Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY297835 Inspection date 15 December 2005 Inspector Carol Readman

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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 2004. She lives with her partner and 2 children, one preschool one school-aged, in a house in the rural village of Sherfield-on-Loddon. The setting is within easy walking distance of local shops and amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with sleeping facilities upstairs. There are additional toilet facilities on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden and local parks close by for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 4 children at any one time. There are currently 2 children on roll.

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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 at the setting receive every opportunity to develop a healthy lifestyle. They are encouraged to try a wide range of healthy foods and are introduced to new tastes such as pear as part of a balanced, varied diet. The childminder is knowledgeable about nutrition and is committed to providing children with nourishing food that they will enjoy. The childminder ensures that drinks are always available and reminds children to drink to avoid becoming thirsty. The children learn that they must wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating to protect themselves from infection. The childminder ensures that children play in a very clean environment. She thoroughly cleans toys and equipment on a regular basis to help prevent the spread of germs. The childminder arranges walks and play sessions at adventure parks or indoor soft play venues to ensure that the children enjoy energetic play to aid their physical

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Helping children to be healthy

development. The childminder is careful that she balances energetic play with time to rest, relax and sleep as needed. The children thrive in a setting where they are learning about a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children can play safely in a warm and inviting environment where the childminder identifies hazards and takes steps to minimise them to ensure that children are safe. For example, the childminder uses a safety gate to ensure that very young children do not have access to the stairs. Toys and equipment conform to safety standards and are very clean and well maintained. Children enjoy a wide range of quality toys appropriate to the ages of the children that help enhance their development. The children receive high levels of supervision, particularly on outings, in order to keep them from danger. The childminder uses buggies and reins to ensure that young children can enjoy walks to local parks and to the local duck pond in safety. All children have appropriately adjusted child seats when they travel in the childminder's car. Horizontal rails on the upstairs landing could present a hazard to young children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children receive protection from a childminder who is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She gives a clear written statement to parents of her responsibilities to protect young children.

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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 Children really relish their time in the setting. They are happy, settled, have excellent attitudes to learning, and enjoy learning as they play. Children at the setting receive all possible encouragement and have their development greatly enhanced by a childminder who is proactive in her approach to extending and building on existing skills. She supports babies in their efforts to balance, stand and take their first steps. This constant support and encouragement results in children who make excellent progress. They are very confident and keen to explore their environment, building on their natural curiosity. Close and caring relationships increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. The childminder supports early communication and physical skills extremely well. Very young children are learning to play together by

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

sharing games such as 'beep boo' with the childminder. This helps to boost their confidence and increase their feelings of self-worth. They are developing good social skills from a very early age. Sharing books and learning to master shape sorters with the childminder help children extend their thinking and build on intellectual skills. The childminder updates her practice and extends her knowledge by attending childcare courses in order to build on her knowledge of all aspects of childcare and development. She makes effective use of the Birth to Three Matters framework to plan and provide a range of stimulating and appropriate activities for the children in her care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit from a childminder who gets to know them as individuals and uses this knowledge to help them develop. She understands the individual characteristics of the children and offers them security and support. This helps them grow in confidence and self-esteem. Children at the setting receive individual attention appropriate to their ages. Babies receive encouragement to examine and explore toys. This helps develop physical and concentration skills. The childminder praises their achievements and this fosters their self-esteem. The childminder is aware that all children progress at different rates and supports all to ensure their continuing development. She provides a wealth of stimulating activities to help progress their development. Each child receives appropriate support to help them progress. Children at the setting are happy, settled and relaxed. The childminder uses praise to

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Helping children make a positive contribution

encourage appropriate behaviour and helps young children overcome their frustrations by distracting them and encouraging them to take part in something they will enjoy. For example, involving them in playing with a new toy, showing them how it works. This positive strategy, coupled with warm praise for appropriate behaviour, helps children behave very well.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works closely with the parents of the children in her care to ensure that they are cared for according to parental wishes. She shares all relevant

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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 information with the parents and encourages a two-way dialogue at all times, using a daily diary. If the parents have concerns about their child, the childminder is willing to work with other professionals to help address these concerns and ensure that she meets the child's individual needs. The outcome for children is that they receive excellent care from a childminder who identifies, values and addresses the children's individual needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The setting is well organised to care for children. The childminder has the necessary qualifications to care for children and is proactive in increasing her knowledge by attending further training to obtain qualifications to develop and update her practice as part of continuous improvement. All the necessary regulatory documentation is complete and up-to-date. The childminder also has all the necessary permissions she needs to take children on outings and administer medicines. The childminder plans her day to allow children to take part in activities they enjoy in a safe environment. She uses her knowledge of child development to help children progress appropriately and at their own individual rate. Children benefit from the warm, trusting relationships that they build with the childminder that helps them develop confidence and self-esteem. Children at the setting receive very good care from a childminder committed to

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Organisation

supporting children in their learning and helping them develop a healthy lifestyle. 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 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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure that upstairs banister is safe or inaccessible to children.

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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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