Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY332966 Inspection date 11 September 2006 Inspector Debbie Davies

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children, one of whom attends school, in Hook, 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 four children. The childminder can take and collect children from local schools. The childminder attends the local parent toddler group. The family does not have any pets.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a clean and well-maintained home. Children benefit from well-established daily routines and clear explanations increase their understanding of the importance of washing their hands to maintain good health. For instance, when coming in from playing in the garden or after using the toilet. Children benefit from a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop their physical skills and enjoy playing in the fresh air such as woodland walks and bear hunts. Children’s dietary needs are met because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure she has a sound knowledge of their individual needs. When providing children with food she ensures that they are having their five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Her menus are balanced and nutritious, for example, fresh vegetables are steamed and pureed for babies. Whole-wheat pasta, rice and flour

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

are incorporated into meals along with organic milk.

p.3

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. The childminder ensures that toys and equipment are clean, in good condition and conform to safety standards, promoting children's wellbeing. Children use the home where risks are identified and minimised. For example, safety gates are in place and dangerous substances are out of reach from children. Babies have a safe place to roll, crawl and sit with support from the childminder. Children help themselves from a wide range of resources, which are stored on accessible, low level shelves and boxes around the room. When playing outside children freely access toys, increasing their independence and self-esteem. Children develop a good awareness of keeping themselves safe, for example, there is also a low-level fire escape plan, at child height, showing them how to evacuate the home in case of an emergency. The childminder also has an informative fire

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

prevention book, which she uses as a good tool to teach children about other dangers they may come across and how to keep themselves safe. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues. She has clear policies and procedures in place, which safeguards and promotes children's welfare.

p.3

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 provision is good. Children are at ease with the childminder, confident and very well settled. Displays of children’s artwork and photographs of them playing with others create a welcoming home from home environment. Children learn through the wide variety of activities, which the childminder offers, for example, art and craft projects, puzzles and imaginary role-play. There is also a very good selection of books, which reflect on life experiences. These help and support children’s knowledge and understanding of the world in which we live in. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child development. This means that children are able to develop their personal, social and emotional skills effectively. Children show affectionate relationships with the childminder who is very involved in

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

their play and care. She has an understanding of the Birth to three matters framework, however, she has not had a chance to put this into practice, which will ensure further good practice.

p.4

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. She 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, there are pictures that the children have coloured in of people who use wheelchairs. Children also have access to small world characters of people that help us in the community, such as policewomen, crossing patrol men and nurses. 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 she ensures children have a clear

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

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. The childminder adheres to parents wishes by ensuring that she has the appropriate information recorded and that full discussions have taken place with parents prior to their child starting. She believes that open communications and discussions with parents should take place on a regular basis, which enables her to meet children's individual needs. The childminder also uses a daily communications book, which parents use effectively to ensure good home links.

p.4

Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 An organised and friendly environment is provided where children feel at home and relaxed. Clear records are in place for each child attending which ensures the childminder has the appropriate information to meet children's individual needs and allows her to respond promptly to emergencies. However, the childminder has been unable to access an appropriate first aid training course, which would ensure the wellbeing of children is safeguarded. Space is used very well so children are easily supervised as they play. Brief written information on policies and procedures as well as regular discussions ensures parents are well informed of the service provided and children's activities. Documentation is in place and maintained accurately. Therefore, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • further develop the Birth to three matters framework • ensure that first aid training for infants and young children is undertaken

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5