Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY293863 Unique Reference Number 05 June 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 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 2004. She lives with her husband and son in a four bedroom house in Fleet. The children have access to the whole of the house and garden. Local shops, parks and schools are within easy walking distance.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years. There is currently one child on roll. The childminder can take and collect children from the local school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. No child minded children were present at the time of the inspection. The childminder provides an extremely clean and welcoming environment for children. In discussion she clearly understands the importance of encouraging children to learn healthy routines. Children learn to wash their hands after undertaking messy activities, after toileting and before meals. Good care is taken to understand and meet children's health and dietary needs through gathering and sharing information with parents.

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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 Children are offered healthy nutritious home made meals such as shepherds pie or lasagne, followed by yoghurt or milk puddings and snacks of fruit. The childminder prepares the meals freshly for the children and also ensures they have access to drinks to prevent dehydration.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to develop their physical abilities as they use the garden and play equipment for outdoor play, walk to and from school and use the local parks. Finer movements are encouraged through creative activities and games. The childminder is conscious of the need to ensure children have adequate opportunities for both rest and play and enables children to undertake restful activity if they wish.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. In discussion the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the need to supervise children closely in the home, and on outings. Sensible steps are taken throughout the home to promote the children's safety and manage risks effectively. The childminder understands the importance of helping children to gain an awareness of their own safety. They learn to look for cars as they cross the road, and not run or jump on the furniture.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The available space provides a warm welcoming and well maintained environment for children's play and activity. Children can self select toys and activities from the wide range available in the child's bedroom. They have easy access to a downstairs toilet and hand basin, enabling them to develop independence. The toys and equipment available are good quality and suitable for the ages and stages of development of the children the childminder currently cares for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a basic knowledge of the signs and symptoms of child abuse; however, she is not confident of the action she must take if she was concerned about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. No children were present at the inspection, however, in discussion the childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the needs of children and ensures she provides appropriate opportunities for them to enjoy and achieve, taking into account individual needs. She currently offers after school care only and recognises that children may need to undertake homework in a quiet environment. Children undertake creative activities and are encouraged to make good use of the garden, where they have outdoor play equipment. The childminder encourages the children to read and ensures they have access to a selection of age appropriate, interesting books.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of children's physical needs, taking into account individual children's experiences and routines. For example, she is aware that a child may be very tired after school if they get up early in the morning and so provides opportunities for quiet restful activity if required. Children occasionally watch television for a short period with parental permission.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. In discussion the childminder demonstrates an appropriate knowledge and awareness of the importance of treating each child with equal respect and concern. Children are encouraged to

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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 share and show concern for others. Books and resources support children's learning about traditions and cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware that some children may have learning difficulties or disabilities, and understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and with other professionals to promote the welfare and development of the child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder shows a willingness and commitment to working with parents to manage children’s behaviour in a consistent way which promotes the child’s welfare and development. Simple house rules help children to develop care and consideration for people and property.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the need to develop a strong partnership with parents, taking into account their differing needs. Parents are made welcome, and information is shared daily, ensuring the child's needs can be fully understood.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Evidence suggests that the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She makes good use of her available space within her home and demonstrates a good awareness of safety issues. The childminder provides a safe environment where children can happily develop their interests and abilities. She strives to develop effective relationships between herself, parents and the children, enabling children to feel safe and secure in her care. The childminder maintains all the required documentation clearly and carefully provides a clear record of the service she offers. The childminder is aware of the duty to ensure that other people living or working on the premises are suitable to be in contact with children.

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Organisation

She understands the importance of working within the constraints of the condition of registration relating to number of children; and of organising space and resources to best meet the needs of the children and has a sound awareness of the records to be kept and the importance of these.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was recommended to ensure resources reflect anti-discriminatory practice and promote equal opportunity and review and update documentation. The provider verbally demonstrates a good awareness of how she can promote equal opportunities through the use of resources, activities and books. Documentation is maintained well and provides a clear record of her work with children.

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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. 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): • improve knowledge and understanding of dealing with child protection concerns.

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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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