Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY358534 Unique Reference Number 17 April 2008 Inspection date Jacqueline Munden 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 2007. She lives with her husband and two sons in Romsey, Hampshire.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

All areas of the home are used for childminding and there are enclosed outdoor areas for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a total of four children at any one time. There are currently four children on roll.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

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 to be healthy

The provision is good. Hygiene routines and practices promote children's good health and they are protected against cross infection. For example, when changing nappies the childminder cleans the changing mat between uses with anti bacterial wipes, washes her hands and disposes of nappies appropriately. She provides individual bedding and cots and ensures young children's hands are clean before eating and after handling the hamster. Children's health records are maintained well regarding accidents and the administration of medication.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder is trained in first aid and carries a first aid kit and children's emergency contact details with her on outings. However, she does not have parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment so may not be able to respond appropriately to emergencies.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes a healthy lifestyle by encouraging regular physical exercise and fresh air. Young children benefit from the wide range of play equipment that promotes physical development in the home including a trampoline and sit and ride toys. Outside the home they visit parks and the zoo.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy the healthy and nutritious snacks and meals offered by the childminder. Drinks are always available and she ensures children’s individual needs are met by obtaining information of children’s dietary requirements.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and secure environment. Space is used effectively allowing children to play and move around safely and can access the toilet independently. Children make choices from the wide range of play materials that is made available to them. A full range of equipment ensures they are cared for appropriately; all of which is clean, safe and well maintained.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a generally good understanding of safety issues and pays high attention to ensuring risks and hazards are minimised. For example, cleaning materials are inaccessible and hair clips removed before a child is laid down to sleep. Although she has taken appropriate measures to prevent children's access to the stairs, they are not safe for older children that do go up to play in bedrooms. Good fire safety precautions are in place. For example, a fire blanket is available in the kitchen, smoke detectors are fitted in the house and there is an emergency evacuation plan in place although this is not practised with children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has the required documents and procedures in place to ensure the children's welfare is safeguarded. She has a good knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, has written her own child protection policy and recognises her role and responsibilities in keeping children safe from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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 achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder's caring attitude ensures children settle very well. They relate well to the childminder who offers a nurturing environment which helps them feel secure. Their immediate needs and routines are met for sleep and meal times. Children become confident and happily reach to her for a cuddle.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy the interesting range of activities and experiences offered to them in and outside the home. They have many opportunities for imaginative play as they 'cook' with the kitchen set and talk about the different fruits. Children develop small muscles and co-ordination as they use construction sets and drawing materials. The childminder plans the day to include quiet and lively times. Children can easily access the books and are learning to use them with care. The childminder offers skilled support and constantly praises and encourages children's achievements. The childminder has a sound understanding of child development and how to ensure younger children's care and welfare is promoted.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children thrive due to the childminders high level of care she shows each of them. The childminder gets to know children well which enables them to settle well and become content. She ensures their needs are met at all times regarding meals and rest times. Children reach to the childminder for comfort and cuddles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes positive images of all people in society well. Children learn about diversity through books and the use of resources such as picture Dominoes that depicts people from different countries. She and children make pictures of people with disabilities and from different cultures. The childminder has a positive approach to supporting children with disabilities and learning difficulties.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are learning to behave well and control their emotions due to the childminder's calm and consistent approach to behaviour management that is appropriate to the children's level of development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder develops generally sound relationships with parents. She gets to know the children and families well which enables her to meet their needs. They share information daily through discussion and the use of daily diaries. Parents are given written information about the childminder's policies and procedures although they are not informed of her responsibilities should she receive a complaint as required by regulation.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Most aspects of the childminders care are well organised. She is suitably trained and experienced in caring for children. She is committed improving her skills in child development by attending further training. Most of the required documentation is in place and stored confidentially. A comprehensive range of her own written policies which contributes to children's health, safety and well-being is in place although parents are not informed of how to make a complaint.

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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 The childminder plans how she will spend her time with children well, ensuring their needs are met. She arranges her home to ensure children are safe to play. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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.

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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 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): • obtain consent to seek emergency medical treatment • make the vertical bars on stairs safe • provide parents with information of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint.

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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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