Childminder in SouthamptonOfsted inspection, 5 Oct 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 131283 Inspection date 05 October 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 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 1992 . She lives with her husband who is registered as a childminding assistant. They have two school aged children who are over eight years old. They live in a house in the Upper Shirley area of Southampton. Minded children generally have use of the kitchen, dining room and playroom. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of the Southampton Childminding Association.

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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's health is maintained by the childminder's good use of hygiene routines. She takes measures to avoid cross infection through her regular routines. For example, when nappy changing she uses gloves, wipes down mats with disinfectant fluid and disposes of nappies safely. Children learn about good personal hygiene and are reminded to wash their hands after toileting and before eating food. They are provided with separate towels and are cared for in a home that is clean, warm and comfortable. Children's health records are kept up to date, including accidents and the administration of medication. Children are provided with a diet that is healthy and nutritious and in line with their parents wishes. Food provided by the childminder is organic and free range and freshly cooked. Children are given healthy snacks such as fruit or vegetables and are offered drinks on a regular basis to maintain their fluids. The childminder has

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Helping children to be healthy

knowledge of food allergies and has procedures in place to ensure children eat the food that suits them and remain healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is high priority. The home is secure and children are well supervised. Children do not have access to medicines and cleaning materials as they are kept in a locked cupboard or stored out of their reach. Good use is made of stair gates so younger children cannot access dangerous areas such as the staircase. Equipment and toys are chosen with care to ensure that they are suitable for the age and stage of development of the individual child. The home, toys and equipment are is well maintained. Fire safety precautions are in place, for example a fire blanket in the kitchen is ready for use and the smoke detectors are regularly maintained and in working order. There is a complex fire evacuation plan in place and this is practiced with older children so they become familiar with the practice. However, this is not practiced with younger children so the childminder is unable to clarify whether she could effectively evacuate

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

all children in an emergency. Children are protected because the childminder has secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and she is aware of the local area child protection procedures. She is aware that she has a duty to keep children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are involved in a wide range of activities which promote their individual

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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 development needs, such as puzzles, arts and crafts construction and imaginary play. Children's language is being developed through a variety of methods such as books, rhymes and every day discussion. They go on planned outings to such places as the forest or the park. Here they can further develop their physical skills and senses. Children get use of ride on toys indoors so that they get exercise daily. Children have the opportunity to access an excellent range of good quality toys. The toys are stored in boxes, placed low so children freely choose. They are rotated to ensure that children do not become bored. The childminder knows the children well and ensures that their favourite toys are made available. The childminder has started to introduce the Birth to three matters framework into her

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

practice. Children particularly like the contents of the treasure basket, they spend time concentrating and exploring its contents, stimulating their senses

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave well, they take turns and share equipment and resources. They benefit from the routines of the day and are given firm boundaries and know what is expected of them. Children are mindful of the needs of others and offer to help at meal times. For example, a child offers to get out the bibs for the other children. Children are strongly valued and their individual needs are catered for and all children are included. The childminder values the information she gets from parents and works well with them to support children's specific needs. Children are learning to communicate in verbal and non verbal ways. All children are starting to use Makaton which allows them to communicate their needs effectively. Children are given choice and freely choose from activities, the childminder understands that some children have an aversion to rest times, so plans quiet times when they gradually relax before they go off to sleep. Children are able to follow their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

own sleep patterns, have their own cots and bring comforters from home, so children are settled well. Children enjoy looking at photographs of themselves, feel involved and have a sense of belonging. They are praised and encouraged when they do well, building on their self esteem.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has a good knowledge of the National Standards and child development. She has the appropriate training and experience for her role as childminder. All adults in the house are vetted. Children benefit from the childminder's excellent organisation skills. For example, changing areas are well organised so that the required resources are readily available. The environment is well planned so that children can move around freely and independently. Activities are loosely planned to

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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 ensure flexibility and play is child-initiated. Children get a wide range of play experiences and are stimulated. All documentation required by regulation is in place, well maintained and kept in a confidential manner. This plus the childminder's policies supports and underpins the childminder's good practice. Parents are provided with contracts and a handbook so they know what they can expect from their childminder and in return what is expected of them. They get daily feedback from the childminder both written and verbal so are kept well informed of their child's development. They value the support they get from their childminder in planning for their child's developmental needs. As a result, the needs of the range of the children in her care are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as no recommendations or actions were set at the last inspection.

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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 the emergency evacuation procedures are practiced with all children to ensure children's safety

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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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