Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY333587 Unique Reference Number 26 October 2006 Inspection date Tonia Chilcott Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 satisfactory. 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 one child aged under five years, in Hedge End, Southampton. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder takes children to the local library and attends local parent and toddler groups. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding two children, all of whom attend on a full-time basis. The childminder is a member of the NCMA (National Childminding Association).

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy sitting together to eat their snacks and meals that parents provide for them. The childminder has effective procedures in place to ensure that all meals provided are stored suitably, to ensure that all food provided to children is suitable. Children each have individual cups to drink from, all of which are sterilised at the end of each day, to ensure that they remain free from germs, thus protecting children.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are protected from the spread of illness and infection by the childminder, who has a written sickness policy in place that is clearly understood and followed by the childminder. Children, however, do not consistently learn to wash their hands, particularly after using the toilet. As such, children are not effectively learning to keep themselves healthy. The childminder has completed first aid training that enables children to be treated appropriately in the event of an injury.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular opportunities for physical exercise and development, for example, they enjoy trips to parks and play areas regularly.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment. They play freely within the available space that is used and presented well, providing a play room area for children. Children access a range of toys and materials that are suitable for their age and stage of development. Children access the toys and materials easily, making choices from the range available that is stored within easy reach of children. At times, the toys become spread out, consequently children trip over them as they become hazards.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected by the childminder who has a sound understanding of child protection, and the procedures to follow should she be concerned about a child. Children's safety is promoted by the childminder who has a sound awareness of most safety issues. For instance, fire safety has been considered, although a fire blanket is readily available, this is not fitted correctly, thus a small risk remains.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and confident within the care of the childminder. The childminder spends time, getting to know the children, and consequently is aware of the children's preferences. For instance the childminder is able to identify why children are upset, and take steps to settle the children quickly. Children access a satisfactory range of activities, although at times they become distracted easily. Consequently, children play aimlessly with some of the toys, and move on quickly to another toy. Toys are then not put away and become hazards on the floor.

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 childminder talks to the children, encouraging them to learn to share and take turns, and most children are beginning to learn the skills necessary to share.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a range of resources and activities to promote a positive view of the wider world, increasing children's awareness of others. Children behave well in response to praise and encouragement. Their behaviour is managed consistently and positively by the childminder, who has effective procedures in place to record and share information with parents. Parents are provided with a range of information about the service provided by the childminder, including details of policies and procedures. Although the childminder has a written complaints procedure in place, she is unaware of the current regulations to investigate any concerns and make the details available to parents. The childminder shows a positive attitude towards inclusion and would work closely with parents to support children with special needs.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled, secure and supervised at all times. Children play freely in the space available, although at times toys become spread out, limiting the free space available. The childminder has written policies and procedures in place, some of which are used well, to promote the welfare and care of the children and are shared with parents. All required documentation is in place, although consideration has not been given to a system to address and record any concerns or complaints from parents. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

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 satisfactory. 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): • develop procedures further, to ensure that children learn to wash hands after using the toilet • increase knowledge and understanding of current regulations relating to the investigation and recording details of any complaints, and the requirement to share with parents • plan and provide a range of activities that maintains children's interests • ensure that the fire blanket is mounted appropriately, to enable ease of access in the event of a fire • review the storage of toys after use, to ensure that children are able to play freely in the space available at all times.

p.5

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

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