Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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156437 Unique Reference Number 03 September 2007 Inspection date Penny Wood 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 2001. She lives with her husband and three children within a housing estate in Popley, Basingstoke. The whole of the home is registered for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years old at any one time and currently minds three children aged between 22 months and 10 years old. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools and she attends a local toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing a good understanding of hygiene routines from an early age. For example, they regularly wash their hands, particularly after going to the toilet or having their nappies changed. After washing, the availability of individual hand towels reduces the risk of cross contamination of germs. The childminder’s sickness policy endeavours to limit the spread

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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 of germs and infections, with parents requested to respect the exclusion times in order to protect the health of all children within her care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder’s up-to-date knowledge of first aid. Documentation regarding children’s health, such as the accident and medication records, contain the required information and inform parents of the care their children receive. In the event of an emergency, written parental consent ensures children receive appropriate medical care from health professionals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Regular opportunities to play outside enable children to enjoy physical activities which promote their good health. Children enjoy running around in open spaces and walks or bike rides through the woods which are close to the home. During the summer months, the application of sun cream protects children from the harmful effects of the sun.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular drinks, confidently requesting further drinks when thirsty. They benefit from healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit and raisins, encouraging them to enjoy a healthy diet. Records of children’s individual dietary needs ensure children only receive foods that are suitable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enter a home which is clean and well maintained. Within the downstairs, they enjoy space to play freely and room to play in the garden. Children enjoy access to a very good range of toys, all of which are regularly checked to ensure they are safe for them to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Safety measures reduce most risks to the children. For example, kitchen cupboards are fitted with locks, stair gates deny children access to hazardous areas such as the kitchen and the garden is secured with locks. However, not all plug sockets are protected. Children are developing a good understanding of emergency procedures through practises of the fire evacuation drill and visits made by the emergency services to the toddler group they attend.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

During outings, the childminder has good systems in place to ensure children’s safety. For example, children stay close together and the childminder carries information regarding the children within her care, namely how the emergency services are able to contact the parents in an emergency. Children benefit from the childminder’s knowledge of child protection procedures which promote their welfare and safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled within the childminder’s care. They are able to choose from the large range of toys stored within a downstairs cupboard, which the childminder rotates to ensure the children enjoy the full range available. The toys span a wide age range ensuring children of all ages are suitably occupied.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children happily play with the activities provided, receiving support from the childminder to further encourage their play experiences. For example, when playing with dough, they enjoy manipulating the dough with their fingers with the childminder helping them to roll and squeeze the dough through utensils. They enjoy sitting and playing with the childminder on the floor.

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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 Constant praise and encouragement promotes children’s confidence and self-esteem. For example, the childminder frequently congratulates children for a ‘good job’ when tidying up.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to develop their language skills through ongoing discussions with the childminder. They enjoy naming the dough cutters and counting bricks in a tower. Regular opportunities to visit toddler groups enable children to develop their social skills and to play with their peer group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing a strong sense of value, because of the childminder’s attention and the time she shares with each child. They play an active part within the childminder’s home, such as helping to tidy up once activities are over. House rules ensure children are aware of the boundaries within the childminder’s home, which are re-enforced during the day, such as not climbing on stools in case they fall.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are developing their understanding of different cultures through play and activities. For example, children celebrate a range of festivals, such as Easter and Chinese New Year, and have opportunities to play with toys which depict positive images of race and culture.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the relationships between the childminder and their parents. Good strategies ensure the childminder is able to meet individual children’s needs. For example, the childminder ensures she gains appropriate information regarding each child in order to adapt her care where appropriate. The childminder works with parents on specific strategies, such as using baby sign language to encourage early communication with the youngest children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision of detailed information regarding the childminder’s service ensures parents receive an insight into the level of care she provides. Daily diaries inform parents of how children spend their time when in her care, with spontaneous observations giving good insight into how children are making progress within their development.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She is suitably qualified in both childminding and first aid and has gained experience in minding children over a number of years. She organises her home and space well, allowing children to enjoy their play.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation is in place, and with the exception of the registration system, completed as required. A good range of policies and procedures are in place to guide the childminder and are given to parents to inform them of her role and responsibilities. Regular reviews of children’s information ensure records are accurate and feedback gathered from parents allows her to assess her provision of care. All records maintain confidentiality and are available for inspection.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has improved her provision based on the recommendations that were set at the last inspection. She was requested to obtain written permission from parents to take children

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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 on public transport and to seek emergency medical treatment. Both of these requirements have been instigated, ensuring she is able to follow parent's wishes at all times.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 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. 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 all plug sockets are protected throughout the home • ensure the daily register is completed upon children's arrival and departure

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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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