Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY344161 Unique Reference Number 15 August 2007 Inspection date Helen Mary Ball Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2007. She lives with her partner and two children, who are aged two years and seven years, in the village of Sparsholt, near Winchester. The whole of the ground floor of the house is used for childminding. Minded children have access to two of the bedrooms on the first floor for rest and occasional play. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There are currently three children on roll. The family have four cats. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA)

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are very effectively protected from becoming ill because the childminder takes all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of infection. For example, children use individual hand towels and the childminder wears gloves when changing nappies. Children's health and welfare are successfully underpinned by the maintenance of medication records, consent forms and the comprehensive hygiene policy. However, some accident records lack necessary detail.

p.2

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 Children are protected in the event of minor accidents because the childminder has a current first aid qualification.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are extremely well nourished because the childminder provides highly nutritious snacks and meals. For example, children eat their selection of grapes, strawberries and peaches with gusto at snack time. Children learn about healthy foods and they enjoy growing their own vegetables such as carrots, beetroot and lettuce. Children benefit from mealtimes which are sociable occasions because they all sit together at the table when eating.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in this welcoming setting because the childminder's home is child-friendly. They enjoy talking about the wide range of colourful posters on the walls, and they enjoy showing visitors their paintings which are displayed on the kitchen walls. This makes children feel valued. Children have ample space to move and play freely without restriction. Children play with an extensive range of good quality toys which is appropriate to their developmental needs. Their independence is encouraged because all toy boxes are fully accessible to all children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safe and secure because the childminder ensures that all main doors and windows are locked. She uses appropriate safety equipment within the home such as stair gates and fireguard. Children are protected on outings because the childminder ensures that she takes all emergency contact numbers with her, and she uses suitable equipment such as reins to ensure children's safety. She safeguards children by implementing effective measures to ensure that only named adults collect children. The childminder has attended initial child protection training which means that she is aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse, and she understands the procedures to follow in the event of concerns about a child.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play an active part in the setting. They enjoy making choices about their activities and care. The childminder is skilled at moving between children, ensuring that each has individual attention and that their needs are met. For example, she ensures that children have drinks and ample toys before feeding the baby. The childminder is aware of children's differing attention spans and she successfully caters for them. For example, when the younger children tire of gluing pasta and lentils, the childminder encourages them to move to another activity, which means that the older children are not disrupted.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A warm and caring relationship exists between the childminder and children. She is exceptionally calm, and is capable in managing children's different ages and stages of development. This ensures that all children are well supported. Children are very relaxed in this setting. Young toddlers play contentedly, breaking off spontaneously to dance to the music playing in the background. Children are successfully supported because the childminder refers to the Birth to three matters framework as a source of guidance for planning of activities. Overall, children thrive in this nurturing environment where they receive plenty of cuddles as well as fun activities.

p.3

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

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder liaises closely with parents, and the childminder follows children's individual routines. This ensures continuity of care for children. They learn about the wider world because books and toys reflect positive images of society. Children with learning difficulties/disabilities are welcome at the setting, and the childminder is willing to make any reasonable adjustments to enable her to meet their needs.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop caring and cooperative relationships. They are increasingly able to manage their behaviour, to find solutions for conflict and to show respect for the needs of others. Older children are very caring towards younger children and offer them frequent praise for their efforts. The childminder is an excellent role model and children follow her calm example.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership between the childminder and parents encourages all to work together to meet each child’s needs. They are kept informed about the childminder’s business via her well-organised portfolio and comprehensive policies.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is suitably qualified to care for children and she keeps up to date in a range of childcare issues through regular training. She organises her time to allow children to follow their individual routines and she is careful to allow children to play at their own pace. This creates a relaxed environment where children are settled and content. The childminder organises the ground floor of her home so that children can move freely.

p.4

Organisation

Children's care is enhanced by the efficient and effective organisation. The childminder's comprehensive range of policies and procedures protect children, promote their well-being and support their development. All regulatory paperwork is in place, although some accident records are not countersigned by parents.

p.4

Organisation

Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides care.

p.4

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.

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • ensure that parents countersign all accident records at the end of each day

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5