Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 112086 Inspection date 16 August 2005 Inspector Lynn Reeves

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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 has been registered since 2000. She is registered to provide care for four children under 8 years at any one time and is currently minding four children aged under 8 years and two children aged over 8 years on a part and full time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and four children, two of which are under 8 years. They live in a residential area of Whiteley, Fareham in Hampshire. The property is within close proximity to local schools, shops and parks. All areas of the property are

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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 used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family have a cat. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups 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 good. Children are developing very good self-help skills and are learning the importance of good hygiene practices through routines, for example hand washing after toileting and before eating, and through discussion and encouragement. Children's good health and physical development is promoted with regular walks where they benefit from fresh air and gentle exercise. Their gross motor skills are promoted as they play on the slide, swings and ride on toys, where they practice their balancing and climbing skills to develop control of their bodies. Children begin to understand the importance of a healthy diet by being provided with fresh fruit and healthy and nutritious meals. Parents wishes are respected regarding children's dietary needs and these are recorded on children's records. Children are protected and kept healthy through the childminder's clear understanding of procedures regarding accidents, existing injuries and the administration of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a home that is well organised and where children are encouraged to be independent. They are able to move freely and safely around the house, as they have ample clear floor space to develop their play and learning. Children are provided with a wide range of colourful, well maintained play resources, which are used effectively to fully promote their developmental needs both indoors and outdoors. Toys and resources are displayed on low level shelving to encourage independence; these are regularly checked for damage and cleanliness to ensure children's safety. Children learn about possible dangers through practicing fire drills and discussing road safety issues when out walking. The childminder ensures emergency contact details and a first aid box are taken with her during outings to keep children safe. The childminder is vigilant about children's safety; she has minimised risks within the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

home and garden to ensure their safety. The childminder fully explains to children about staying safe, for example why they should not run around indoors or climb on the furniture as they might fall and hurt themselves. Children are protected as the childminder has a good understanding of the child protection procedures and is aware of who to report her concerns to.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's creative development is promoted as they take part in messy activities, for example using magic maize foam shapes with water, using play-dough, paint and a range of media to stimulate their curiosity. Children use their imagination when building motor bikes, cars and houses with the Lego and Duplo bricks. They are kept fully stimulated by being provided with activities that cover all aspects of play, for example messy-play, role-play, baking, playing musical instruments, singing and dancing. The childminder fully interacts with the children by sitting them on her knee to tell them a story, allowing them to point at the picture and predict the ending. Strong relationships are formed between the childminder and the children, which contribute to their sense of belonging. She gets down at their level, extending their learning, for example asking them to name the colours and shapes of the bricks. Children's social

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interaction is developed through regular visits to the parent and toddler groups, the library and visiting other childminders and their children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children access a good range of toys that reflect diversity and promote positive images of gender, culture and disability. They gain a knowledge of the wider world through celebrating a range of festivals for example, Birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Diwali and Chinese New Year. Children gain a good understanding of the local community and environment with walks through the woods, to watch the deer and the squirrels, and to the pond to feed the ducks. The childminder maintains a positive approach in dealing with special needs and unwanted behaviour. Children learn what is acceptable through discussion, praise and encouragement, which promotes their self-esteem. The childminder has realistic expectations from children and strategies used are discussed with parents to ensure a consistent approach. Children's individual needs are catered for as parents are provided with a range of information regarding the childminder's business via the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

policies and procedures, and through daily discussions. Children's daily routines, sleeping and eating patterns are recorded in contact books for parents. Children benefit from the strong links with home and the information shared at drop-off and collection time.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is suitably qualified and keeps herself updated with child care knowledge and legislation through attending regular training and reading the relevant documentation, which supports the children in her care. Play resources are well

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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 organised and laid out at low level to encourage children's independence. Children remain fully occupied and engaged with many play opportunities during their time at the setting. They benefit from a well-organised, safe, secure and stimulating environment, where their health, safety and wellbeing are promoted through clearly written documentation, policies and procedures, all of which are well secured. 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 obtain written consent from the parents prior to administering each course/daily dosage of medication. Since the last inspection the childminder has introduced a system to ensure parental consent is obtained before the administration of medication to ensure children's safety.

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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): • further develop the range of experiences offered to under 3's for example by referring to the Birth to three matters framework

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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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