Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY281537 Unique Reference Number 27 February 2008 Inspection date Lynne Elizabeth Lewington 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 April 2004. She lives with her husband and three children, in a mid-terraced house in Fleet. Local amenities are within easy walking distance. The whole of the property is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden which is not currently used.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for four children and to work with an assistant when she can care for up to six children under eight years. She currently minds three children under eight years. Older children are also cared for.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder regularly attends toddler groups and takes and collects children from the local school. The family have one cat and one dog as family pets.

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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 good. Children enjoy good quality nutritious food and develop their awareness of healthy eating habits in the childminders care. Mealtimes are social enjoyable occasions at the dinner table. They make choices and are expected to have at least one portion of vegetables from a selection available to them. Fruit is available in the fruit bowl for snacks and drinks of squash and water are freely available.

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Helping children to be healthy

Information gathered from parents ensures that children's individual health and dietary needs are appropriately met. Children follow sensible hygiene routines and demonstrate an awareness of why they need to do this. Clear and detailed accident and medication records indicate that appropriate action is taken to deal with accidents and care taken to ensure parents and carers are fully informed. The childminder has an up to date first aid certificate, however, the assistant who occasionally cares for children for short periods alone does not. This means that accidents may not be tended by a qualified first aider.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy opportunities to play in the park developing their balance and co-ordination. Indoor games and activities encourage finer movement. For example, children use scissors with developing skill and accuracy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children use the majority of the ground floor of the property for their play and care, providing suitable play space for floor and table top activity. A good range of age appropriate toys and equipment are easily accessible to them enabling them to make choices in their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Sensible management of the space enables younger children to play safely whilst older children use items appropriate to their age and abilities. Smoke alarms and a fire blanket are all in place to promote safety in the premises. Children demonstrate a good knowledge of the action they need to take if there is a fire alarm because they practise evacuations frequently. Appropriate measures have been taken throughout the premises to promote the children's safety, for example, safety gates are in place in doorways to restrict access if necessary and safety catches are in place on the kitchen doors. Children describe simple safety routines they follow when they go on outings and in the car indicating they are developing their awareness of safe behaviours.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is further safeguarded by the childminders clear understanding of child protection and the action she would take if she was concerned about a child in her care. A clear child protection policy supports her practice and informs parents of the childminders role in protecting children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the childminders, they talk about their time in her care enthusiastically identifying some of the very special experiences they have. In school holidays they enjoy days out, picnics and social events with other children. Excellent opportunities are

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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 provided for the children to develop their skills and interest whilst also developing their social skills. Planned activities enable the children to think about themselves, other people and their lives. They enjoy games and puzzles developing their abilities to share, take turns and work co-operatively. They have access to a range of creative materials and enjoy making creations for occasions or purely for fun.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are able to participate in after school activities as the childminder and her assistant will arrange to collect them. This enables the children to develop and follow interests and opportunities that arise in school and in the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children's behaviour is very good. They learn the importance of good manners and behaviour. House rules are displayed and the children know them. They explain that the younger children learn the rules because the childminder tells them. The childminder's calm and positive approach encourages children to think about their actions and responses to problems. She uses clear explanations to help children understand right from wrong and uses meaningful praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder's partnership with parents is excellent. Parents are made very welcome in the childminder's home enabling children to finish their activities before they go home. They are provided with clear and comprehensive information about the setting, including the policies and procedures that promote their children's welfare. Positive references and letters from parents indicate that the childminder's service is highly valued and appreciated.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are welcomed warmly into this child friendly environment. Their self esteem is promoted as they proudly show their art work displayed on the walls. Good quality resources provide positive images of cultural diversity and disability. This enables children to learn about the wider world and to acknowledge and respect differences. They enjoy well planned activities that extend their knowledge and understanding of cultural diversity, as well as respecting their own cultural and religious festivals. For example, children recently learned about Chinese New Year and made Chinese dragon pictures. Children's individual needs are recognised and met by the childminder, who knows the children well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The organisation is good. Children benefit greatly from the childminder’s expert practice and her clear commitment to continued training to update her skills in childcare. She holds qualifications in childcare and has recently attended further training.

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Organisation

The childminder provides very good childcare and play experiences in a well organised environment. She clearly loves her work and devotes her time and attention to the children’s needs and well being. Children speak confidently about the fun activities they undertake and provide a good insight into the care they receive. The use of a reliable assistant further enhances the positive experience for children.

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Organisation

The childminder has developed a comprehensive range of written policies and procedures that reflect her good quality service. These are shared with parents from the outset. All

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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 documentation is clear and up to date and stored securely to protect children's confidentiality. 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 recommendations were made to improve children's hygiene routines, fire safety procedures, seek consent for emergency medical advice or treatment from parents and ensure parents sign the accident and medication records. Good hygiene routines are now familiar activities for the children, fire evacuations are practised promoting safety and consents are available for emergency advice or treatment and parents acknowledge accidents and medication administration. These measures all help to promote children's health and safety.

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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 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.

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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 the assistant has first aid qualification to promote the safety of the children.

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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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