Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY265173 Unique Reference Number 15 April 2008 Inspection date Alison Large 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 2003. She lives with her partner and two children aged seven and three in the Fareham area of Hampshire. All areas of the ground floor are mainly used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available 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 is currently minding one child under five all day. The childminder is able to walk to local schools to take and collect children. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children do well, because the childminder has effective procedures and practices which meet the children's physical, nutritional and health needs. Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Their clear understanding of why they must wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet

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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 reduces the risk of infection. The childminder's support and guidance helps children gain a good understanding of hygiene and they become increasingly independent in their own personal care.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they play on wheeled toys, ball games and on the slide. Garden games and regular walks improve children's physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet as parents provide a variety of healthy snacks and meals for their time with the childminder. Children are offered fruit and vegetables daily and can access drinking water or a range of squashes throughout the day. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents and the children's choices to ensure meals and snacks appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder has an excellent understanding of safety issues. Children are cared for in a home where risks are identified and minimised. This means children are able to move around freely, safely and independently. The childminder is vigilant and gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety inside and outside the home.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the play space provided. They are able to independently select activities from a range of high quality toys and equipment, which meet safety standards and are clean and well maintained. The childminder carefully monitors and supervises the children's choice of toys to ensure they are appropriate to the age and stage of the children's development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, for example she holds a current first aid certificate and has a good knowledge of child protection issues.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy taking part in a full range of stimulating activities with the childminder. She gets to know the children well and makes provision for their needs. Children enjoy their play and are able to initiate and lead their own activities. The childminder interacts well with the children and joins in their play activities, encouraging their social skills. Children are able to rest and be active according to their needs. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of child development which ensures children are provided with a stimulating play environment. This helps children develop independence and competence in the early stages of their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are interested in a wide range of developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. They are able to choose between a variety of books, toys and activities which appeal to all. Older children are able to enjoy different activities from the younger children, which are more suited to their developmental stages, which ensures their individual needs are met. Children interact well with the childminder, they share stories and participate enthusiastically, which contributes to their developing communication skills.

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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 children flourish in the childminder's care. All children are welcomed and play a full part in their day because the childminder respects each child's individuality and treats each child with equal concern. Children gain respect for themselves and others as they learn about the wider world. Children play well together, learning to share and take turns and show concern for each other.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An effective partnership with parents contributes significantly to the children's well being whilst at the childminder's. She is flexible to parents working patterns and good communication takes place between the childminder and parents, so they work together to meet the children's individual needs. Behaviour is good and children develop independence, confidence and self-esteem as the childminder praises and values their achievements.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The children feel at home and at ease in the well organised environment which means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The children's care is enhanced by the quality of organisation of the childminder, who is committed to attending training courses to keep her knowledge updated. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise the play opportunities for children.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and well being is in place, stored confidentially and is regularly reviewed. However, the daily attendance record is not completed as required. Policies and procedures are used to promote the welfare, health and care of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to obtain a copy of the current guidance on child protection 'What To Do If You Are Worried A Child is Being Abused - Summary'; and to continue to update knowledge and training in a range of childcare issues. Since the last inspection the childminder has obtained a copy of the current guidance and has attended child protection training. She continues to update her knowledge and training in childcare issues and has recently completed her NVQ 3 in childcare. This helps ensure the welfare of the children is protected.

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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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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 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 record of children's attendance is kept up to date at all times

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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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