Childminder in Southampton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY298711 Inspection date 27 June 2005 Inspector Judith Reed

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and five in Southampton. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five and one child over five, after school, all on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a pet rabbit.

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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. The childminder is very aware of the individual needs of the children and works closely with parents to ensure all children's needs are met. She provides cooked meals for children and prepares these to fit in with the children's and their family's needs. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious meals and snacks for their enjoyment and that meet their dietary needs. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home. They are very aware of good hygiene routines of washing hands after using the toilet and before eating, although are currently unaware of why this is necessary. The childminder wears gloves to change nappies and ensures her own hygiene procedures are thorough, therefore children are protected from risk of cross infection. The first aid kit has some inappropriate items which are not suitable for children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged in their physical activities and the childminder is currently developing the distance children are able to walk. She is working with parents to increase the younger children's range and develop their abilities. Physical activities of ball games and riding bicycles are enjoyed by all children in the side area.

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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 spacious home where risks are identified and minimised to keep children safe at all times, for example all low level glass has had safety film fitted. Children enjoy sole use of the playroom and appropriate furniture and toy storage encourages their independence when playing. They are able to access toys and books from storage shelves and leave out favourite activities from day to day. They particularly enjoy the large doll's house, variety of dolls and furniture. Children enjoy outside play at the right side of the house until the rest of the garden areas are made safe. The childminder has all required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to choose their own activities independently from the broad range available in the playroom. Children particularly enjoy painting, gluing and building up collages of outdoor scenes, as well as playing with the doll's house, multi

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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 cultural dolls and furniture. The childminder works closely with parents to assist children's development in all areas of learning and treats all children as individuals. She plans a relevant activity during each session and children benefit from the variety of activities available to them. The childminder records children's activities and achievements and ensures parents are aware of their progress.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder provides a range of toys and books which reflect diversity and help children understand the wider world. Children particularly enjoy the miniature dolls from around the world in the doll's house. Children are valued as individuals and their needs are met. Individual routines are discussed with parents as well as developmental goals. The childminder knows each child well and supports their progress. Each child has a scrapbook of work, as well as taking some items home, which helps develop their self esteem. Regular meetings with parents and open communication at all times help the children's confidence and ensures their consistent care. Most children behave well, however the childminder uses her confidential incident record to record incidences of challenging behaviour. This shared with parents and they work together to help children cope with difficult situations.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has good knowledge and experience of young adults with special needs and would be prepared to care for a child with some additional needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well organised play environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their play and learning. The childminder has completed first aid training as well as the Southampton Childminder's association training course. She would like to access further training and is currently obtaining written information concerning development and care of younger children to help improve her practice. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote children's welfare, care and learning. They are shared regularly with parents to keep them well informed and this contributes to the continuity of the care of children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 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 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 contents of first aid kit are checked frequently.

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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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