Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY305172 Inspection date 07 November 2005 Inspector Sylvia Dindar

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 19/05/2005. She is registered to care for 5 children under the age of 8 years. She is currently has 8 children on roll, some of whom are cared for on a part-time basis and occasional holiday care. She lives with her partner and 2 children, one of whom is under 8. They live in the Totton area, close to the New Forest and Southampton. Local schools, shops and doctor's surgery are within walking distance. The whole of the house is registered but it is the childminders preference to use the

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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 ground floor only. Children can access the toilet easily on the ground floor.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to follow a healthy diet. They have fresh fruit for snacks with the occasional biscuit as a treat. Parents are consulted about their children's individual dietary needs; their wishes are recorded on their children's records, ensuring individual needs are catered for. Children are cared for in an environment where the childminder's good hygiene practice minimises the spread of infection. They develop self-help skills as they are gently reminded to wash their hands before snack time and after going to toilet. They are provided with separate towels, which are changed on a daily basis. Procedures for dealing with injuries, administering medication and caring for sick children are clear and are shared with parents. This ensures that children are well cared for when they are ill. Children benefit from daily walks to and from school. They have opportunities to play

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Helping children to be healthy

in the well equipped garden and have occasional outings to the local parks and farms.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment that is secure. The front door is kept locked and the garden is fully fenced and gates are bolted. Risk assessments are visual and most hazards are identified and safety features in place. However, the fireguard is not secured, so the fire remains a hazard to children. Smoke detectors are in place and regularly checked to ensure they are in working order. Fire evacuation is planned but not practiced by all children, so some children remain unfamiliar with the process. Children are kept safe on outings and are kept under the direct supervision of the childminder at all times. Children are protected as the childminder shows an understanding of child protection and issues and her responsibilities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children initiate their own play and freely choose from a range of activities. For example, older children enjoy playing with the garage and fort. They take turns and happily share, developing their social skills. Children are keen to tell of the craft and

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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 cooking activities they have been involved in, in the holidays. Books, games and puzzles are kept at child height so they can access them independently. The childminder knows the children well and shows interest in what they say and do. She builds firm relationships with parents and discusses children's development on a daily basis to ensure continuity of care for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with their childminder. She gathers relevant information from their parents to ensure they are well cared for and their individual needs met. Children happily share equipment and take turns. They learn about acceptable levels of behaviour as the childminder gives them firm boundaries and children know what is expected of them. For example, the children understand that play fighting is not allowed as they may hurt themselves and others. Children are learning to negotiate as a group as they decide what biscuits they should have for snack time. Children find out about some aspects of the diversity of society through their experiences at the childminders, but there are few resources in this area . The childminder understands that some children may have specific needs, she does not have experience in working with children with special needs but ensures that all

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children feel valued and included. Daily verbal feedback ensures that parents are kept informed of their child's development.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment that is well organised, where all adults in the household have been suitably vetted. Children benefit as they have regular opportunities for both inside and outdoor play. They independently access a range of toys and resources suitable for their age and stage of development. Consequently the childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend. Most policy and procedures are in place and support the childminders practice. The childminder is aware of the procedures needed when reporting written complaints from parents, however, she has not yet established the documentation needed to record such complaint. Contracts and policies are explained to parents to ensure a firm business arrangement is established and daily verbal feed back ensure that they are kept informed of their child's development.

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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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Improvements since the last inspection

At registration the childminder was asked to address a number of safety issues. She has now addressed these. However, the fireguard is not secured and a recommendation is raised to ensure children's safety. The childminder was also asked to provide toys that promote positive images and show diversity. She has purchased some books and is recommended to continue to add to these resources so that children learn about the wider world in a positive way.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 that the fire is not a hazard to children • continue to add to the play provision, toys that promote positive images and show diversity • develop policies and procedures for use when parents make a written complaint.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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