Childminder in HampshireOfsted inspection, 15 Aug 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301798 Inspection date 15 August 2005 Inspector Rosemary Davies

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her two school-aged children in a four bedroomed, semi-detached house in Andover, Hampshire. Shops, parks and town amenities are within walking distance. The childminder uses the downstairs rooms and the upstairs toilet of her home for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The family has a pet dog and a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. Her registration permits her to care for five children at any one time. She currently minds 2 children, both aged 2 years who attend on a full-time basis.

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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 outstanding. Children flourish in the care of this childminder because of the excellent procedures she uses to promote their good health and physical well-being. They play in a very clean indoor environment owing to her meticulous attention to preventing the possible spread of infection. She changes nappies appropriately for example and is careful in her own hygiene practises. She keeps family pets very clean and disease free, washing their bedding frequently. Children learn the foundations of how to keep themselves healthy. The childminder encourages them to wash their hands after stroking the dog or before meals; explaining to them clearly why they should. They enjoy healthy snacks and have sufficient food for their personal needs. They start to recognise their own physical needs too, realising that they feel thirsty after running around on a warm day. The childminder understands that young children require frequent drinks and she

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Helping children to be healthy

encourages them to drink often. She recognises the benefits of fresh air and outdoor play and makes sure that children take daily exercise, which they clearly enjoy. Frequent visits to the nearby play-park or use of play equipment in the back garden, helps them to develop their early physical skills extremely well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play safely in the childminder's home and when outside on outings. This is because the childminder identifies potential risks to children's safety accurately and does all she can to minimise them. She takes excellent fire-safety precautions. Children move freely around the downstairs rooms of the childminder's home, playing with a wide range of good quality toys. These are washed and inspected regularly to maintain them in a clean and safe condition. Children cannot enter the kitchen if the cooker is being used or go upstairs unaccompanied, as safety gates prevent them from doing so. They know they eat meals when safely strapped in booster seats and that they must be secured in buggies when going out or else wear reins. Young children demonstrate that they begin to know how to play safely. They sit down, for example, to go down a slide whilst in the play-park. The childminder

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

remains vigilant at all times, even when meeting friends, to make sure that children remain safe and do not run in front of swings for example. She takes sensible precautions, such as carrying a mobile telephone and a mini-first aid kit, in case of accidents. The childminder undertakes training herself to help protect the children in her care. She holds a relevant first aid certificate and has a secure understanding of child protection issues although she is less clear about what to do in some cases of suspected abuse. Nevertheless, she knows how to recognise abuse and

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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 understands her responsibilities in this area.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time with this childminder. They come in happily, knowing where they will find toys and quickly settle to play with ones they have chosen. They select from an extremely well thought out variety which includes activities to stimulate their creative and imaginative development. Children benefit from the childminder devoting her time and attention to their care and needs, so receiving much individual attention. Young children, who start to talk, make quick progress in their speech development owing to the childminder's excellent interaction with them. She speaks to them very clearly, making eye contact and giving them plenty of time to have a go at saying new words for themselves. She understands much of their early language and makes every effort to do so when sounds are unclear. She vocalises their own actions, giving clear explanations of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

what she is doing and tells them what is going to happen next. Children hear early mathematical language included in her conversation as they play, such as, "You're going up a big step". The childminder emphasises mathematical words particularly well, knowing that children do not yet understand but giving them the vocabulary they will need for future development. Children participate in very worthwhile daily outings. They visit toddler groups regularly where they mix with other children and further develop their social skills. At the play-park, during the inspection, even very young children clearly recognise others whom they meet regularly. This interaction lays firm foundations for forming friendships as they grow older.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children and their parents enjoy relaxed and friendly relationships with this childminder. The childminder's own positive and enthusiastic attitude encourages children to 'have a go' at new things, such as kicking balls in the play-park, which supports their development very well. They consistently receive praise for their efforts, whether or not they are successful, which builds their confidence and self-esteem. They behave very well indeed. This results partly from becoming absorbed in enjoyable activities but also owing to the childminder making quite clear what she expects from them and praising good behaviour. The written Behaviour Policy, however, does not reflect the positive approach undertaken in practice. Young children quickly become used to the daily routines and learn that certain times mean that particular things happen. When they eat, they sit at the table and 'sleep time'

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Helping children make a positive contribution

follows lunch, for example. Such established patterns also promote good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

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 begin to learn about the diversity of the world around them as they play with resources depicting cultures different from their own. They see pictures and photographs in carefully chosen books, suited to a variety of ages and use such items as chopsticks and a toy wok in their play. Liaison with parents is excellent. The childminder finds out all she can about children before they start with her so that she can provide care appropriate to their needs. She keeps parents extremely well informed about what children do during their time with her, providing weekly photographs and samples of activities, as well as giving regular verbal feedback.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder takes her work seriously and, despite being engaged in the role for a relatively short time, has all legally required documentation in place and well organised. It is stored securely, readily available for inspection and with due regard to confidentiality. Many policies are already in place although this aspect of her work requires extending. The childminder organises her time very well indeed. Children benefit from a well planned, broad and balanced range of interesting activities. The established daily routines help them remain confident, secure and happy in her care. They play in a child-centred environment suited to their needs. Children benefit from the skills the childminder brings to her role and the interest she takes in their welfare. She is enthusiastic about her work, is pro-active in keeping up to date and undertakes training to improve and develop her practice further. Overall,

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Organisation

the setting meets the needs of the children for whom it provides.

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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

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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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): • continue to develop written policies to support the good practise provided

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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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