Honiton House School

Inspection report for early years provision

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118970 Unique Reference Number 15 October 2007 Inspection date Hazel Farrant 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 has been registered since 1977 and is also a community minder. She has completed a Cache level 3 in Childcare Practice. She lives in the Birch Hill area of Bracknell and her mother also lives at home with her. The premises is within walking distance of local schools, parks, the library and shops.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is currently caring for five children which includes three children under the age of five years old.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children have access to a wide range of activities which contributes to their good health and well-being. They have daily opportunities to develop their physical skills through regular access

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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 to outdoor play. For example, they play in the garden and visit the local park where they have access to climbing apparatus and a trampoline. Children enjoy the fresh air and explore their local environment by going on regular outings to places of interest with the childminder.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene practices through well-established daily routines. However, children do not always wash their hands before eating.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's health needs are supported well because the childminder is aware of the children's individual needs. She has procedures in place to ensure children are cared for appropriately should they be taken ill. The childminder ensures that she holds a valid first aid certificate and has completed a food hygiene course. Children's accident, medication and emergency consent forms are all in place and well maintained which supports children's daily medical needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children learn about healthy eating through regular discussions with the childminder. They are encouraged to eat healthy options such as fruit and vegetables. The childminder reminds the children to drink, water and juice regularly, so that they keep hydrated throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are very happy and secure in their surroundings. Space is utilised well for children to relate to their environment, with pictures on walls and access to low-level toys. Children confidently move around the home which helps to develop their growing desire for independence.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a wide range of high quality toys that are chosen for their age and stage of development. The childminder monitors children's choice of toys, to ensure they are appropriate for their use. She also ensures her home environment is safe. For example, the childminder ensures all plug sockets have covers and household alarms such as carbon monoxide and smoke detectors ensure children's safety. The childminder also ensures children practise and understand how to safely exit the home in an emergency. When on outings, the childminder makes children aware of safety, they learn about the hazards of traffic.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected. The childminder has a written policy in place which she shares with parents. She knows who to contact should she have concerns about a child’s safety and keeps a record of existing injuries. The childminder ensures that all persons living in the home complete statutory checks.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and settled, and enjoy very good relationships with the childminder. The childminder is warm and attentive and children respond with pleasure. Children's confidence is promoted by a childminder who is sensitive to their needs and knows them very well. Children feel very much part of the family, benefiting from warm and supportive relationships which makes children feel valued. The childminder offers appropriate praise and listens carefully to what children have to say.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder uses her experience as a guide to support her work with young children. The pattern of the day is well established so that children benefit from a wide range of activities and outings. They enjoy looking at books together with the childminder and join in with making

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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 noises and facial expressions. Children have access to a good variety of toys and resources which the childminder regularly changes to maintain children's interest and stimulate their curiosity. They also have access to a good range of resources where they are able to climb and slide on the apparatus as well as benefiting from the use of the trampoline. Children learn about their local community from going on walks and enjoying visits to the park and outings to places of interest.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The information the childminder obtains from parents help her to plan effectively to meet the needs of all children. She shows care and sensitivity which make the children feel welcome and at home. Parents receive good verbal feedback which is further supported with a journal. This information supports the continuity of care for babies. When children have reached a year old, parents receive a progress report at regular intervals. This ensures parents are aware of their child's development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents receive copies of the childminder's procedures and policies. These are an integral part of the childminder's daily routines and activities and help to build the strong relationship with parents. A complaints procedure is in place, however, parents are not informed of Ofsted’s address should they wish to send a letter of complaint or compliment about the service provided.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit because they play in an environment where the childminder has a positive approach in encouraging children's awareness of the world in which they live. She provides a selection of toys that show cultural diversity and people with differing abilities. Children are given opportunities to learn about their local community as they visit local parks and shops.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave very well. They are given clear and consistent messages by the childminder who promotes positive behaviour through praise and encouragement. Children are relaxed and comfortable and are developing their independence skills. For example, through selecting toys and activities.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a well organised environment. They receive good adult support and attention which helps them feel secure. Verbal and written feedback given to parents ensures that the welfare of the children is promoted and consistency of care is provided. All the required documentation is in place as well as policies and procedures which underpins the childminder's good practise.

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Organisation

The childminder keeps up-to-date with current childcare legislation and guidelines through her regular attendance at relevant courses. She also participates in initiatives and opportunities such as the ‘Quality First’ assurance scheme. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has enhanced her practise in regard to nappy changing and follows an appropriate procedure to ensure cross contamination is minimised.

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Improvements 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 The children now benefit from a good range of toys and activities. Therefore, they are learning about the diversity of the wider world.

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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): • ensure children follow good hygiene procedures with regard to hand washing • further improve the complaints policy by including Ofsted's address.

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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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