Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY293644 Unique Reference Number 04 February 2008 Inspection date Amanda Shedden 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 was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and two young children in a house in the Mansbridge area of Southampton. The ground floor and first floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and at the time of the inspection had four children on roll. The childminder attends a local parent/toddler group. The family has no pets.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member and the National Child Minding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean home, where they learn about personal hygiene. Children take themselves to the bathroom to wash their hands after messy play and they know to wash their

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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 hands after using the toilet. There are photographs of each child above their towel encouraging them to use their own, preventing any potential cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has good procedures for recording accidents and administering medicine ensuring parents are well informed. She ensures her first aid qualification is up-to-date and checks the first aid resources on a regular basis. The childminder has gained written parental permission from most parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment ensuring children in her care are treated without delay.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children can move around freely choosing from a wide variety of age and stage appropriate activities and resources. Older children are aware of what resources there are and encouraged to go upstairs and choose from the range stored in the bedrooms. Younger children are supported in their choice by looking at and discussing the picture book the childminder has created of her range of resources.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder ensures children's safety as she has put into place safety measures, such as socket covers, and stair gates preventing young children accessing the stairs. The garden is secure and the front door is locked with a key close by in case of an emergency. The childminder has a clear fire procedure and practises the drill with the children on a regular basis. She discusses with the children the need for a fire drill to ensure they are fully knowledgeable in the event of a fire. The childminder risk assesses the environment and equipment on a daily basis to ensure it is well maintained, clean and safe for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

When using the car, age appropriate restraints are used to keep the children safe. The childminder takes the children's contact numbers with her when outside the home and the children and parents are aware of the designated emergency person who would be used if an emergency were to occur.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures. She is knowledgeable about recording signs and symptoms and ensures parents are aware of her responsibilities from the outset.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy relaxed and confident. They enjoy a warm relationship with the childminder and enjoy the positive interaction they have with her.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy the freedom of choosing what they would like to play with inside and outside. They enjoy bouncing on the trampoline, playing football, making up their own game deciding where the goal is or using the ball on the trampoline. The children relate well to one another usually deciding to do things together.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Throughout the year children are offered a range of interesting activities to participate in. The childminder at times, extends their knowledge and experiences, for instance, the children enjoy playing bowling electronically so she took them to a local bowling alley one afternoon where they could try the game for real. The children stated that they had a really good time.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder shows a good understanding of children's individual needs; she has a caring attitude and interacts well with the children. Discussing with them how they are and what they would like to do. The childminder discusses with the parents on a daily basis the needs of the older children, in addition a daily diary is used for the younger children keeping parents fully informed at all times.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is very good. The childminder has a written policy that she shares with the parents and children. The children are praised frequently increasing their self esteem. Appropriate strategies are used depending on the children's level of understanding encouraging positive behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have access to a range of suitable resources promoting positive images and the wider world through books, small world people and toy cooking utensils. The childminder has undertaken training to help support children with any additional needs and continues to update her knowledge. Thus ensuring that if she were to care for a child with additional needs she would have be able to respond positively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the positive relationship between the childminder and their parents. Parents are given comprehensive information about the childminders practice before their child starts and newsletters continue to keep them informed of any new developments. Ongoing discussion is encouraged to ensure that the children are being cared for according to the parent’s wishes.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder makes good use of the available space, ensuring all areas are safe allowing the children to use her home and garden safely. Children feel at ease and comfortable in the home. They play and express themselves freely.

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Organisation

The childminder understands the importance of maintaining documentation and confidentiality. The policies and procedures in place effectively promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder is pro active in ensuring that her skills and knowledge are updated regularly by attending courses aimed at enhancing her provision. This means that overall, the childminder meets that 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 ensure that positive images of society were reflected, that she obtained current guidance linked to the Disability Act and that resources for the over five's were increased.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The children now have a range of resources that reflect positive images of society including books and dolls. Information about the Disability Act has been obtained and the resources for the over fives have been increased ensuring that all children have age appropriate resources to choose from.

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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 In addition a written statement to parents that provided details of the procedure to be followed if they had a complaint in place was required. Parents are given a copy of the statement ensuring they would be aware of what to do if they had a complaint.

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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 in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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 that written parental permission from all parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment has been obtained

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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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