Childminder in HampshireOfsted inspection, 11 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY295012 Inspection date 11 October 2005 Inspector Maureen Croxford

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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 has been registered since 2004. He lives with his wife and three children in a house in Liphook, Hampshire. Local shops, schools and parks are within walking distance. The lounge, playroom, kitchen, study and two first-floor bedrooms are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have one rabbit and a terrapin. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. He 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 good. The childminder’s very clear understanding of procedures regarding accidents and the administration of medication protects children in his care. He ensures that parents are kept informed at all times, as they are given copies of and sign to acknowledge the entries made. However, some policies and procedures are not always clearly written, including the administration of medication. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene. They are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times, thus developing their self-care skills and independence. Children use individual towels and flannels, and good hygiene practices are followed by the childminder to protect the children from infection. Children are developing an understanding of healthy eating because the childminder provides a wide selection of nutritious snacks including fresh fruit and vegetables, some of which are home grown. The childminder discusses in detail with parents the

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Helping children to be healthy

children’s individual needs and preferences, which are noted fully on the children’s records. The childminder is very flexible and caters for the needs of the families. Children have opportunities to develop control of their bodies and acquire physical skills through regular trips to the park, outside play and attending parent and toddler groups. All are able to rest and be active according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder ensures all areas of the property are secure, safe and suitable for their purpose. The premises provide ample space, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities, which helps to promote their development. The furniture, equipment and toys provided are appropriate and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. Children use a very wide range of generally safe, developmentally appropriate resources. They are of suitable design and condition and most conform to safety standards. However, a swing in the garden is slightly damaged. The childminder takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings, and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents. He ensures children are kept safe as he supervises them at all times. He has a good working knowledge of what abuse and neglect means and possible signs and has appropriate

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

procedures in place if he suspected a child in his care was being abused.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder differentiates activities and resources effectively, taking into account each child's abilities and needs. He provides activities and play opportunities to help children make progress in all areas of development. These include art and craft, messy play, role play, games and outings to Parent and Toddler groups, and the home education groups. Children are able to make decisions, explore and investigate. They are able to assess their own toys and equipment easily. They are confident, have good self-esteem, and are eager to join the activities. The childminder develops the children's communication and social skills effectively through good quality conversation, such as open-ended questions. He has a good understanding of children's developmental requirements and he participates during activities, encouraging children to join in, for example growing their own vegetables.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are developing an extensive range of skills and progress well in all areas, in a stimulating and interesting environment. Children are given many opportunities to explore the world through touch, sight, sound, taste and movement, through a wide range of activities. These include craft activities that involve different textures, musical instruments and cooking.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats each child with equal concern, takes into account their individual needs and is fully aware of the need for confidentiality. He works closely with parents to ensure that children receive consistency and continuity of care. The childminder respects family traditions, values and childcare practices. All children have access to appropriate toys and resources, many of which reflect positive images of cultures, gender and disability, for example books, puzzles, small world toys and dolls. If asked to care for a child with a special needs then he would liaise with the parents. The children behave well as the childminder has a consistent approach to managing behaviour and ensures that clear rules and boundaries are in place. He manages the children’s behaviour very well, using mainly distraction due to the age of the children. He gives clear explanations aimed at each child’s level of understanding, for example

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Helping children make a positive contribution

explaining to children why they must not snatch toys away from other children. The partnership with parents is good. Children benefit from his good relationships with parents and their needs are met through detailed discussion with parents. The childminder takes the time to get to know the children, their parents and their extended families to ensure that children feel settled, happy and valued. The childminder encourages young children to made decisions about their play and helps them to get to know their own capabilities. The children present select their

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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 own activities and are encouraged to take the next steps in their development. This helps the to gain confidence and a positive self image.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has completed appropriate childminding training and has a clear understanding of the requirements of his registration and the inspection process. He sees training as important and is currently working towards further childcare qualifications. He organises the space within his home well to ensure that children are well cared for and their individual needs met. He works closely with his wife who is also a registered childminder. Children benefit from a welcoming, safe, secure and stimulating environment. The childminder organises the daily routines well and offers many play opportunities, both inside and outside the home, suitable for the children's stage of development. The children enjoy their time in the provision because resources and activities provide sufficient challenges and are easily accessible. The written procedures, which the childminder implements effectively, protect the

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Organisation

children in his care. All legally required documentation is readily available and shared with parents. The provision does meet the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted 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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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 MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • further develop existing policies and procedures to ensure that parents are kept well informed of their children's care and welfare. • ensure that all outdoor play equipment is well maintained.

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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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