Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342827 Unique Reference Number 10 April 2007 Inspection date Alison Large 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two adult children in the Thornhill Park area of Southampton. All areas of the ground floor are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding and four child over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family have guinea pigs and gerbils.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet. They have a good understanding of healthy eating because the childminder provides a wide selection of healthy snacks and meals. The

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Helping children to be healthy

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 are offered regular drinks in order to stay hydrated. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents to meet each child's dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene. They are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times developing their self care skills. Children's health is promoted as the childminder uses effective hygiene procedures to minimise the risk of infection. The childminder implements procedures such as individual hand drying towels for the children to maintain good health and hygiene. However, she has not obtained signed consent from the parents to seek emergency medical advice and treatment, presenting a delay in an emergency, putting children's health at risk.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy frequent opportunities for physical play and are able to use the garden throughout the year. They use a range of toys and equipment including wheeled toys, slide and ball games. All offer fun outdoor experiences for the children and improve their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move around freely and enjoy a safe and secure environment because the childminder is vigilant and aware of potential hazards to children. Safety equipment is in place and the childminder supervises the children well. The childminder has devised an emergency evacuation plan to share and practise with the children, which means children are aware of the procedure to follow if an emergency arises. The childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and is aware of her roles and responsibilities. She has the required documentation in place to ensure the welfare of the children is safeguarded.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to access resources freely, developing their independence and their ability to make choices as toys and play materials are stored accessibly. A range of toys, books and equipment are available which are safe, clean and well maintained and suitable for the developmental stages of the children cared for.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their activities, they are confident and have good levels of self esteem. Children respond well to the praise and encouragement they receive, the childminder joins in with their play and builds good relationships with the children. They have opportunities to develop a range of skills including construction, art and craft and cooking and are able to help themselves to toys from the good range available. They are able to play independently as well as together, and become fully engaged and involved in the activities. Children are interested in a suitable range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. Older children are able to enjoy different activities from the younger children, which are more suited to their developmental stages, which ensures their individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed and play a full part in their day, because the childminder understands each child's individuality. Children have opportunities to learn about the world around them as they discuss various celebrations including Easter during activities, which helps them understand and value other cultures.

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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 Children are praised and encouraged throughout their activities. The childminder sets clear and realistic limits for all children ensuring she is kind and sets a good example. Children are valued and respected as individuals, all their individual needs are met as the childminder gets to know them well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's positive relationship with parents. Effective communication takes place and they are made aware of the childminder's policies and procedures. The childminder ensures that parents understand the necessity of all documentation and she has put a complaints record in place, which ensures the good sharing of information with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children feel at home and are well occupied in the organised environment. They confidently move freely around the home and access the toys and equipment they require. Children's care is enhanced by the relevant documentation which is prepared by the childminder. She has written her own policies and procedures which are shared with parents. The childminder understands the importance of keeping records up to date and accurate at all times and children's personal records are stored confidentially which helps ensure the children's well-being is protected.

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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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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): • obtain written consent from parents for seeking emergency medical advice and treatment for each child

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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 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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