Hera House

Inspection report for early years provision

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150927 Unique Reference Number 30 May 2007 Inspection date Lynn Reeves 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?

This childminder has been registered since 1992 and lives with her husband, who is also a registered childminder, and their three children. The family live in a residential area of Fareham in Hampshire, which is within walking distance to local shops, schools and park. The childminder is registered to provide care for four children under eight years and is currently minding nine children aged under eight years on a full and part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family have a range of pets and the childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder has good procedures in place to keep children free from infection, for example, not to accept sick children into her care, wearing disposable gloves when nappy changing and keeping all toys and play equipment cleaned on a regular basis. Children learn the importance

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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 of good hygiene procedures through discussion and are developing their self-help skills through routines, such as, washing their hands before eating and after toileting. Good procedures are in place regarding the range of family pets; the children show respect for the animals and help to feed and care for them. Children develop their understanding of a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of exercise, as they participate in outdoor activities and use a vast range of equipment in the garden. They develop control of their bodies as they bend and stretch when dancing to music and develop their large muscle control when playing on the climbing frame, slide, ride the sit-on toys and play in the sand pit. Children's small muscle control is developed when they take part in various activities, for example, during creative or messy play when they use a range

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Helping children to be healthy

of small tools and equipment, such as, scissors, glue sticks, cellotape, paintbrushes, and utensils when cooking. The childminder has a very good understanding about appropriate types of activities and promotes a healthy lifestyle with exercise, diet, sleep, fresh air and healthy eating. The childminder has procedures in place for recording accidents, administering medication and sun creams; however, her first aid training has expired, which prevents safeguarding children in an emergency.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminders good promotion of healthy eating as she provides children with fresh fruit and healthy options for their snacks in addition to meals sent from home. Lunch boxes provided by the parents have their contents checked and these are stored appropriately in the fridge. Opportunities are maximised for children to talk together about the foods they enjoy as they take part in cooking activities and taste different foods. Children's dietary needs are recorded on their records and information is shared with parents regarding what their child has eaten at the end of the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit because they are cared for in a safe and welcoming environment. They have access to a child- friendly dedicated playroom, where learning posters enhance children's learning and children's own artwork displayed promote their sense of belonging. Children are provided with an abundance of play provisions for both indoor and outdoor play; these are checked for safety and rotated to ensure children have new experiences and remain interested in their play. Resources are stored on low level shelving, which promote children's independence and choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are able to move freely and in safety around the home because potential risks have been identified and minimised. Appropriate smoke detectors, a fire blanket and fire procedure are in place, although, evacuations are not practised with the children to help keep them safe in an emergency. Children are made aware of dangers through general conversations, daily routines and gentle reminders. For example, they know it is important not to leave small pieces of toys on the floor in case young children choke or fall over, and they are reminded not to climb on the furniture in case they get hurt. Children discuss road safety issues when walking and are reminded to hold hands or onto the buggy to keep them safe.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures; she is able demonstrate that she could recognise the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. Parents are made aware of the childminder's responsibilities and all existing injuries that children arrive with are recorded. The childminder is fully aware of whom she should report any concerns to, which ensures children are protected from further harm.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settled in their environment, which is stimulating, exciting and interesting. They thoroughly enjoy their time, as they have many opportunities to develop an extensive range of skills and use their imagination. They move from activity to activity with great confidence and independence, freely selecting what they want to play with. Children use their imagination well during role-play and invite adults into their play as they pretend to make the dinner. They find the play foods and call out the fillings that are in the pies, for example, blueberries, cherries or apple. Another child happily runs off to find the plates, knives and forks. Children laugh and giggle as they dance to the pop records and act out the actions to their favourite nursery rhymes.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children artistically express themselves as they take part in a finger painting activity; the childminder stands back to let their play develop as they decide to put their hands into the paint and create some hand prints on the paper. Children have access to a vast range of media, for example, glitter, cotton wool, feathers, sponges, fabrics and tissue paper to make their own designs and demonstrates good cutting skills as they cut out paper chains. Children enjoy a wonderful range of activities and experiences suitable for their age and individual abilities. The childminder adapts activities to ensure each child's needs are met, for example, she knows that one particular child like to complete puzzles and incorporates time during the day for this type of play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have opportunities to watch children's television, to look at books and attend story time at the library. They develop their social skills when visiting with other childminder's and their children and thrive because the childminder has a good knowledge of childcare development and recognises the importance of play in a child's learning. The childminder is affectionate and responds well to children's needs, giving them cuddles when they are tired, praising and encouraging them throughout their play to promote their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that all children can participate in activities and constantly praises and encourages the children throughout the day promoting their self-esteem. Children are provided with a range of meaningful activities and resources that teach them about the wider world. They access toys that reflect diversity, such as, dressing-up clothes, ethnic figures, books and puzzles. Children have opportunities to learn about their environment, as they visit the park to collect collage materials, plant sunflower seeds, feed and take care of the family pets and go on bug hunts in the garden.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder maintains a positive approach to caring for children with learning difficulties, disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language and deals with unwanted behaviour in a calm and consistent manner. Children behave very well because they kept busy; they share, take-turns and help to tidy things away. They develop a clear understanding of what is right from wrong and learn the rules within the setting. They are constantly praised and given clear explanations in a language they understand, which helps promote their good behaviour. Strategies used are fully discussed with parents to ensure a consistent approach.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder develops good relationships with parents and the effective setting in procedures help young children to develop a strong sense of assurance. Children's individual routines are

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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 discussed verbally at handover and collection time as well as through the implementation of daily diaries. Most required written consent and documentation is signed by parents, however, written consent is not in place for permission to hold photographic evidence of children. Daily activities and routines are monitored and reviewed and evidence of children's work is sent home. Parents strongly value the childminder and provide positive feedback in relation to how she cares for their children. This is evident through the references from current parents and those of children she has previously cared for.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and children benefit from a well-organised, safe, secure and stimulating environment. The children are confident, happy and relaxed in their environment. They move freely around the setting, accessing the good range of toys and equipment available to them.

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Organisation

Children are suitably protected by the readily available documentation held by the childminder. Most required procedures are in place and records are kept secure to maintain confidentiality. Children enjoy their time with the childminder because resources and activities are planned well and provide significant challenges; as a result, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the provider was asked to ensure cleaning materials are inaccessible to the minded children. To ensure that times of attendance are accurately recorded in the register, request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment and to retain written permission from parents regarding administering medication to children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, all cleaning materials have been re-located onto a high shelf in the bathroom. All the required parental signatures are in place and the registers are recorded accurately with times of children's attendance. These procedures ensure children's safety.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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. 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): • complete an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children • devise and practise a procedure to keep children safe in the event of a fire • retain written permission from parents regarding photographic evidence of children

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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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