Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY359783 Unique Reference Number 06 May 2008 Inspection date Michelle Ann Parham 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 has been registered since 2007. She is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently caring for four children on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered to work with an assistant at the setting. The childminder lives with her two children in a house in a residential area of Leesland, Gosport in Hampshire. Local shops, community parks, War Memorial Hospital and Leesland Infant and Junior schools are within walking distance of the home. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding with the first floor accessed for toileting only. The rear garden is not registered for use and the childminder uses community areas and groups for outdoor and physical play experiences. There are currently no pets in the home. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends groups for children on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children experience a clean and hygienic environment because the childminder has suitable procedures in place to promote their health and to prevent the spread of infection. For example,

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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 required to wash their hands at appropriate times and the childminder takes wet wipes on outings to maintain hygiene routines when away from the setting. The childminder has a first aid qualification valid until November 2010 and operates a sick children policy whereby children are excluded if they have infectious illnesses, therefore, contriving to being healthy and preventing the spread of infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise through daily walks to the local school and around the community as the childminder does not currently drive. They visit local community areas, such as Leesland, Privet and Stanley parks and take equipment, such as bats, balls and Frisbees, to encourage gross motor play and movement. Children also benefit from attending the local childminder group ‘Smarty Tots’ where they have opportunities to participate in large group play with peers and to use the outdoor play resources. As a result children’s fitness is promoted and they begin to develop awareness of the world around them.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their dietary needs met as the childminder provides all main meals and snacks. They receive regular drinks at the setting with snacks of fresh fruit and sweet biscuits. The childminder works with parents using child information forms to ensure individual health and dietary needs are identified and addressed.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a secure environment as the front door is kept locked and effective procedures are in place for their collection. For example, the childminder prefers to meet any individuals prior to them collecting children and if this is not possible will use passwords as additional security measures. Most hazards in the setting have been identified and minimised with the use of cupboard catches, safe storage and safety gates. However, windows on the first floor do not currently have secure fastenings and some electric sockets around the home are accessible to children which does not fully promote safety. Out of the home children are learning about hazards and how to stay safe as the childminder talks about, for example, the danger of approaching unfamiliar animals and of road awareness and safety. She encourages children to hold hands or onto the buggy and uses wrist reins as additional safety measures if required.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a satisfactory awareness of signs and symptoms that would cause concerns. She has documentation in place to record incidents and existing injuries and is aware of the location of the local Social Services department to report concerns in regard to child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are provided with a suitable range of play resources, which are stored at a low level in large plastic boxes in the setting, therefore, enabling children to make choices about their own play and developing independence. Children are relaxed in the setting evidenced by them ‘chatting’ happily to the childminder and confidently moving between the lounge and dining room as they play. They enjoy their play with the train set as they problem solve how to put the track together and run the engine on it, laughing as they make their body into a bridge and watching the train run under.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are extending their learning as the childminder introduces, for example, colour and counting in to daily routines and activities, such as sorting cups for snack time or as they build

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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 with bricks. Children’s spoken language is developing as the childminder includes herself in some play, offering support and guidance, and engages with the children in conversation. Children benefit from attending the local childminder group where they have opportunities to participate in large group play with peers and focus activities, such as food tasting, in recognition of Chinese New Year and art and crafts, such as card and mask making. The childminder provides an informal environment where children have the opportunity to enjoy natural free play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children receive care in an environment where their individual needs are identified and addressed. They are becoming aware of some aspects of the wider world and diversity as the childminder has some books and a poster that reflect positive images of ethnicity. However, this does not currently include all members of society such as those with disabilities. The childminder is aware that some children have additional needs and where possible is happy to provide for their care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn acceptable behaviour as the childminder uses positive techniques, such as praise and encouragement for effort and achievement and has simple house rules that promote good manners, kindness and sharing. Documentation is in place to record incidents and any concerns relating to behaviour are discussed with parents to ensure consistency for the child.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from satisfactory partnership with parents as the parents are made welcome in the home to discuss the day’s events and new children are encouraged to visit to enable them to settle effectively. Documentation is shared and co-signed where required and a comprehensive portfolio outlines working practices and policies to ensure parents are fully informed. The certificates are displayed in the entrance hall and complaint information is available for parents to request as required.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from an environment where they have adequate space to explore their play. They have suitable furniture and equipment for their personal requirements and care as the childminder provides a travel cot and booster seat for younger children. Children’s needs are appropriately met because the childminder has all the required documentation and working practices in place to promote their care and well-being. However, some weaknesses have been noted in regard to aspects of safety. The childminder is appropriately qualified in first aid and is currently undertaking further training to develop her childminding practice and expertise. Documentation is effectively maintained and stored appropriately to be confidential. The childminder is aware of ratios to be maintained and effectively supervises children as she restricts access to the first floor level of the property. The childminder meets the needs of the range of

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Complaints since the last inspection

In December 2007, concerns were raised that related to National Standard 6 (Safety), National Standard 7 (Health), National Standard 8 (Food and drink) and National Standard 12 (Working

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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 in partnership with parents and carers). Ofsted wrote to the childminder and asked for a response to these concerns. From the information provided Ofsted were satisfied that National Standards 6, 8 and 12 were being met. However, the childminder admitted to smoking in front of minded children and an action was set under National Standard 7 to “ensure that you and others in your home do not smoke in the presence of minded children at any time”. From information provided by the childminder on what steps had been taken to meet this action, Ofsted was satisfied that the National Standards were now being met. No further action was taken and the provider remains qualified for registration.

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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): • ensure electric sockets are inaccessible to children and safety of windows in the bathroom and bedroom • continue to extend resources that reflect positive images of all members of society.

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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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