Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY333560 Unique Reference Number 16 October 2006 Inspection date Alison Jane Williams Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2006 and she is a member of the National Childminding Association. She lives with her husband and two children, aged under eight years old. The family home is situated on Hayling Island in Hampshire, close to local shops, schools, the park and the beach.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for three children at any one time and is currently minding four children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Registration does not include overnight care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have no pets. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She regularly attends various children's groups and takes children on outings and walks.

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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. Children enjoy a good range of energetic physical activities, which contribute to their good health and physical development. They have daily opportunities to exercise and play outside, helping them gain a knowledge and awareness of their own bodies and build up confidence in themselves. Children have access to an enclosed garden with a wide range of equipment, such as climbing frame, slide and bikes, scooters and sit and ride toys, which help to develop their co-ordination and large motor skills. Children benefit from a variety of physical play opportunities, with regular visits to various toddler groups, local green spaces and outings and walks to places of interest.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a well balanced, healthy and nutritional diet. They are well nourished as the childminder is a trained chef. She has a good understanding of healthy eating and holds a current food hygiene certificate. She prepares meals daily from fresh ingredients such as Shepard’s Pie and pasta with pesto and chicken strips. Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks such as satsumas, sunflower seeds, raisins and breadsticks. The childminder meets children's individual dietary needs and considers their personal preferences. For example, she adapts meals and snacks for a child with an egg allergy to promote their health, growth and development. Children eat a great variety of foods because the childminder encourages them to try new foods in small quantities and meals are well presented.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle and are well cared for in a warm, clean, comfortable home. Their self-care skills are promoted well as the childminder actively encourages them to wash their hands at all appropriate times, to develop their understanding of the importance of personal hygiene. Children are protected and enjoy a healthy environment because the childminder implements stringent hygiene procedures to help prevent the possible spread of infection. For example, she wears disposable gloves when nappy changing, cleans the table before and after meals with anti-bacteria spray, ensuring the home is clean and children are protected. There is a fully stocked first aid kit and the childminder has a basic knowledge of first aid. However, she has not completed a first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children, to ensure she can give appropriate treatment if an accident

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are extremely safe because the childminder is vigilant and has addressed all potential hazards. For example, cleaning materials are stored safely out of the reach of children, a safety gate is in place to prevent children using the stairs, all plug sockets and low-level glass have been made safe, helping to protect children. The premises are secure and the childminder ensures no unannounced visitors can gain access. The childminder provides a wide range of clean and well-maintained equipment, toys and play materials, which children can access freely and safely. Children are developing a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe through daily discussions and routines. For example, children practise the fire drill every month

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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 and they know what to do in an emergency. Children learn road safety and know to wait for the green man at the pedestrian crossing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are fully protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and would recognise the possible signs of abuse.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are all occupied and engrossed in the excellent range of interesting, stimulating and fun activities provided. They have many opportunities to develop a range of skills and progress well in all areas in an exciting and creative environment. The childminder fully acknowledges individual abilities and preference and differentiates activities and resources effectively for children of different ages and stages of development. The childminder provides varied opportunities for children to prepare and cook a range of savoury and sweet dishes as cookies, biscuits, cakes, popcorn and French bread pizzas. Children learn about appropriate kitchen hygiene and safety. They learn how to follow through a sequence in the correct order as they use a recipe and weight ingredients. They observe changes made by mixing, adding liquids, heating and cooling. Children discover how different food tastes and discusses where food

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

comes from. Children are provided with opportunities to study living and growing things as they visit the farm, the aquarium and the butterfly farm. They grow cress seeds and plant flowers in the childminder's garden and enjoy collecting shells, picnics and scavenger hunts on the beach. Children are creative and enjoy experimenting using their own ideas, using various natural and recycled materials for art & craft activities such as printing with leaves, making models from junk and plaster of Paris and making animal masks. Children benefit greatly from positive interaction and warm, caring relationships with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit greatly from the strong links with home. Sharing information in communication books and discussing activities and children's achievements daily, enabling parents to contribute to their child's experiences with the childminder and work in partnership to promote their welfare and development. Parents are extremely happy with the fun and stimulating environment. They especially like the healthy food options, trips out and numerous in house activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop a positive view of the wider world. The childminder provides a varied range of resources to promote a view of diversity and children find out about other cultures through planned activities, such as tasting Chinese food and eating with chopsticks. They have frequent opportunities to develop their understanding of others and to learn to socialise with their peers through regular visits to local children's groups. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of the world around them during outings to places such as Meon Valley Country Park, the Blue Reef Aquarium, Staunton Park and Queen Elizabeth Country Park. They respond positively to praise and encouragement and the childminder promotes their confidence and self-esteem well. The childminder manages behaviour calmly and effectively ensuring clear

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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 rules and boundaries are in place. For example, she gently reminds children to share and take turns, distracting them if necessary. Children are confident and at ease in the childminder's home. They take off their outdoor shoes on arrival and put them into the basket provided by the front door. The childminder has made her own place mats with plate, knife, fork and spoon drawn on them, so children can lay the table independently and learn where the cutlery and crockery should go.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's health, safety and well-being is promoted because all the legally required documentation is in place, accurately maintained and of a high standard. The childminder has a good understanding of the fourteen national standards and meets them well. Children benefit from an organised, safe, secure environment, where they are protected by sound policies and procedures. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The childminder continues to attend training. This ensures her practice is up-to-date and enhances the opportunities she provides for children in her care, so they benefit from her knowledge and commitment.

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Organisation

Children are fully occupied with many play opportunities during their time with the childminder, as she organises the daily routines exceptionally well. They enjoy their time with the childminder because activities are well planned, interesting and fun. Space and resources are well organised enabling children to move freely and confidently around. They make their own choices from the wide range of resources and play materials stored within plastic boxes and brightly coloured sacks, clearly labelled with a photograph, so children can see where things belong and return them safely.

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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.

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Complaints 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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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

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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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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