Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY356795 Unique Reference Number 04 April 2008 Inspection date Alison Jane Kaplonek 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 registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and one child in a residential area of Eastleigh, Southampton in Hampshire. The childminder is registered to provider care for five children aged under eight years. At present she cares for three children under the age of five years on a part time basis. The property is within close proximity to school, shops and parks. Children are taken out regularly to local parks and soft play areas. Minded children have access to all areas on the ground floor with toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have two cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's good health is assured in the warm, clean and welcoming family environment. Older children play an active part in keeping themselves healthy, for example independently taking care of their own personal needs as they access the upstairs toilet. Good adult support enables all children to be involved in a range of simple hygiene routines, such as washing their hands in individual bowls of water before they eat.

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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 a choice of nutritious snacks such as fruit, crackers, or homemade biscuits and have regular access to drinking water. Children who stay all day, are also provided with healthy, home cooked main meals which they eat with the childminders own child. Parents are effectively involved. They are consulted on a regular basis about their child’s health and dietary needs and provided with clear, sample menus. They are also very well informed about the childminder's procedures in the event of a medical emergency or accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies and toddlers enjoy a good variety of indoor play and garden games which develop their physical balance and co-ordination, for example, crawling, pulling up against and sitting on ride on toys, and dancing to music. These along with regular visits to the local park and play centre enhance their physical development.

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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 warm, welcoming and safe environment. They can safely access the downstairs area of the house and the fully enclosed garden. They are encouraged to take control of their own safety and learn to protect themselves from harm, both inside the house and when walking home from school. They talk about the risks involved when crossing the road and learn about stranger danger. All risks are thoroughly assessed and as a result, good procedures and the necessary safety equipment are in place to ensure children's safety. For example, stair gates, locks and low level banister rails.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Evacuation in the event of a fire is discussed and practised with the children. Good records are kept of any accidents or medication administered and these are shared with parents. Children receive appropriate attention and support from the childminder both indoors and on outings. She offers direct supervision as children move from one area of the house to another. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and discusses any concerns which arise with the parents. She knows who to contact for support or advice.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a good range of interesting activities and resources both inside the house and outside in the garden. There is a good balance between planned and child initiated learning and children are able to make independent choices and influence their own learning and enjoyment. Younger children enjoy using books, shape sorters or musical instruments, as they self-select from the easily accessible containers. All children enjoy painting, using dough or creative activities. They make positive relationships with each other and the childminder as they play. The childminder is building up her range of resources for older children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children ask questions as they play and the childminder responds well, encouraging new vocabulary or helping them to count or recognise colours and shapes. They are frequently provided with additional opportunities to interact with others, when they attend groups or meet up with other childminders and children. They show an interest in what they do, ask questions and interact well together, sharing and behaving well. Frequent encouragement and praise promotes confidence and self-esteem enabling children to take a positive role in their own learning.

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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. Children are all looked after in a caring, family environment where their needs are very well met. They are fully involved in life in the childminder's home. They feel valued as they make choices of snacks, play equipment and activities. They are provided with a range of resources and activities which help them understand their own needs and those of others. For example, books and puzzles. However, there is a limited range of resources which promote children's awareness of disability. The childminder has a positive approach to supporting children with disabilities and/or learning difficulties, and is aware that she must meet every child's needs.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Partnership with parents and carers is good. Parents are provided with a full range of policies and procedures that supports the childminder's good practice. They are informed of how to make a complaint and these can be logged appropriately. They are regularly consulted about the quality of care provided for their children. Effective communication ensures that parents and the childminder, work together to meet the children's individual needs. This includes written records, in a daily diary, listing children's meals and rest times, as well as regular discussions upon collection.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled in the safe and well organised environment. They are never left alone with an un-vetted adult and clear arrangements are in place in the case of an emergency. The childminder is well qualified and is constantly improving her knowledge by accessing training courses. Children benefit from the comprehensive range of policies and procedures which are effectively implemented and shared with parents. The premises are well organised, allowing children to initiate and develop their own play and learning. The childminder organises her day well and deploys herself efficiently ensuring that the children all receive the attention they need. Overall, 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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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): • continue to increase the range of resources and activities for older children. • extend the range of resources which promote children's awareness of 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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