Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY246857 Unique Reference Number 29 January 2008 Inspection date Deborah Jean Watton 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 satisfactory. 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two school aged children in Andover, Hampshire. The whole of the downstairs of the childminder's house is used for childminding with an upstairs bedroom used for sleeping. 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding three children, under the age of five, on a part-time basis. The childminder travels to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local toddler and childminder groups. The family has pet cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children develop an understanding of personal care and hygiene as they play in a home which is warm and clean. They know when to wash their hands, for example, before eating and after handling pets. They use individual flannels and towels which prevent the risk of cross infection.

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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 Babies and toddlers benefit from the effective hygiene routines employed during nappy changing. Children observe good practice as the childminder routinely cleans resources and work surfaces.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are encouraged to exercise their large muscles and to enjoy fresh air and exercise. They have opportunities to play on equipment like a slide and trampoline in the garden. They also enjoy regular outings to local parks, farms and activity centres. Babies and toddlers benefit from using additional resources at toddler and childminder groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents provide meals for their children and the childminder is happy to provide additional snacks and drinks. She offers children a range of fresh fruit and snacks with regular drinks of milk or water. Full discussion with parents ensures that each child's individual dietary needs are fully met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have easy access to a good range of well maintained resources. They feel welcomed into an environment where attractive posters are displayed on the walls and doors. Toys are rotated to provide a variety of play opportunities throughout the week. Children use a range of equipment, in the home and on outings, with age appropriate restraints. They develop an understanding of personal safety as the childminder explains why they use safety equipment and why they need to be careful in their play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The home and garden are secure and parents are provided with details of the childminder's emergency procedures. Children are closely supervised, however, they occasionally use the kitchen where there are unlocked cupboards and drawers containing hazardous items. Babies and toddlers sleep upstairs where they are regularly checked by the childminder. Children also benefit from the childminder's understanding of her responsibilities with regard to child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and relaxed as they select books and toys from a wide range of attractive resources. They are encouraged to make choices about what they do. They feel valued by a childminder who listens attentively to what they have to say and praises their efforts. Their play is extended by a childminder who has a very good understanding of child development. She takes an active part in their play as they enjoy activities like singing and dancing. They learn about things like numbers, colour and shape as part of their every day activities. Skilful interaction encourages children of different ages to play together and enjoy each other's company.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are cared for by a childminder who takes a real interest in their development. They are encouraged to talk about their home lives, their likes and dislikes. A selection of resources are put out each day and older children are able to ask for toys and games which are stored upstairs. Younger children play with additional resources and develop their social skills as they attend local toddler groups and activity centres. They also enjoy using the garden playhouse, sand pit and a variety of ride on toys.

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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 satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder's positive attitude to inclusion. She works closely with parents to ensure each child's individual needs are met. Children play with a good range of resources showing positive images of culture and gender, however, resources to promote their understanding of disability are limited.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn the house rules, responding well to praise and encouragement. The childminder uses behaviour management strategies appropriate to their age and understanding. They develop positive relationships with the childminder and each other, sharing and taking turns in their play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are offered regular opportunities to discuss their child's care and development. They give signed permission for things like outings and emergency medical treatment. They are provided with a few written policies and offered the opportunity to have written diaries detailing their child's care.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She organises her time to ensure that babies and toddlers have appropriate feed and sleep times. She enables all children to spend quiet time at home as well as offering outdoor play and a range of outings.

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Organisation

Parental confidentiality is maintained through effective record keeping systems. Parents are made aware of the childminder's emergency back up arrangements and the complaint procedure. They have easy access to their child's records.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was given three recommendations relating to fire safety arrangements, the provision of a suitable first-aid kit and availability of documentation. The childminder has addressed all these issues. Fire safety arrangements are now in place, a suitable first-aid kit is provided and all documentation is available for inspection. This has enhanced the care of children at the setting.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require 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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Complaints 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

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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 satisfactory. 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 children are not able to access hazardous items or materials in the kitchen area. • provide additional resources to enable children to develop their understanding of diversity with regard to disability.

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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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