Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY344944 Unique Reference Number 27 June 2007 Inspection date Jacqueline Munden 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 good. 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 partner and their five children in Weeke, Winchester. All areas of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children on a part time basis. The childminder lives within walking distance to local shops schools and parks. The family have two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a certificate in first aid.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s good health is effectively promoted by the childminder who has a good understanding of health, hygiene and nutrition. She takes measures to avoid cross infection, for example, by providing individual towels. Children learn about good personal hygiene as they are reminded to wash their hands after toileting and before eating. Children's health records are kept up to date, including accidents and the administration of medication. The childminder is well-prepared

p.2

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 to respond to emergencies as she is trained in first aid and has appropriate parental consent to seek medical advice and treatment.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are provided with a diet that is healthy and nutritious and in line with their parents' wishes. Children are given healthy snacks such as fruit and offered drinks on a regular basis. Information is obtained from parents regarding children's dietary needs.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging regular physical exercise and fresh air including daily walks to school. All ages of children benefit from the wide range of play equipment that promotes physical development in the home and garden including a slide, swings and sit and ride toys. Outside the home they visit parks and the forest.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The child centred environment is clean, safe and secure. Space is used effectively allowing children to play and move around safely. They make choices from the wide range of play materials that are freely accessible to them, all of which are clean, safe and well maintained.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues and pays high attention to ensuring risks and hazards are minimised, for example, the stairs and cleaning materials are inaccessible. However, the drain is not covered. The childminder has devised a contingency plan for emergency cover and has a bag available with water, nappies, wipes and emergency contacts details, in case of an emergency evacuation. Fire safety precautions are in place, for example, a fire blanket is available in the kitchen, smoke detectors are fitted in the house and there is an emergency evacuation plan in place. However, this is not practised with children so the childminder is unable to clarify whether she could effectively evacuate all children in an emergency. When out walking, children learn to cross the road with care and keep themselves safe.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has appropriate procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded such as consent to take photographs. She has a clear knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, has written her own child protection policy and recognises her role and responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well at the childminder's home and happily explore the activities on offer. They are familiar with the daily routine and relate well to the childminder who offers a nurturing environment in a busy household. Children benefit from the close relationships developed with the childminder who listens to and respond to children with interest. The childminder is familiar with the Birth to three matters framework and her verbal intervention ensures that young children become skilful communicators. She has a good understanding of child development and how to ensure their care and welfare is promoted. They benefit from the wide range of resources provided that meet their interests and developmental needs. Children particularly enjoy the various creative play offered, for example, colouring stain glass style pictures which are displayed on a window for everyone to enjoy.

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are fully involved in life in the childminder's home. They feel valued as they make choices of snacks and play equipment and see their art work displayed. Children develop independence as they remove their coats and serve their own fruit.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn about other religions and cultures through activities and resources that promote positive images of race and gender. The childminder has a positive attitude to supporting children with special needs. She works closely with parents to ensure she meets each child's needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop confidence as the childminder praises and values their achievements. She has a calm and consistent approach to behaviour management. Children learn good manners from a young age as the childminder encourages them to say please and thank you.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents is good. They are provided with a full range of policies and procedures that supports the childminder's good practice. Effective verbal communication takes place between the childminder and parents as they work together to meet the children's individual needs. They are informed of how to make a complaint and these can be logged appropriately.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. All aspects of the childminder's care are well organised. She is suitably trained and experienced in caring for children. The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of current regulation and the National Standards. All of the required documentation is maintained for each child and is stored in a confidential manner. She has developed a comprehensive range of written policies to support her good practice that are shared with parents. These contribute to children's good health, safety and well-being.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder plans how she will spend her time with children well. She arranges her home to ensure children are safe to play and rest. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

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.

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 good. 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): • conduct and record the emergency evacuation procedure and ensure the drain is inaccessible.

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