Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY100430 Inspection date 11 May 2005 Inspector Hilary Knight

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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 2002. She lives with her two children aged six and four. They live in a house in Aldershot, Hampshire which is within driving and walking distance of the local shops, parks and amenities. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a hamster as a pet. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding one full time and two part time children.

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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 enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day there are outdoor activities to help them develop control of their bodies, for example as they play in the garden on wheeled toys or run around in the park. Visits to indoor soft play centres and toddler groups also improve children’s physical skills. Children rest in line with their individual needs. Nutritious food provided by the childminder promotes good health. The childminder takes into account the wishes of parents and children’s preferences to provide meals that are appetising and meet children’s dietary needs. Children access drinks throughout the day promoting their understanding of the concept of being thirsty. Children are cared for in clean environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. Effective procedures followed by the childminder assist children’s protection from illness and infection. These include encouraging parents to

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Helping children to be healthy

keep sick children at home until they are well to reduce the spread of infection and ensuring that all accident and incidents are treated appropriately.

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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 clean, welcoming environment. They are able to move around safely, freely and independently. Children learn the importance of keeping themselves and others safe from harm as they learn about the consequences of their actions, for example climbing on a chair. Children gain independence as they choose from a wide range of good quality resources which are easily accessible. The childminder regularly checks the equipment to ensure that they are clean and in a suitable and safe condition. Children remain within the childminder's sight and hearing and she ensures that they are not left alone with anyone who has not been vetted. There are safety gates, child locks and covers for electrical sockets in place, however an emergency fire evacuation plan is not practised on a regular basis so that children know what to do in the event of an emergency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children arrive at the setting confident and happy and settle well at the childminder’s house. They relate well to each other and their social skills are promoted by regular attendance at local toddler groups and visits to children at the houses of other childminders. They also benefit from the childminder developing their understanding

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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 through age appropriate questions. Children have access to a good range of toys and books as they choose what they wish to play with. Children spend their time purposefully. Children happily listen to and sing rhymes and songs together. Activities are adapted by the childminder to suit children's age and understanding so that all children are included, for example children play the card game 'Snap' together. Children also make playdoh and choose which colour they would like the playdoh to be.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. Children’s needs are well met and activities are adapted to their level of understanding and ability ensuring equality of opportunity. They have suitable time to relax and be active according to their individual needs. Children play together well and show care and concern for each other through the childminder promoting good behaviour management techniques. Children undertake a range of activities and resources, indoors and outdoors to extend their learning and their understanding of others. However, there are limited resources and activities that promote a positive view of the wider world we live in and increase children’s awareness of diversity. Parents receive regular feedback at the end of the day regarding their child’s activities and developments, which ensures continuity of care. However, at present there is no written sick child policy and information is given verbally to parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children feel at home and at ease with the environment. The areas for play are welcoming with colourful posters of number charts and children's pictures displayed on walls. The resources are stored and rotated to ensure that children have a stimulating environment in which to learn. Regular outdoor activities contribute to their health and cultivate their social skills. Required adult to child ratios are maintained at all times promoting children's welfare. Documentation is maintained and stored appropriately. The provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last Children Act inspection recommended that the childminder reviewed safety in the garden, developed activities to promote children's awareness of diversity and seek parental permission for seeking emergency medical treatment/advice and for transporting children in a car. The childminder has addressed the recommendations by mending a hole in the garden fence, started to develop activities to promote children's awareness of diversity and has gained the above parental consents.

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Improvements 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): • ensure that children's welfare is promoted through the use of a written sick child policy

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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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