Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY230631 Unique Reference Number 26 July 2007 Inspection date Susan Mann 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 satisfactory. 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 2003. She lives with her partner and child, who is three years of age. They live in a house in Romsey. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding with occasional use of the first floor for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet cat.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children under the age of eight years. At present, three children under the age of eight attend on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder attends local toddler groups and visits to the library. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted by a range of suitable routines and practices. Children wash their hands after using the toilet and before they eat to limit the spread of infection. They each use

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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 their own designated towel on which to dry their hands which helps limit cross infection between them. Any accidents that occur are accurately recorded and shared with parents to ensure they are informed. Medication records are robust to ensure that parents provide their written consent and details of when it is administered is properly recorded.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of nutritious home cooked meals and healthy snacks. They have fruit and vegetables, as well as plain crackers for snack time. Children enjoy spreading butter on their crackers and use specially designed children's knives to safely cut their own fruit and vegetables. This helps foster their independence. The childminder liaises with parents to ensure that any special dietary requirements or allergies are known so that they can be accommodated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. They play in the safe and secure garden on a variety of equipment that enables them to develop their co-ordination and level of fitness. They also enjoy walks around the local area to a variety of interesting places. They visit the local soft play centre where they can run around and play on the equipment which helps them develop their physical skills further.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected and secure in the childminder's care. She is very attentive to their needs and demonstrates a high regard for their safety. Children have plenty of space to play in her warm and welcoming home. They are safe because the childminder makes frequent checks on the premises and equipment to identify any dangers so they can be properly dealt with. For example, stair gates and socket covers are in place to protect children from accidents and toys are clean and well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn how to keep themselves safe when they are out with the childminder. They learn about road safety and know to hold onto the side of the pushchair when out on walks to stay safe. They know how to keep themselves safe in the event of a fire or other emergency. The childminder has devised an effective evacuation plan which she practises regularly with the children so they are familiar with the process. This means that they would be able to leave the house quickly in the event of a real emergency. Smoke alarms are in place and are checked regularly to ensure they are in working order to provide a warning in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected from harm and neglect because the childminder has clear knowledge of how to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse. She has some knowledge of how to report any concern. She fully understands her responsibility with regard to reporting these to take the correct action should this be necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are animated and happy as they play. They choose from an excellent range of toys and activities which are stimulating and fun for them to do. Children decide what they would like to do, and are able to select toys and resources from the toy cupboard if they wish. This helps them to develop their independence and the childminder respects their choices and always tries to accommodate them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates an exemplary understanding of how young children learn through their play. She provides a high level of support to ensure that they gain the utmost benefit

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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 from activities they do. For example, two young children are engrossed in painting with brushes and printing with a fir cone. The childminder gently encourages them to explore the texture of the paint with their hands and to notice the pattern of the fir cone on the paper. They remain for a long period of time at this activity, happy and completely engaged. Later on, the children enjoy doing puzzles. The childminder supports them to remain focussed until they have successfully completed them. They then delight in looking at the picture they have completed and discussing them with her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's learning and enjoyment is significantly enhanced because they regularly have outings to a superb range of places. They frequently visit the local zoo, and they enjoy swimming and visiting the farm to see animals being milked and fed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are settled and comfortable. They demonstrate an affectionate relationship with the childminder who is warm and caring towards them. They have frequent opportunities to play with a wide range of toys and resources that reflect our diverse society and this helps them develop their own understanding. The childminder is an excellent role model because she shows each child a great deal of respect. Children manage their own behaviour well. The childminder has a range of effective strategies to promote positive behaviour when required, such as clear explanation and diversion. She liaises with parents over any behavioural concerns to ensure they are fully informed. This means that children benefit from a coherent approach between home and the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children settle well because the relationship between the childminder and their parents is very good. They benefit from an effective settling in procedure that ensures they are familiar with the childminder and her home, and that parents are reassured. Each day, parents and the childminder have discussions about the child's welfare to ensure all know the relevant details. These discussions are supported by a detailed daily diary which logs elements of the child's day, such as what they have done and eaten, and how they have slept. Parents value these because they provide a valuable picture of what their child has done whilst with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the efficient organisation of the childminder. All documentation is properly maintained, including accident records and attendance registers. The provision is underpinned by a range of suitable policies that have been devised by the childminder. These cover different aspects of the service, and are shared with parents so they have a full understanding of the care offered by the childminder.

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Organisation

The childminder holds relevant qualifications in childcare. This enables her to provide effective support and activities for the children who attend so that they settle well and develop their knowledge and skills. The childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate which means that a child may not receive appropriate care in the event of them becoming unwell or injured whilst in her care. However, the childminder has already taken steps to remedy this, and is booked onto a paediatric first aid course in the near future. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection, the childminder was asked to consider ways to develop her practice by providing a range of resources that reflect positive images of disability. This has been satisfactorily addressed. Children now play with a wide range of resources that represent and show a wide range of abilities and disabilities.

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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. 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 satisfactory. 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): • continue to develop and enhance existing knowledge of how to safeguard children's welfare • ensure that a relevant qualification in paediatric first aid is completed.

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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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