Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331764 Unique Reference Number 17 May 2007 Inspection date Alison Jane Williams 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 has been a registered since 2006 and she is a member of the National Childminding Association Quality First Childminding Network. She lives with her partner and pre-school aged child. They live in a three bed roomed terraced property in the Southsea area of Portsmouth, close to local shops, schools and park. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding, with sleeping and toilet facilities provided upstairs. There is a garden available but the childminder uses a nearby park to provide outside play. The family have no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding four children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The premises are not registered for overnight care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler groups and takes children to the toy library and the park.

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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 enjoy a wide range of energetic physical activities, which contribute to their good health and physical development. They have ample opportunities to exercise and play outside. This enables them to gain a knowledge and awareness of their own bodies and build up confidence in themselves. They make good use of local parks and indoor soft play areas. They enjoy riding their scooters and outings to local places of interest. They walk to and from school daily and they reap the benefits of fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a nutritious diet because the childminder has a clear understanding of healthy eating. She is aware of the need to promote healthy eating from an early age and ensures children's individual needs are met through discussion with the parents. Children learn about healthy eating through conversations about the type of things they like to eat and what foods are good for them. The childminder provides a range of freshly cooked meals such as spaghetti Bolognese and fish pie served with a variety of fresh vegetables. Children enjoy fresh fruit, yogurts and rice cakes, which are given as snacks. They are able to access drinks freely and independently as the childminder makes up cups and beakers for them to help themselves from the table in the play room.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle and are well cared for in a warm, clean, comfortable home. Their self-care skills are promoted well as the childminder actively encourages them to wash their hands and blow their noses, at appropriate times, helping them to develop their understanding of the importance of personal hygiene. Children have their health needs met because the childminder is fully aware of accident and medication procedures. Clear policies are in place for the exclusion of children who are ill, helping to prevent the spread of infection. Children will receive appropriate treatment if an accident occurs because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a fully stocked first aid kit is maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are extremely safe because the childminder is vigilant and has addressed all potential hazards. For example, cleaning materials are stored safely out of their reach, safety gates are in place to prevent them accessing the stairs and all plug sockets have been made safe, ensuring a safe environment is provided. The premises are secure and the childminder ensures no unannounced visitors can gain access and that children can not leave her home unsupervised. Smoke alarms are maintained on all levels of the property and an evacuation procedure is in place. However, not all children have had the opportunity to practice the fire drill, to ensure they have an understanding of how to protect their own well being in the event of an emergency. The childminder provides a wide range of clean and well-maintained equipment, toys and play materials, which children can access freely and safely. Children feel safe and settle very well

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

because of the high levels of supervision and support they receive from the childminder. Children are safe when taken on outings and walks. Younger children are strapped into a pushchair or wear a harness. The childminder teaches older children to cross the road safely, to stay close to her and never leave the park without her, helping them to learn how to keep themselves safe.

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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 Children are well protected from harm or neglect. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and procedures and she has attended relevant training. She recognises the possible signs or symptoms of abuse and would contact the relevant parties if concerns were identified, helping to keep children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have a wonderful time and benefit from a secure and loving home environment, in which they begin their early learning. They are interested in a varied range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. They become independent as they choose from a variety of toys and play materials which appeal to all. Babies and young children thrive because the childminder has a clear knowledge of child development and she recognises how young children learn most effectively. Positive interaction between the childminder and children ensures they develop a strong sense of confidence and self assurance. They have wonderful opportunities to explore their senses using a range of media, sensory and tactile experiences through the use of treasure baskets and as they explore jelly, coloured spaghetti, glup and play dough. They listen and respond with enjoyment to songs and music and are beginning to explore

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

musical instruments. They clap their hands together and join in with songs such as 'If you're happy and you know it' and 'Old Mac Donald had a farm'. Children become competent learners as they build towers and show great excitement, laughing, as they knock them down. They are beginning to make connections pointing to pictures in books. The childminder talks to the children and engages fully in their play, helping them to develop their vocabulary and become skilful communicators. Older children enjoy the time at the end of the school day when they can relax or be active in accordance with their needs and interests. They play in the park, watch television and play on the games console. They enjoy art and craft activities and imaginative play. They dress up and pretend to be teacher as they role play schools with their dolls and teddies. Children are extremely happy and settled in the childminder's care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children settle quickly into the routines because the childminder ensures they are consistent with home; they are encouraged to bring a comforter or special toy from home to help them feel secure. Their needs are well catered for through detailed discussion with the parents, and the childminder treats each child as an individual. Children's awareness of the wider world is extended through the use of an appropriate range of resources which reflect positive images of diversity and the childminder responds to their questions in a positive way. For example, after seeing a deaf child signing, she talks to them about how difficult it most be to learn to talk if you can not hear anyone speak. Children are then encouraged to learn some simple sign language, helping them to recognise and value differences and similarities between themselves and others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are confident and interact well with other children and adults. They develop their understanding of others and learn to socialise with their peers through regular visits to local children's groups; they play together well in mixed age groups. Children's behaviour is good because they know exactly what is expected of them. The childminder manages behaviour calmly and effectively ensuring clear rules and boundaries are in place. For example, she gently reminds younger children to steer their sit and ride toys away from the baby who is playing on the floor. Children respond positively to praise and encouragement from the childminder and

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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 are rewarded for their good behaviour by being given a special stamp on the back of their hands. Children have a clear understanding of behaviour expectation as they remind each other of the house rules, such as not to put their feet on the furniture with their shoes on.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationships the childminder establishes with their parents. They share information in the children's activities sheets, photographs are sent to the parents via e-mail and they discuss children's achievements daily. This enables parents to contribute to their child's experiences with the childminder and work in partnership to promote their welfare and development. Parents are very happy with the care provided and find the childminder to be competent and capable.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children have use of a designated playroom with posters brightly displayed on the walls. Space and resources are well organised enabling children to move freely and confidently around the range of activities available and they can access toys and play materials independently. Children are fully occupied with many play opportunities during their time in the childminder's care as she organises the daily routines well, taking into account the needs of the children who attend. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Their health, safety and well-being is promoted effectively because all the legally required documentation is in place and is maintained to a good standard. Children benefit from an organised, safe, secure environment, where they are protected by sound procedures. They enjoy their time with the childminder because resources and activities are planned well and the days are full and run

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Organisation

smoothly. The childminder has a clear understanding of the fourteen National Standards and meets them well. She continues to attend relevant training and workshops. This ensures her practice is kept up dated and enhances the opportunities she provides for the children in her care, so they benefit greatly from her knowledge and experience.

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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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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

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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 all children are aware of emergency evacuation procedures

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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

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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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