Lowson, Claire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299068 Inspection date 19 May 2005 Inspector Sheila Dennis

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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 pre-school age child in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is an enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years and is currently caring for one child. The childminder is able to walk to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and to local parks.

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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 The family do not keep any pets. The childminder is a member of the National childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s health is effectively promoted by the childminder who has a very good understanding of health, hygiene and nutrition. Children are protected from the spread of infection by good standards of hygiene and cleanliness within the home, in addition to procedures such as the use of disposable gloves for nappy changes and the provision of individual towels and bed linen. Children enjoy a range of activities which promote their physical development; they develop self care skills and learn to follow good hygiene routines such as washing their hands before eating. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that children’s individual dietary requirements are met; she respects parental wishes and ensures that foods are stored appropriately and heated to the correct temperatures.

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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 warm, welcoming and child-friendly environment where risks are identified and minimised. Children's safety is effectively promoted by a range of measures including the use of socket covers, drawer and cupboard locks and the monitoring of room temperatures when babies are sleeping. The childminder ensures that children would be well cared for in the event of an emergency by having a current first aid qualification, taking a first aid kit and contact numbers on outings. Written plans for emergency evacuation are in place but have not been practised. The childminder's careful supervision ensures that babies are safe when sitting, rolling and moving on the floor. Children benefit from access to good quality, stimulating play equipment; toys are kept clean and baby's safety is ensured by storing toys with small pieces apart from baby toys. Older children develop an understanding of how to keep themselves safe through the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

discussion and practise of routines such as road safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and secure in this nurturing environment. Children benefit from high quality adult-child interactions as the childminder spends time encouraging babies to communicate by responding to their vocalisations, giving encouragement

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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 and plenty of cuddles. Children develop confidence and self esteem because they are appropriately supported by the childminder, who builds strong relationships with them. Children take part in stimulating activities for example, the baby is included in "story time" singing and musical activities. Children play with interest and enthusiasm and toys are changed frequently to maintain their attention. The childminder uses everyday activities to interest children and extend their knowledge. Children develop independence skills from an early age as a result of the childminder's praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's development and well-being is effectively promoted through the excellent partnership which the childminder establishes with parents. The childminder respects parental wishes and takes exceptional care to plan her day around babies' routines. Childminder and parents share information verbally on a daily basis and also through a detailed daily journal. This enables children to benefit from continuity of care and the reassurance of familiar routines; as a result, babies feel secure and develop self assurance. Children respond very well to the childminder's positive and encouraging approach to managing behaviour. They also benefit from the childminder's understanding of equal opportunities and are able to play with all age appropriate equipment regardless of gender. Children thrive in an environment where individuality is valued and celebrated.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well qualified and has considerable experience of caring for children. She safeguards the welfare of children by ensuring that all the necessary documentation is in place and is shared with parents. The childminder has developed her own written policies and procedures and maintains confidentiality at all times. Good information sharing in the form of a daily journal in addition to daily discussion ensures that parents are kept well informed and contributes to continuity in the children's care. The childminder organises space and resources in order to meet the needs of the children who attend effectively.

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Improvements 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): • Ensure familiarity with emergency evacuation procedures through regular practises.

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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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