Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY320096 Inspection date 26 July 2006 Inspector Debbie Davies

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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 two children aged two and four in Fleet, Hampshire. The whole of 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five. The childminder can take and collect children from local schools. The childminder attends the local childminding group. The family has no pets.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about the importance of healthy eating because they are provided with nutritious, balanced meals and snacks appropriate to their individual needs. For example, for snacks, children are offered plain organic, no added sugar, biscuits, rice cakes or fruit. Hot or cold lunches and evening meals consist of pasta with homemade tomato sauce, homemade cottage pie or vegetarian lasagne. Water or fresh apple or orange juice is given regularly, especially in hot weather, which ensures that children do not become dehydrated. Children understand the benefits of exercise as the childminder ensures they keep physically fit by providing them with good quality outdoor play resources such as swings, slide, climbing frame, skipping ropes and ball games. These activities are incorporated into the daily organisation of the day to ensure that children have plenty of fresh air. Children also have good opportunities to visit local parks and, in

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Helping children to be healthy

particular, they enjoy music tapes whereby the younger children get great enjoyment out of singing, dancing and clapping. These activities encourage children to become more active and lead a healthier lifestyle. Children enjoy a clean and well maintained home as the childminder has a good awareness of health and hygiene issues. The childminder has clear written policies in place for when children are sick enabling her to act in the best interests of the children at all times. The childminder meets children's health, dietary and religious needs through discussions with parents and child record sheets. All documentation is in place, which ensures children's wellbeing. Children benefit from well established daily routines and clear explanations increase their understanding of the importance of washing their hands to maintain good health.

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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 welcoming, safe and secure environment because the childminder makes sure that her furniture, toys and equipment are suitable. Toys and equipment are clean and in very good condition. All resources conform to safety standards and are not used by children who are too young for them. Children move around the home safely because potential hazards have been minimised within the home, such as the use of stairgates, locked kitchen cupboard doors and the front door which is kept locked. This ensures that children have free choice of play, promoting independence within a safe environment. The childminder has a written safety policy in place to include procedures for a fire drill. The majority

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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 of fire appliances are in place, however, the fire blanket in the kitchen is not appropriately fitted. Children understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, the childminder ensures that they are wearing their safety helmets when playing on their bikes. Children understand the importance of wearing sun hats and sun cream when the sun is out. Children learn not to throw their toys and to tidy up after they have finished an activity. As a result, the well being of children is effective. Clear written policies and procedures and the childminders knowledge and understanding of child protection ensure children's safety and welfare at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children develop well because there is a comprehensive range of resources available, which are appropriate to their ages and stages of development. Children have free choice of play and self select activities they wish to do. Therefore, children feel secure in their environment and valued as a family member. The childminder's knowledge and understanding of child development ensures children use their time purposefully. They are fully involved in a broad range of planned activities and spontaneous events, which support their development and overall learning. For example, they like to make pizzas and biscuits. They also enjoy arts and crafts such as making macaroni necklaces, collages, painting and being creative with the play dough. The childminder encourages children to develop and enhance their listening skills and language skills by talking and reading books with them. They particularly enjoy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminder reading to them and then take it in turns to read the story themselves. This ensures children are gaining good literacy skills, which helps to develop their understanding of text. Children have plenty of opportunities to be creative, explore, investigate and to use their imaginations in a friendly and stimulating environment. For instance, younger children enjoy playing with the shape sorters, listening to different sounds and feeling different textures. The older children like putting on shows, gymnastic displays and taking part in role play activities such as weddings and dressing up as Sleeping Beauty. These activities help children to develop their imaginations and encourage them to relate well to each other and improve their social skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into this family orientated environment, which ensures they settle well and develop a clear sense of belonging. The childminder shows a good understanding of equal opportunities and knows the children well. Children are encouraged to develop a sense of independence through adult support in making

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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 choices and in finding names for their feelings. This enables them to build on their self-confidence and to express themselves freely. Children have the opportunity to learn and explore their surroundings and community. For example, they enjoy trips to the post office and garden centre. They benefit from planting seeds and flowers and learn about watering and growing. They look at wildlife such as ladybirds, worms and spiders and really enjoy trips to feed the ducks. The childminder provides a meaningful range of activities and resources to promote a positive view of the wider world. This allows children to increase their awareness of diversity and their understanding of others. For example, she has two special pop-up books that illustrate cultures and different backgrounds.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is good because the childminder has a positive approach to behaviour management. She uses praise and encouragement, focusing on good behaviour. By using a consistent approach this ensures children to have a clear understanding of the boundaries set. Children have a good understanding about being kind to one another, being polite and using good manners, which promotes their self-esteem. Children’s well-being is good as the childminder has an excellent partnership with parents. Parent’s views about their child’s needs and interests are sought before the child starts. Through regular discussions and by using daily information sheets ensures good parental involvement is maintained.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at ease in this well-organised environment, which is friendly and family orientated. Children have good routines, which enables them to feel secure and confident within their surroundings, promoting their learning and achievements. Children move around the home and outside facilities freely and have access to free choice of play, encouraging independence wherever possible. The childminder uses documentation well to ensure she has full details from parents concerning each child’s individual needs. Written policies and procedures work in practice to keep children safe and to support their learning. The informative prospectus and daily record sheets are professionally presented. The childminder understands the importance of maintaining documentation. However, some information is missing in relation to records concerning the administration of medicine. The childminder has a good understanding of the requirements of her registration

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Organisation

and maintains confidentiality at all times. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 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 that the fire blanket is appropriately fitted. • ensure that the date is recorded after administering medication and gain parents signatures.

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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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