Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301123 Inspection date 20 June 2005 Inspector Jenny Scarlett

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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. She lives with her husband and their pre-school aged child. They live in a house in Andover, Hampshire which is within easy walking distance of the local schools, pre-schools, shops and amenities. All ground floor areas of the property are being used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There are local parks close by. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two child under five full time and two children over five on a part time basis. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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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 own a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop an awareness of their own needs and are developing independence in their personal care such as hand washing and older children going to the toilet independently. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet, as they eat healthy nutritious foods at meal times. They confidently ask for drinks and additional snacks when hungry or thirsty. Parents discuss their children's individual dietary needs, personal preferences and any allergies with the childminder to ensure their children receive a healthy diet. Children know and follow basic health and care routines. Good procedures such as regular washing of toys and equipment sustain high levels of hygiene, and prevent the spread of infection. Older children help wipe the high chair trays after the younger children have eaten and aid them in washing their hands. Children are able to rest and be active in line with their individual needs and parent’s

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Helping children to be healthy

wishes. They receive regular opportunities for walks to and from schools and regular visits to the parks which contribute to their good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from a well-organised and stimulating environment. They choose and select resources from the wide range on offer, which helps their all round development. The children play happily under the supervision of the childminder in an active environment with a varied range of planned and free child initiated activities. Younger children develop a good sense of balance as they walk around the furniture and attempt to climb on sit and ride toys. They negotiate their way around the floor and toys developing their walking and co-ordination skills. Children feel confident and secure in their environment. The childminder promotes the children’s development through clear guidelines, such as why they should not put toys in their mouth, and encourages the older children to be gentle with the babies. This helps children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves and others

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

safe. The childminder is proactive in ensuring that children have a safe environment in which to develop. All equipment is safe, and appropriate for the children's age and developmental stage. Children do not have access to any hazards. Children benefit from the clear understanding and knowledge the childminder has concerning child protection. All the required procedures and documents are in place

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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 to ensure children's welfare. However the she does not have a first aid certificate.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from much individual attention as the childminder devotes her time to the children. They are happy, content and develop affectionate relationships with the childminder who clearly enjoys playing and interacting with the children. Younger children develop their early communication skills as the childminder talks with them individually, naming objects and asking them questions. Their language and understanding develop well through good conversations with the childminder as they discuss why the banana is the same shape as the moon. Children access a wide range of age appropriate play materials. They take part in developmentally active and quiet activities, planned and unplanned, which allows variety and interest in their day. Children become independent as they select and choose from the wide variety of resources and show a positive interest in the activities presented. They enjoy a

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

variety of activities indoors and out including craft, cooking and outings in the community, which contribute to their development. Children are very happy and self-assured in their environment and confidently initiate their own play for example, exploring musical resources and requesting to make tea with the play dough.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop an understanding of their needs and are learning about the needs of others through good example. Children see pictures of other lifestyles; play with resources that reflect diversity and boys and girls have equal access to all resources. They experience outings within the community to explore the wider world. Younger children play happily alongside each other and begin to share and negotiate with the toys and resources. They often show the childminder what they are doing because she values what they say and do. Most children behave well because the childminder sets clear boundaries suited to the age and stage of development. Children are very at ease in the childminders’ company, they receive lots of positive praise and encouragement to promote and celebrate good behaviour. Children benefit from the positive partnerships with parents with daily exchange of verbal information ensuring the childminder provides for their individual needs. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children settle well because the childminder works closely with the parents in discussing and meeting the individual needs of the children on a daily basis. The childminder is sensitive and considerate to the children and their parents and strives to build trusting relationships, which promote the children's well being and development.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Overall, the children's needs are met where the care is good. The children feel at home and at ease in the well-organised environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. Children benefit from the varied range of activities and the knowledge and commitment to childcare from the childminder. The children have plenty of room to explore the toys and resources freely and have a good range of both indoor and outdoor play opportunities. The childminder works with parents to meet the individual needs of the children and ensures they are fully involved in the life of the setting. She keeps parents fully informed about the service she offers and the children’s daily routine and activities. This contributes to the children’s well being and care. Children's care needs are enhanced by the childminder's commitment to extend her good practice through further training. Consequently, she is developing an

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Organisation

understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and incorporates this into her practice to support children’s learning and development. The childminder understands and is familiar with the regulations to protect children, to promote their well-being and support their development.

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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 a first aid course including training on first aid for young children

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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 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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