Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY355849 Unique Reference Number 18 April 2008 Inspection date Coral Hales 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 2007. She lives with her partner in Southsea, Hampshire. Minded children use all the rooms in the home, except the master bedroom. There is an enclosed outdoor play space to the front of the property. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for two children under five during the day and one over five before and after school and in the holidays. She also cares for one child aged over eight. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and she is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained home where effective health and hygiene practices are followed. For example, they follow simple routines that encourage them to become independent in their in their self-help skills. If a child becomes sick or injured the childminder acts appropriately and she has a current first aid certificate. All of the appropriate paperwork and systems are in place to keep all required records to safeguard children's health.

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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 For example, consent for emergency medical treatment/advice is maintained. Babies home routines are followed as required and they sleep, eat and play happily and suitable nappy changing practices are followed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning about healthy eating because the childminder effectively develops their knowledge. They enjoy cooking and this helps to develop their interest in different foods. Home cooked and nutritious evening meals are provided for the children who are encouraged to eat fresh vegetables. Children enjoy snacks of fresh fruit when they come in from school. They can access regular drinks at all times and the childminder ensures that the younger ones are kept hydrated. The childminder has sample menus that she shares with parents. The parents provide meals for the younger children and this ensures that their dietary needs are met well.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are learning how to live healthy lifestyles. They enjoy a variety of activities which help them to be active, for example, playing in the park, visiting soft play centres and by taking part in drama and dance activities. Walking to and from the school allows them time to be out in the fresh air. Younger children's physical skills develop as they move around the home and as they play on a range of equipment in groups that they attend.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe because the childminder has a good understanding and she has risk assessed her home. This written document is reviewed and updated as necessary. She has a smoke alarm in place and a fire blanket in the kitchen. Children have taken part in an emergency evacuation and any issues are noted. Clear systems are in place to ensure their safe conduct when on outings and when walking to school. Older children are encouraged to begin to take some responsibility for themselves when they are out in the community and are suitably monitored and cared for.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The furniture, equipment and toys provided are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment, All toys and equipment are clean and well-maintained and are suitably stored, for example in clear boxes. This allows the children easy access to develop their play. The childminder selects suitable resources for the younger children to ensure their safety is maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder is aware of her responsibilities for the welfare of the children in her care. A child protection policy is in place to inform parents, however, the childminder is not secure in her knowledge of the guidance issued by the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. The childminder involves herself fully in the younger children's play and sits down on the floor with them to develop and extend their learning. For example, they play with the coloured blocks building them up just to be knocked down again. They look at books and enjoy listening to a good variety of songs and music happily clapping and swaying in time to the music. A good range of toys including interactive and musical ones are set out to stimulate and interest the children who enjoy selecting some to explore and play with.

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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 When returning home from school the older children can choose to sit quietly or select resources in the dedicated playroom that is very well equipped to meet their needs. They use the computer, have fun completing tasks linked to numbers and love to draw and complete art activities. Examples of their work are displayed on the notice board. During the school holidays when the children spend more time with the childminder they go on visits for example, to local museums, the seaside, special workshops and out for walks to feed the ducks. This enables them to learn about the local and wider community and also to socialise with other children and this helps to broaden their range of experiences. Children's ideas are sought and followed and questionnaires note how happy they are in the care of the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are made welcome in the childminder's home and are valued and their individual needs identified and met. They are learning about their own and others' cultures and lifestyles. A suitable selection of resources are used to develop their understanding of diversity. These provide children with opportunities to question and explore issues they do not clearly understand. The childminder has a satisfactory practical awareness of how to include and appropriately care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is calm and consistent in her approach to the children and she is aware of a suitable range of strategies to use to help children behave. For example, distraction with the youngest children. She uses time out and reward systems with the older children. Through discussion they learn how to understand appropriate behaviour and become aware of simple rules and agreed boundaries.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships between the parents and the childminder. A daily diary is used for the youngest children and this ensure information about the children's well-being and progress is regularly exchanged. Parents are given a range of information including policies and procedures to keep them informed. The childminder has a complaints policy which is in line with new guidance and has a satisfactory understanding of how to record and maintain a complaints log. Written agreements are in place and these ensure that all are clear about their roles and responsibilities. Parents have confirmed in writing that their children benefit from being in the care of the childminder and that they are pleased with the service offered.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by effective and efficient organisation of the premises and this includes a separate playroom which is well stocked with toys and resources to support their learning. Space and access to facilities offers children variety and a balance of experiences and allows them access to all required facilities whilst being appropriately supervised..

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Organisation

The childminder has a professional and committed attitude to her work. Her policies and procedures are individual to the setting relate to the National Standards and provide parents with clear information. Required documentation is well-maintained and is accessible for inspection and stored securely. This contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. Overall, the provider meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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 written 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): • update knowledge in child protection issues with regard to current guidelines issued by the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

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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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