Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY278922 Unique Reference Number 06 June 2007 Inspection date Lorraine Sparey 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 February 2004. She lives with her school aged child in a flat in the Maybush area of Southampton within walking distance to the local shops, school and parks. The childminder is currently minding from a house in old Shirley, an area of Southampton. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a rear garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

A maximum of four children may attend at any one time. There are currently two children on roll. The family have two cats. She is a member of the National and the Southampton Childminding Associations.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from healthy nutritious snacks and meals. The childminder prepares a range of balanced meals. Children learn about the healthy food options during shopping trips. They talk about foods that are good for us and enjoy tasting food from around the world. For example,

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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 during a Chinese theme children purchase and taste noodles and other foods from the local Chinese supermarket. Children benefit from healthy snacks such as a range of fresh fruit and sliced vegetables. Lunch is a very social occasion, the childminder sits with the children and encourages them to feed themselves, giving lots of praise as they succeed. Children are offered drinks throughout the day which are also taken on outings to ensure that their fluid levels are maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health is further supported by daily outings in the fresh air. They walk to the local park and regularly go swimming which increases their fitness levels. Children's large and small muscle control is developing well through activities and play opportunities. One of the children particularly enjoys dancing with the childminder. Children use a range of resources such as painting brushes and sponge sticks. Babies home routines with regard to feeding and sleeping are closely followed. Effective nappy changing ensures that children are comfortable at all times. The childminder implements a range of policies and procedures to maintain children's health and general well-being. Children are well protected in the event of an emergency or minor accident because the childminder maintains an up-to-date first aid certificate. Any accidents are recorded and shared with parents. However, some record entries do not maintain

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy being able to safely play in various areas such as the dining area and the lounge. Children are able to freely move because the childminder ensures that the environment is safe and well maintained. Children's awareness of maintaining their own safety is promoted well through discussion. The childminder explains to one of the younger children 'We need to remove the scarf while you're crawling around on the floor, otherwise it may get tangled up'. Children's understanding is further increased by the childminder reading stories about safety issues such as 'Look out near water', 'Look out at home' which are part of a series of safety books. Children safely access a wide range of age appropriate toys and equipment. The childminder provides a range of resources that the children can choose from each day. In addition they visit the toy and book libraries to increase their choices in the play. Effective procedures ensure that the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has recently undertaken training in child protection. She has clear knowledge and understanding of child abuse and effective procedures to follow in the event of a concern being raised. Parents receive information when they register their child on her role in protecting children from harm and neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and confident in the childminder's care. They enjoy a wide range of age appropriate activities such as exploring treasure baskets, growing plants and exploring the wigwam at Deer's Leap. The childminder plans activities and play opportunities linked to individual children's abilities and interests. She completes regular observations and assessments to ensure that children are progressing in their development and learning. One child enjoys singing a scarecrow song with the childminder. They show obvious enjoyment as she supports them in completing the actions. Children have good opportunities to be creative and explore a range of textures such as paint and shaving foam. Children's language is developing well

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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 through the positive interaction with the childminder and regular stories and rhymes. The childminder promotes children's development through effective questioning. 'What kind of house are you building?', 'Is it a small flat or one in a big tower'. The childminder and the children talk about different types of houses that people live in. Children enjoy developing their own games and ideas. One child asks the childminder 'Will you dance with me, you be the Prince and I am Cinderella'. The childminder actively participates in the game. Children benefit from a high-quality interaction from the childminder. She continually talks to the children about their play and shows genuine interest and enthusiasm whilst joining in. Children have lots of opportunities to learn about nature. They observe the life cycle of a butterfly, which they

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from socialising with other children of similar ages. They go on outings to the local park to feed the ducks and story time at the local library. During school holidays they go on outings to local places of interest such as long down dairy farm.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are well catered for, the childminder clearly knows the children well. She follows their home routines to ensure that they feel comfortable and relaxed. Children benefit from the childminder planning activities to suit their individual needs. Children gain a sense of belonging. Their creative achievements are displayed and the childminder includes them, valuing their ideas. Children are learning about the community they live in through regular outings and discussions. Their awareness of the wider world is promoted through activities and celebrating a variety of festivals throughout the year. Children make lights to celebrate Diwali and enjoy tasting various foods linked to festivals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder developing good relationships with their parents. She provides quality information on their child's progress. This consists of a six monthly report and information on the next steps in the child's learning. She also provides a daily written diary which acts as a two-way communication between the parents and the childminder. They regularly share information informally. The childminder has devised a range of policies and procedures to support her good practice.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are well behaved , showing consideration to their peers and the childminder. Children regularly say 'please' and 'thank you' and demonstrate good table manners. The childminder is consistent in her approach to ensure that children understand and respect the boundaries and expectations. They respond well to her good use of praise and encouragement.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. She is very committed to training to update and increase her knowledge of childcare practices. In addition she uses relevant childcare publications to keep abreast of changes and provide new ideas. She has good procedures to ensure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Children are able to freely move between the play areas because the childminder is organised and uses this space and resources effectively. She has devised a comprehensive range of policies and procedures which are shared with parents. However, the procedure to record accidents or incidents does not respect confidentiality because other children's names are recorded on the same sheet. All documentation is stored securely in a locked filing cabinet.

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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 are well supported because the childminder is organised in her daily routines, allowing her to spend all her time playing and talking with the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to conduct and record the emergency evacuation procedure. She records when they practise the emergency evacuation procedure and any improvements she could make. This means children are familiar with exiting the building quickly and safely. She also agreed to increase the range of books and play equipment to meet the needs of all children and ensure they promote diversity. The childminder has a wide range of books and resources which are age appropriate to the children attending. Some of the resources provide positive images of our diverse society. This increases children's awareness of the world around them.

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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.

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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): • continue to review how accidents and incidents are recorded to maintain confidentiality

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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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