Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY301887 Inspection date 27 October 2005 Inspector Lynne Elizabeth Lewington

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and 1 grown up child in Tadley, near Basingstoke. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for play and a cot is used in the master bedroom for rest. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 6 children under 8 years. There are currently 5 children on roll. Local parks, shops and schools are within easy walking distance. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family have a dog, 2 cats, a hamster, guinea pigs, rabbits and chinchilla's.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have good opportunities to develop their physical abilities as they play in the garden with wheeled toys. The childminder recognises the benefits of fresh air and encourages the children to play outside each day. Indoors they have opportunities to undertake a variety of activities that encourage their smaller movements as they play with toys and undertake craft projects. Children are beginning to learn about healthy eating and are offered a variety of food including meat and fruit. They have satisfactory access to drinks throughout the day ensuring they do not become dehydrated. Children do wash their hands or use hand wipes, however hygiene routines are not consistently followed and so children do not learn the importance of good hygiene. Snack times are not always supervised sufficiently to ensure pets do not get the children's food. Suitable information is gathered from parents regarding allergies and health needs,

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Helping children to be healthy

including consent for the use of sun cream enabling appropriate care to be offered. However, consents for emergency advice or treatment are not available to safeguard the children in the event of an accident or emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder's awareness of signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. She has an understanding of the action she would need to take if she were concerned about a child in her care. The resources used by the children are good quality and suitable for their ages and stages of development. Children develop their knowledge and understanding of how to keep themselves safe as they undertake their daily activities. For example, the childminder encourages them to look and listen for cars on outings, to treat animals with respect and not to poke fingers into their cages and to use play equipment appropriately. The childminder is very diligent and supervises the children well at all times, however insufficient measures are taken around the property to safeguard young children. For example, items gather rainwater in the garden and chemicals can be easily accessed

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

in cupboards. Smoke detectors and fire blanket are in place and a suitable fire/emergency evacuation plan is planned ensuring the safety of the children in the event of an emergency situation.

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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 environment provides a warm caring relaxed environment for the children's play. The childminder shows great interest in the children's activities and ensures that all children can participate at a level suitable to their development. She sits with the children watching and talking to them about what they are doing. The children relate to the childminder well talking confidently to her about their activities. Children explore confidently and ask for activities they enjoy. Imaginative play is encouraged well, with the provision of simple dressing up clothes and props enabling the children to act out experiences and develop their communication skills. However, the children are not encouraged to watch television selectively, therefore it is not used to enhance the children's learning. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of the children's need to have activity, rest and receive suitable nourishment each day to ensure they are happy.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder is a calm and well-mannered role model in all her interactions with the children and visitors, consequently the children behave well. The children show consideration for each other by helping each other in their activities and showing kindness. The childminder has a basic understanding of equal opportunities and diversity. Children play with all toys irrespective of their gender, for example feeding and caring for the dolls. However, limited resources are available to encourage the children's awareness of other cultures. Children do learn about some traditions, for example, Christmas, Easter and Halloween. The childminder shows an awareness of the information she would need to provide appropriate care to a child with special needs. Relationships with parents are friendly and the child's needs are discussed thoroughly before the child starts to ensure individual needs can be met. Daily communication ensures that both the childminder

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Helping children make a positive contribution

and the parent are well informed about the child.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder provides children with appropriate support and enjoys the children's company as she devotes her time to them. This enables the children to feel secure and confident in her care. Resources both indoors and outdoors are used effectively to provide children with appropriate play space and experiences. However some areas of the childminders practice require improvement to ensure good health and safety.

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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 All legally required documentation is in place and up-to-date ensuring that children receive a continuity of care. However, the childminder has not completed a relevant first aid course and consents for emergency advice or treatment are not available. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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 consistent hygiene routines are followed • ensure all areas accessed by the children are safe for their use • develop opportunities for children to increase their understanding of our diverse society through activities and experiences • complete a first aid course that includes training for infants and young children • request written parental permission to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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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