Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

155669 Unique Reference Number 08 January 2008 Inspection date Coral Hales 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 1990. She lives with her husband, her adult son and daughter aged 15 in Bordon, Hampshire. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

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 two children under five during the day. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder attends local childminding groups and is able to walk to local schools to take and collect children. The family has two cats.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children stay healthy because the childminder takes positive steps to develop their awareness and understanding of good hygiene practices, for example, they are encouraged to wash and dry their hands before they eat snacks and meals and are well supported in their attempts. Nappy changing arrangements reflect good hygiene procedures. Children receive suitable care

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 in the event of illness or an accident as the childminder keeps her first aid qualification up-to-date. Parents are informed of any injuries that may occur and consent for emergency treatment/advice is maintained.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and are provided with a selection of healthy foods and drinks throughout the day, for example, cereal and toast for breakfast and snacks of fresh fruit. Freshly cooked nutritious evening meals are provided for children at the end of the day if required. The childminder works closely with parents to meet individual dietary and special requirements. Children begin to have some understanding of a healthy diet as they sit together to eat snacks and light lunches around the table. Babies dietary needs are met as parents provide all meals and the childminder ensures that fluids are given regularly.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a range of activities which promote good health as part of the daily routine and enjoy walking around the area as they visit local amenities. Outside play gives them a sense of freedom and they benefit from fresh air and exercise and they have regular opportunities to use the well resourced garden. This enables them to develop new skills as they for example, bounce on the trampoline and ride wheeled toys. Children are able to rest and play as part of the daily routine and this aids healthy growth and well-being.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment. Children move freely around within the sight of the childminder who is vigilant in her supervision. Their safety is generally well maintained as the childminder has a suitable understanding of how to keep them safe, for example, stair gates are used effectively as needed. Appropriate fire precautions such as smoke alarms and an extinguisher are in place and an evacuation plan is displayed for parents. However, the childminder has not carried out an emergency evacuation with the children currently minded to ensure she is able to leave the premises quickly, whilst effectively supervising such young children. Clear systems are in place to ensure children's safe conduct when on outings and when using the car.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use a wide variety of good quality equipment, appropriate to their age and stage of development. Toys and resources are updated and added to when necessary and all are suitably and safely stored. They are organised on a daily basis, dependent on those that are safe for the children attending.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected and their welfare promoted as the childminder understands her role in child protection. However, she is not fully secure in her knowledge of current child protection issues or of the guidance issued by the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. She has a sound knowledge of child development and this has a positive effect on the children's enjoyment and achievement. A good selection of colourful and topical resources are provided to promote their learning. Children move freely around the premises to use the different play activities on offer and enjoy using the dedicated playroom which is well organised and resourced. All areas are stimulating, bright and interesting to the children. They are developing independence, are able to access resources for themselves and are confident and interested in all activities provided; for example, they

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 concentrate well as they pick up items with a spoon one at a time and move them to another container and then repeat the actions again. Children show a sense of belonging as they interact with the childminder who involves herself enthusiastically in their play, for example, they enjoy making her drinks and cooking her tea during role-play.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's social development is actively encouraged and they enjoy meeting new friends at toddler and childminder groups within the area. This allows them to gain confidence around other adults and children, as well as having the opportunity to play with different resources and experience different activities on a regular basis. Older children attending after school are given opportunities to play with their chosen toys, to sit and relax with a book, watch television or to play out in the garden to enjoy the fresh air.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive good care according to their needs because the childminder knows them well and routines are followed as discussed with parents. Children are well settled with the childminder who provides a warm and caring environment. The childminder has a satisfactory practical awareness of how to include and appropriately care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children have access to a good range of play resources which reflect diversity and they are encouraged to have a good understanding of the wider world, for example, small world figures depict disabilities and books and posters and dolls promote positive images of others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's confidence and self-esteem is given high priority and they are regularly praised for their efforts and achievements. They behave well because the childminder offers sensitive support to help them to begin to manage their own behaviour and to develop their social skills, for example, they are encouraged to share and take turns and children are developing an awareness of the boundaries set.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the effective relationships between the childminder and their parents and this ensures continuity of care. Time is routinely made for parents to exchange information about their child's care. Written agreements are in place and this ensures that all are clear about their roles and responsibilities and they are aware of the complaints procedure should they have any concerns. Parents have confirmed in writing that the childminder's good practice benefits their children's significantly.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by the effective and efficient organisation of the premises and this includes a separate playroom which is well stocked with toys and resources to support their learning. The garden is used effectively to maximise play and learning opportunities. The space and access to the facilities and resources offer children variety and a balance of experiences. They are well supported and their welfare and care is well promoted. The childminder is organised and efficient in her approach and her records are suitably maintained, accessible and stored securely to maintain confidentiality. Regular discussions with parents take place to ensure information is exchanged to highlight any concerns or issues relating to their care. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder agreed to review paperwork where appropriate. The childminder now has a more organised approach to her documentation and this ensures that parents are kept well informed. She was also asked to develop her knowledge of healthy options in snacks and ensure drinks were available freely. Children's have constant access to drinks and enjoy a range of healthy snacks and this helps them to begin to develop an understanding of nutritious foods.

p.5

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.

p.5

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): • practise emergency evacuations with the children to ensure that procedures can be followed quickly and effectively • update knowledge with regard to current guidelines issued by the Local Safeguarding Children Board and ensure you are able to put them into practice.

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