Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY269613 Unique Reference Number 09 August 2007 Inspection date Hazel Stuart-Buddery 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children. The childminder's husband is registered as an assistant. They live in a house within the Elvetham Heath area. Local shops, schools, pre-schools and parks are within walking distance. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding with children only going upstairs for naps. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children and currently has five children, on a part-time basis on the register. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Excellent daily routines and explanation help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet and before eating reduces he risks of passing on germs. Children confidently explain why they wash their hands and that they all have their own towel to dry them. Highly effective hygiene routines help prevent the spread of infection. For example, the childminder

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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 wears gloves to change nappies and sanitises the changing mat after every change. Children receive appropriate care if there is an accident as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. All required documentation is in place, this means that children are cared for in accordance to parents' wishes.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from healthy, nutritious meals provided by the childminder. Pictures and posters are displayed around the play room that help children understand about a healthy lifestyle. Children are encouraged to be involved in the organisation of the meals. Each week, the older children choose menus for the following week. Some children explain that they cannot choose a meal that they have had this week. They understand that eating a healthy and varied diet helps their bodies to grow and develop well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily opportunities to play outside and get fresh air. They develop their physical skills as they jump up and down on the trampoline and rock back and forth on the rocker.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a well-organised and accessible environment. A dedicated play room that is very well equipped provides children with opportunities to self-select safely from a wide variety of resources. Children are well protected from hazards because the childminder has identified and minimised risks around the home. A daily risk assessment is completed in the outside area before children go out to play. Children benefit greatly from the wide range of trips and visits to places of interest. Children's safety is paramount when on trips and all wear high visibility jackets to ensure that they are easily identified. The childminder informs parents in advance of these trips, although written permission has not been obtained. Children learn about keeping themselves safe and happily explain what the rules are for using the trampoline.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected well from the risk of fire. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are installed appropriately. Older children explain confidently what they need to do in case of a fire. A fire drill is practised regularly with the children to ensure they know how to get out quickly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare and safety is well protected. The childminder has a good awareness of child protection issues and has completed training in this area. She has all phone numbers and publications to hand and has informed parents of her responsibility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children play and learn in a highly stimulating and rich environment. The home is organised extremely well and provides an excellent range of good quality, age appropriate toys and activities. Pictures and posters, along with children's art work surround the walls at low level to help children learn about and provoke questions on different cultures, words, letters and numbers. Resources are laid out well and are inviting to the children. The childminder uses observations to plan and prepare a suitable range of activities. Children enjoy a wide range of interesting and worthwhile activities that are enhanced by direct involvement from the childminder. Older children enjoy exploring tie and dye. They listen carefully to instructions from the childminder and carefully tie string around parts of the t-shirt to stop the dye from getting into the fabric. Younger children confidently explore and investigate the toy garage.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They show high levels of inquisitiveness and smile to themselves proudly as they roll the cars

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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 down the ramp and jump out of the way as it gets to the bottom. Children excitedly put on their shoes to play outside. They enjoy the freedom to explore the garden. Some children have a very good imagination as they report that there is a poisonous spider made out of sticks on the trampoline. The childminder gives reassurance that the spider will not hurt anyone. Children are extremely happy and make excellent progress in their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is highly committed to providing new and exciting opportunities for the children. She regularly plans and prepares activities in advance to ensure the children receive a good range of opportunities that interest and excite them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated fairly and with respect. A good range of resources that reflect diversity are accessible for children to play with. The childminder has a good awareness of children's development and pitches activities at their level. Children benefit from the childminder's clear guidelines for behaviour. House rules are displayed and are understood by the children. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement and are safe and secure. Children are very well behaved, polite and courteous.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has built very positive relationships with parents. She discusses children's needs thoroughly to ensure individual needs are met and continuity of care is offered. Comprehensive, written policies are fully shared with parents. The childminder uses a notice board to display photographs of what the children have done. She has received very positive feedback from parents, all who are extremely happy with the care that she provides. Most parental consents are in place. These measures promote good partnerships with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from a child friendly, accessible environment. They are happy, relaxed and very settled and benefit from a well-organised and highly stimulating home. Children receive appropriate levels of support and excellent relationships are fostered.

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Organisation

Children benefit from a wide range of stimulating and creative resources that promote their development in all areas. All resources are easily accessible and allow children to select independently.

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Organisation

The childminder is committed to constantly improving and developing her childminding practice. She has attended many courses and workshops to enhance her knowledge and understanding. All documentation is very well maintained and parents sign to acknowledge their understanding of all policies and procedures. Further information is obtained from parents that supports good practice. However, consents to take children on non-routine outings are not obtained. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to develop children's ability to independently select play materials and make choices; develop knowledge and understanding of child protection issues as indicated in 'What to do if you are concerned' booklet. Since the last inspection the childminder has improved the provision by having a dedicated play room. Children have easy

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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 and safe access to a wide range of interesting resources. These are all displayed well and allow the children to self-select and make their own choices. The childminder has improved her knowledge and understanding of child protection. She has completed a course and has all relevant publications to hand. These improvements help to promote children's welfare, care and learning.

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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 then 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 written permission is obtained from parents for non-routine outings.

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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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