Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY343130 Unique Reference Number 14 November 2007 Inspection date Alison Large 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 2007. She works alongside two other registered childminder's from a property in the Fareham area of Hampshire. All areas of the basement flat are used for childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding three children under five all day and one child over five before and after school.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is able to walk to local schools to take and collect children.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children thrive because the childminder has highly effective procedures and practices which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as the childminder introduces a variety of healthy snacks and meals. Children are offered fruit and vegetables daily and they are able to access drinking water throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good personal hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating reduces the risk of cross contamination. The childminder's support and guidance helps children gain a good understanding of hygiene and they become increasingly independent in their personal care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example they are taken out for walks to local play areas. Regular trips to the local parks and playgrounds improves children's physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has an excellent understanding of safety issues. Children are cared for in a spacious flat where risks are identified and minimised. This means they are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder is vigilant, gives high priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe, and to maintaining children's safety inside and outside the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the vibrant play environment. Children are able to independently select activities from an good range of high quality toys and equipment which meet safety standards. Procedures are in place to ensure equipment is well maintained. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to make sure they are appropriate to the age and stage of the children's development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place and gives priority to ensuring the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted. For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a good knowledge of child protection issues, she recognises her role and responsibilities and has written her own policy which is shared with parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They enter confidently, settle well and make themselves at home and thrive in the exciting range of activities and experiences offered to them. The children build close and caring relationships with the three childminders who work together, which increases their sense of trust and helps them develop a strong sense of self.

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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 interested in an excellent range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys, books and activities which appeal to all. Older children are able to enjoy different activities from the younger children, which are more suited to their developmental stages, ensuring their individual needs are met.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children interact well with the childminder, they share stories and participate enthusiastically, which contributes to their developing communication skills. The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of child development. This provides an exciting and stimulating play environment, in which young children initiate some of their own play, helping them develop high levels of independence and competence in the early stages of their learning.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children flourish in the childminder's care. All children are welcomed and play a full part in their day because the childminder respects each child's individuality. Children play well together learning to share and take turns and show concern for each other. Children gain a respect for themselves and others as they learn about the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A good partnership with parents contributes significantly to the children's well-being whilst at the childminder's house. Effective communication takes place between the childminder and parents and they work together to meet the children's individual needs. Behaviour is very good and children show high levels of independence, confidence and self-esteem as the childminder praises and values their achievements. They make themselves at home, confidently deciding what to do and independently visiting the toilet.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment this means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The children's care is enhanced by the quality of organisation of the childminder. Indoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children.

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Organisation

Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare and care of the children. They are shared with parents to keep them well informed about the service and their child's activities. All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place, stored confidentially and is regularly reviewed. However, not all documentation contains full details as required. The childminder shows a commitment to ongoing training, to further improve the setting. She evaluates the provision to identify areas in which further development could be made. The childminder takes joint responsibility for maintaining appropriate records.

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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

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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.

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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 all documentation contains full names and dates as required

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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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