and she is aware of her responsibilities to keep children safe. For example, she ensures that children cannot leave the premises unsupervised and there can be

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

no unauthorised access to children. Children are safe on outings because the childminder uses appropriate safety equipment such as reins, and their emergency contact numbers are stored in her mobile phone. Children are protected because the childminder understands her responsibilities with regard to child protection and her role in keeping children safe from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. A warm and caring relationship exists between the childminder and children, helping them to feel relaxed and secure in her care. Children relate well to each other and this helps children to enjoy themselves. Children are developing an understanding of

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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 need to share, and the childminder provides positive praise and encouragement to support them. This builds children's self-esteem. The childminder encourages babies and toddlers to try new activities in a safe environment. For example, babies and toddlers crawling or walking are within reach of the childminder. She offers plenty of cuddles and as a result, children feel valued, important and secure.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder goes to a great deal of effort to ensure that the individual needs of all children in her care are met. Younger children are able to join in all games because the childminder promotes collaborative play, taking care to treat each child with equal concern. The childminder has high expectations of children’s behaviour and manages behaviour in a way that is appropriate to each child’s age. This means that children can learn according to their individual stages of development. She is aware of conditions that can cause children's behaviour to deteriorate and is proactive in seeking solutions, so that children can enjoy their play. For example, the childminder recognises that hunger can cause children to become unsettled. She is flexible and willing to offer children an early lunch to ensure they are comfortable and happy. Whilst the childminder has no experience of caring for children with learning

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Helping children make a positive contribution

difficulties, she shows a positive attitude. For example, she will speak to parents to ascertain whether she can offer a child the appropriate care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s well-being is significantly supported by the effective partnership with parents; parents’ views about their child’s needs and interests are sought before the child starts at the setting. However, the childminder has not devised a complaints procedure or a system to record complaints. This is a breach of regulation.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her time so that children's individual routines are followed. This means that children feel secure and they receive consistency of care. Space is well organised to give children the maximum freedom to move and play without restriction. Children's welfare is underpinned by the use of appropriate documentation, which is securely stored. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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 Not applicable

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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 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • encourage children's independence, with particular regard to self-care such as hand washing and using the toilet • make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint • keep a record of complaints relating to the national standards 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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