Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY234378 Unique Reference Number 12 June 2007 Inspection date Ruth Tharme 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 registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and their teenage son. Their home is a semi-detached house in Four Marks, approximately seven miles from Alton in Hampshire. There are shops and local amenities within walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the property is available for childminding purposes. There is a secure garden available for outside play. The family have two pet cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Care is provided throughout the year on a full or part-time basis. There are currently six children on the roll. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties or disabilities. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. Children are taken to parent-and-toddler groups and parks within the local area.

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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. The childminder takes positive steps to promote children's good health. Hygiene standards are high. Children have their own bedding, towels and flannels to prevent the spread of infection. Pets are dealt with appropriately so there are no risks to minded children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Arrangements for first aid are well considered so children receive the treatment they need. A first-aid box is readily available, the childminder has a current first-aid certificate and parents have been asked to give prior written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. There is an exclusion policy in place so infectious diseases do not spread. There are frequent opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Children make good use of the garden and take daily walks in the local area. There are also opportunities for swimming lessons and visits to a nearby park.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a healthy and balanced diet. The childminder works with parents to ensure that lunch boxes are nutritious. Food provided is stored in the fridge which means that it remains fresh. Children have their own cups readily available so they have access to drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's home is very clean and attractively presented so children feel comfortable and welcome there. The use of space is well planned. Children can move round freely and have ample space to play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are in very good condition. Children can use them safely. The childminder buys from reputable suppliers and checks for recognised safety standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Positive steps are taken to minimise the danger to children. In the home, socket covers are in place, cupboards are locked and cleaning equipment is kept out of reach. The garden is fully enclosed to keep children safe. Great care is taken when children are on outings to minimise potential hazards. Parents are asked for permission for outings and the childminder carries emergency contact details with her.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Emergency drills are practised and smoke alarms are checked regularly to address any risk from fire. Children are monitored closely as they sleep to ensure their safety. Window locks and a door chain are used to make sure that premises are secure and children cannot leave unsupervised.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear knowledge of child protection issues, so children's well being is safeguarded appropriately.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children take part in a wide variety of activities which promote their all-round development. The childminder ensures that activities are adapted to meet individual needs so all the children

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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 can take part at their own level. For example, all of the children contribute to wall displays, with younger ones making their own marks and older children making detailed pictures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy craft activities, construction, imaginary play, books and stories. The childminder provides an extensive choice of activities for children to take part in. Outdoors they enjoy opportunities to explore as they play with sand and water. The childminder consistently offers children options, so they are able to make decisions for themselves. She listens to them carefully which means that she is well aware of children's interests and preferences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Toys and activities are interesting and stimulating and offer children appropriate challenge. The childminder rotates resources regularly and provides new equipment to capture children's interest. Children display high levels of concentration. They persist at specific activities for sustained periods, for example threading cotton reels or buttons onto a thread.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy a very warm relationship with the childminder. She is quick to reassure them on arrival so they settle immediately. They are happy, relaxed and confident in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is very aware of equal opportunities issues. She implements a policy which ensures that all children in her care have their individual needs recognised and addressed. The children are all able to access toys and activities regardless of gender, as they make choices for themselves throughout the day. They make use of a good selection of resources which portray positive images so children learn about diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children with learning difficulties or disabilities are well supported. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure a consistent approach . She shares her records and meets with parents regularly to ensure that they are kept well informed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. The childminder has a positive and consistent approach. She encourages children to look after their toys and each other. She acts as a positive role model which encourages children to copy her good manners.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children benefit from a particularly strong partnership with parents. Parents are quick to praise the care their children receive. They are kept well informed about the setting as the childminder provides access to her policies and procedures, issues newsletters and speaks with them on a daily basis. She shares photographs and sends home examples of children's work so parents are aware of the progress their children are making.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is not aware of requirements for sharing information regarding complaints. Where a concern to be raised, parents would not have access to the information they may require.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is well qualified to provide appropriate care for young children. She holds a childminding qualification and has a current first-aid certificate. In addition, she has completed training in child protection and moving and handling.

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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 Checks have been completed on all household members to ensure that they are suitable people. The childminder supervises children closely when out in public so that they are not put at risk. Ratios are maintained at all times which means that children receive good levels of adult support. The daily register is clear and accurate. It provides an up-to-date record of children's attendance.

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Organisation

Records are stored securely to maintain children's confidentiality. All documentation is countersigned by parents to show that information has been appropriately shared. The certificate is clearly displayed in the entrance hall. Parents have access to information about the conditions of registration.

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Organisation

The setting meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection a recommendation was made that the childminder develop her knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She has since attended training and is now able to recognise the possible indicators of abuse, and knows what action to take to protect children should she have any concerns for their well being.

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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): • develop knowledge and understanding of legislation regarding the recording and sharing of information about complaints

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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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