Childminder in HampshireOfsted inspection, 1 Aug 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 151000 Inspection date 01 August 2005 Inspector Michelle Ann Parham

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 registered since 2000. She is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently caring for three children under 8 years on a part-time basis. Registration does not include overnight care. The childminder lives with her husband and two children. They live in a house in a residential area of Ann's Hill, Gosport, Hampshire. Local shops, War Memorial Hospital, beach, park and Leesland Infant and Junior Schools are within walking distance of the home. The ground floor area of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden area available for outside play.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have two pet rabbits, which are housed in the garden and a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a varied range of activities, which contribute to their good health, encouraging co-ordination and gross motor development. For example, they benefit from regular exercise as they walk to and from school, visit the local community parks, soft play areas and play in the rear garden on various equipment such as trampoline, slide, car, scooter and rocker. Children learn the importance of personal hygiene because the childminder encourages them to wash their hands at appropriate times, for example after toileting, touching pets and before eating. They are provided with a step and have easy access to soap, wet wipes and clean water. This helps them to develop their independence and good personal care skills. The childminder is professionally trained as a chef and is happy to provide nourishing meals whenever required. Biscuits and fruit are offered for snacks along with water,

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Helping children to be healthy

which ensures children eat healthily. Children's allergies and special dietary needs are recorded on children's records to respect parent’s wishes and ensure children's individual needs are met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to access a good selection of toys and resources safely and independently as they are stored at a low level in the dining area and under the stairs. The children are well supervised and supported as those under 8 years of age play only on the ground floor of the home, this ensures they are well monitored, safe and feel settled. Children are cared for in an environment where all safety precautions have been addressed and minimised. For example, a cabinet in the lounge with low-level glass fitted has been made inaccessible and the trampoline in the rear garden has a safety net fitted. The children gain awareness of dangers through general conversation and daily routines, for example, children are expected to hold hands when walking to and from school and they learn how to cross the road with care using the crossing patrol officer. The childminder is fully aware of the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

correct child protection procedure and the signs and symptoms that could raise concerns.

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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 Children are becoming skilful communicators because the childminder has a calm and relaxed nature and interacts very well with them. They are encouraged to participate fully as she plays on the floor and at the table with them, helping them with their activity, asking open-ended questions and making good eye contact. The children make choices and decisions for themselves and explore their surroundings and stimulating resources available. They spend their time purposefully in play and have good opportunity to develop their skills and progress well in all areas. Children gain increasing independence as they use initiative to self-select between a variety of fun and interesting toys, books and equipment in the home and garden. Children benefit from appropriate and varied activities and play opportunities because

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminder has a good understanding of child development. They are relaxed and happy in the home and demonstrate good levels of self-assurance and self-esteem as they chat easily and confidently to adults.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a strong sense of themselves because the childminder values them as individuals and has a good understanding of equal opportunities. She has the required documentation to ensure she is aware of personal requirements and needs. She welcomes all children into the home and tries to ensure they are all included in activities regardless of age or ability. Children develop a positive attitude towards others and learn about the wider world and community because there are some resources that reflect positive images, however currently they do not include positive images of disability. Children behave very well in the home because the childminder has a calm and relaxed nature and they are made aware through general discussion of what is acceptable. Effective behaviour management techniques such as distraction, discussion, occasional time out, praise and encouragement and stickers for reward

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Helping children make a positive contribution

help the children learn right from wrong. Children benefit from the childminder's strong partnership with parents. Parent's are welcomed into the home and given time and opportunity to discuss their children's requirements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder attends relevant courses such as First Aid and Introduction to Childminding Practice, which enable her to knowledgably support children and provide a service, which meets the needs of the range of children attending. Daily routines effectively reflect the individual needs of each child, activities are planned around the children's sleep patterns and interests ensuring the children are fully occupied and engaged. Children enjoy their time with the childminder as the activities are well organised and help to promote the children's development. The childminder

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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 provides an organised home within which the children feel happy and relaxed and explore their play and surroundings with comfort and ease. Children have their individual needs addressed appropriately, as the childminder has the documentation and working practices to support their care, learning, safety and well-being. Parents are supported, fully informed and up to date about their children’s progress and all documents are shared and co-signed. This promotes working in partnership and ensures children benefit from continuity of care. The childminder has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration and overall maintains standards well.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was asked improve some recording and documentation and to take action in notifying Social Services and Ofsted of child protection concerns. All documentation and recording is now fully undertaken which improves the organisation and ensures children's health and safety. The childminder is now clear on her role and responsibility to protect children in her care and confident to report concerns which ensures their safety and well-being are maintained.

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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): • extend resources to include positive images of all members of society

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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