Childminder in HampshireOfsted inspection, 14 Sept 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 111546 Inspection date 14 September 2005 Inspector Marie Thompson

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and eleven, in Old Basing, a rural suburb of Basingstoke. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and park. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding four children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder has

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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 one dog. The childminder supports children with special educational needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment where they learn to follow good hygiene practices. They know that washing their hands after visiting the toilet and before eating helps prevent the spread of germs. However, after washing their hands, children share a towel, which means infections are not positively controlled. Children enjoy healthy snacks and know that fruit is good for them. Children are well nourished and meals cater for individual tastes. Choices of attractively presented food help children develop good eating habits. Children receive plenty of drinks, especially in warm weather, which prevents dehydration. Children enjoy regular physical activities, which help keep them in good health. Outings to the park provide access to large play equipment, giving children plenty of opportunity to develop physical skills. The childminder builds very strong relationships with the children making them feel

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Helping children to be healthy

secure. The childminder knows the children well and is responsive to their individual needs, which allows them to learn and develop a variety of skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a well-organised environment, where the childminder identifies risks and minimises hazards. This allows them to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety inside the home, although, the fire blanket needs to be fixed appropriately in order to access quickly in an emergency. Children have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for children's stage of development, which meet safety standards. Regular checks ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. Children benefit from well-supervised outdoor play. Clear procedures for outings ensure children's safety at all times. Older children learn about road safety and use pedestrian crossings whenever possible, which allows them to learn some sense of danger and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

to gain knowledge about how to protect them from harm. The childminder has a reasonably good understanding of child protection issues which safeguards and promotes children's welfare.

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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 The provision is good. Children arrive and settle well. They are happy, relaxed and confident. They relate very well to the childminder and to each other and clearly enjoy each other's company and social interaction with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of stimulating toys and resources, which appeal to all. A good range of activities supports children's learning and development. Regular outings to local venues, such as the library or the shops, help them understand the world around them. They enjoy books and stories, which are part of the daily routine. They learn to co-operate and share when playing games together. They enjoy gardening, which allows them to explore and investigate. Painting and music nurture

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children's creative development. Good support reinforces new language and counting by rote increases children's understanding of number and their enjoyment of rhythm.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel respected as individuals and are made to feel good about themselves. They talk about their home life and things that are important to them. They learn about the world through outings and activities that introduce them to other cultures. Children have access to a reasonable range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity and their understanding of others, but few reflect disability or gender. The childminder meets the children's needs by following normal daily routines as discussed with parents, which helps the children feel secure. They have time to relax as well as be active, which develops the children's independent freedom of choice. Children learn important social skills such as sharing and listening to each other. They enjoy each other's company and treat each other kindly. Children benefit from lots of praise and they behave very well. Good explanation helps children learn right

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well-organised and comfortable environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder effectively uses her policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. A regular informal discussion with parents ensures continuity of care for the children. Children receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure household members were

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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 fully vetted, update documentation, in particular, procedures for outings, administration of medication and first aid certificate, and transporting children in a vehicle and to ensure that the side entrance to the garden is secure. All household members have now undergone relevant vetting procedures, and medication records, procedures for outings and transporting children in a vehicle are now in place and countersigned by parents. The side entrance to the house is now secure and the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. These measures contribute to ensuring children's continued health, safety and wellbeing.

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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): • make sure that the fire blanket in the kitchen can be accessed quickly in an emergency • provide separate towels to prevent cross infection

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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