Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343752 Unique Reference Number 20 June 2007 Inspection date Alison Large 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 2006. She lives with her husband, lodger and two children aged seven and four in the Bitterne area of Southampton. All areas of the ground floor and one bedroom are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five all day. The childminder is able to walk to local schools to take and collect children. The family have a cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National and Southampton Childminding Association.

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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. Children are provided with a diet that is healthy and nutritious

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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 and in line with the parents' wishes. Children enjoy healthy snacks such as fruit and drinks are always available to ensure the children remain hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health records are kept up to date, including accidents and the administration of medication. The childminder implements effective hygiene procedures through her regular routines. For example, when nappy changing she uses gloves, cleans the changing mat between uses and disposes of nappies appropriately. Children learn about good personal hygiene as they are reminded to wash their hands after toileting and before eating. The childminder's support and guidance helps children become increasingly independent in their own personal care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children relish being in the garden where they use a varied range of outdoor activities which contribute to their good health and physical development. The childminder recognises the benefits of daily exercise, she ensures they have opportunities to develop their small and large muscles, for example, they play in the water play and practise ball skills. Children benefit from regular outings and visits to local carer and toddler groups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of safety issues. She gives priority to ensuring risks and hazards are minimised and that children's safety is promoted at all times, inside and outside the home. Good fire safety precautions are in place, for example, a fire blanket is available in the kitchen, smoke detectors are fitted in the house and the emergency evacuation plan is practised regularly with children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a clean, safe and secure environment. The ample space in and outdoors is used effectively allowing children to play and move around safely. Children make choices from the wide range of play materials available to them. A full range of equipment ensures they are cared for appropriately. All of which is clean, safe and well maintained. The childminder has the required documents and procedures in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded. She has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and recognises her role and responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children build excellent relationships with the childminder and arrive confidently and settle well. They are familiar with the daily routine which helps them to feel secure. They relate well to the childminder who offers a nurturing environment. The childminder knows the children well and talks to them about their family and what they have been doing at home. This interaction helps the children develop a strong sense of trust and secures their relationship with the childminder. Children play enthusiastically with the well organised range of play equipment provided. Children enjoy opportunities to express their imagination through role-play, they share stories, enjoy a puppet show and participate enthusiastically, which contributes to their developing communication skills. The childminder is starting to make use of the Birth to three matters framework, planning play opportunities for young children. Children benefit from

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the many opportunities to socialise with others. For example at toddler groups and visits to other childminders. The children enjoy the childminder's company and engage in conversation with her, she joins in their play, encouraging their social skills.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. Children are welcomed and play a full part in their time at the childminder's as they make choices of activities and resources. They become independent as they learn to manage their personal needs. The childminder obtains information regarding their care and preferences to ensure their needs are met and feel happy in her care. She makes sure their sleep and meal time routines are maintained therefore meeting their immediate needs. The childminder strives to meet the demands of the individual needs of all children she provides care for.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive approach to supporting children with disabilities and learning difficulties, working closely with parents to support them appropriately. Children learn about diversity through books and the use of resources such as role play equipment. Children are learning to behave well and control their emotions due to the childminder's consistent approach to behaviour management that is appropriate to the child's level of development. She encourages and praises their efforts and achievements at every opportunity. Parents are provided with a full range of policies and procedures that supports the childminder's good practice. Effective communication takes place between the childminder and parents, especially, through the use of daily diaries for each child, and together they work to meet the children's individual needs. Parents are informed of how to make a complaint and any received are recorded appropriately

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and shared with parents in line with current regulation.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. All aspects of the childminder's care are generally well organised. She has attended training in first aid and has a sound knowledge and understanding of current regulation and the National Standards. She is committed to improving her skills and is currently working towards qualifications in home-based childcare. Children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment, which means they are able to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The children's care is enhanced by the efficient quality of organisation of the childminder, with indoor space laid out to maximise the play opportunities for children. All the required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place, stored confidentially and regularly reviewed.

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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): • develop the use of the Birth to three matters framework, continuing to improve the experiences for children under three years.

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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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