Childminder in Southampton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294152 Inspection date 21 April 2005 Inspector Sylvia Dindar

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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 registered in 2004 and lives with her husband and two children of whom one is an adult and one is of school age. They live in a house in the Bitterne Manor area of Southampton within walking distance to local shops schools and parks. Most areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden which is available for outside play. The family have a dog and cat. The childminder has a qualification in first aid.

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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 are cared for in an environment that is clean, warm, light and well maintained. Children learn personal hygiene routines such as washing their hands after using the toilet or before meal times. Through the childminder's good hygiene practice children are protected from infection. Children have opportunities for physical exercise on a daily basis through regular outings to the park or use of the garden. They learn how exercise affects their body, and acquire new skills such as learning to pedal a tricycle. Children enjoy a diet that is healthy and nutritious and are able to make a choice from healthy snacks, such as yoghurt and fresh fruit. Drinks such as milk, reduced sugar juice and water are offered to children and are freely available through out the day. Discussion with parents and the recording of information ensures that individual dietary needs are catered for. Children’s own sleep routines are catered for. The childminder is flexible and adapts

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Helping children to be healthy

the daily routines to cater for their individual needs. Children are comfortable and secure with the childminder, they cuddle in and settle well when they are tired. They rest comfortably and are supervised when sleeping.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well supported in an environment where most hazards are identified and addressed. The childminder shows good supervisory skills; however, older children could leave the premises because they can reach the lock on the front door. Children play with equipment and toys that are of good quality, age appropriate, strong and robust. The activities are organised so that young babies do not have access to items that may present a risk of choking Children learn about road safety and are starting to take responsibility for their actions. Fire safety equipment is in place and ready for use. Children learn the routines for safe emergency evacuation through regular practice. however, these are not practiced from the first floor. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and systems are in place to safeguard children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the childminders, they are confident and happy and involved in their play. They have easy access to a wide range of fun activities, which

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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 are appropriate for their age and stage of development. Children benefit from a range of quiet and more boisterous activities. These are loosely planned allowing flexibility to meet their individual needs. Resources are well presented and rotated so that children do not become bored and children are confident to ask for additional toys knowing that the childminder will provide for them where possible. The childminder uses her skills to extend children’s learning by offering additional support and equipment, which enhances their experience and extends their learning. Children’s language is developed because the childminder takes time to listen to what children say and do. Through the childminder good use of questions, children learn to freely express their ideas and to find their own conclusions. Children enjoy

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

books, and at times use these to clarify what is real and unreal, allowing them to express and come to terms with their fears in a supportive environment. Children thrive through the attention they get from the childminder and are given meaningful praise and encouragement building their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel welcome in a child - centred environment. Time and thought is given into settling children into their new environment so they are able to settle at their own pace and become secure and happy. Information is gathered from parents to ensure that children are cared for in accordance to their parents wishes and individual needs are catered for. The childminder listens with interest when children talk about their family. She celebrates and shares with the children, important events in their lives, such as birthdays. This promotes children’s self -worth and values their individual backgrounds. Children are given meaningful praise and encouragement building their confidence and self-esteem. Children have access to a range of play provision that promotes and acknowledges the differences in our society. Through honest and open discussion, they learn about different people and their life experiences. They begin to establish a positive,

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Helping children make a positive contribution

balanced view about the society in which we live. Children’s behaviour is good, house rules are in place so that children know what is expected of them. They learn to be mindful of others younger than themselves and learn to take turns and share.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are secure and happy and flourish in an environment where rooms, daily routines and activities are planned and meet the needs of all children who attend. Their safety, health and well-being is paramount and promoted by the childminder’s practices and procedures.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children’s well being and development is discussed on a daily basis to ensure that parent’s are kept well informed about their child’s development. Documentation provided and shared with parents is kept in a confidential manner, and underpins and support the good care of the children. The childminder is committed to reviewing and evaluating her practice to provide good quality care for children.

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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 that children cannot leave the premises unaccompanied and review the fire evacuation procedures, ensuring children can be quickly and safely escorted from the building in an emergency.

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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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