Cutler Gina

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY305874 Inspection date 05 October 2005 Inspector Anne Munro

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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 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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and two school aged children in a house in New Milton. Schools and shops are within walking distance. All areas of the house are used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outside play. A cat and a rabbit are the family pets. The childminder is registered to accept up to 4 children under 8 years old and is currently caring for 2 on part-time arrangements. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and regularly attends local parent and toddler groups.

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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. Children are protected from infection by the childminder's careful attention to good hygiene practice. They are able to use the downstairs cloakroom independently and learn to wash their hands as soon as they are able. The childminder is sensitive to the needs of sick children and has appropriate procedures in place to handle illness or injury. She has experience of catering for children with allergies and special diets. Children learn about healthy eating, enjoying nutritious meals which they eat together at the table. They are encouraged to try new foods and are able to help themselves to drinks throughout the day. Children have plenty of opportunities for physical activity outdoors, for example, playing in the well equipped garden, visiting the local park and walking to school to pick up older children. They are able to sleep comfortably in a travel cot upstairs, and older children rest quietly in the lounge.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are able to move confidently around the house as precautions have been taken to ensure their safety. A fireguard, socket covers and cupboard locks have been fitted, and gates prevent children's access to the stairs and kitchen. Smoke alarms are tested regularly and plans have been made for emergency evacuation. There is plenty of space for children to play inside and out, and they are able to make choices from a good collection of toys which are stored safely within their reach. Toys and equipment are well maintained and regularly cleaned. Children's welfare is supported by the childminder's good understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and confident in their relationship with the childminder. They come happily into the house and are comfortable in familiar surroundings. They play confidently and independently in a well-equipped playroom, enjoying a good range of activities planned to meet their individual needs. The childminder has good knowledge of children's capabilities, likes and dislikes, and their individual routines are respected. They enjoy visits to another childminder and regular outings to local parent and toddler groups, where they learn to socialise with other adults and children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are addressed and they have equal access to activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 They play with a range of resources promoting positive images of disability and other cultures. They learn to play with other children and are generally well behaved. The childminder uses praise and encouragement to promote their self-esteem and reinforce their good behaviour, and agrees strategies with parents for handling any unwanted behaviour. Partnership with parents is good. The childminder builds good working relationships with parents, encouraging communication and sharing information so that children benefit from consistency and continuity.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from good levels of supervision and individual attention. They play in a well-organised environment with a good range of toys, which are stored in good order and easily accessible. The childminder has appropriate training and experience, although her first aid qualification has expired. She uses documentation well to ensure that she collects all the information necessary to provide children with the care they need, but children's information is not carried on outings for emergency use. The childminder maintains accurate records and stores confidential information securely. Overall 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 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 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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • complete an appropriate first aid course as soon as possible. • ensure that information about children is always readily to hand, including on outings.

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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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