Merrill College

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 112988 Inspection date 30 March 2006 Inspector Anne Mitchell

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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 1990. She lives with her husband and 2 school age children in a 4 bedroom house in a residential area of New Milton. The whole house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have 2 dogs, 5 cats and a parrot. The childminder is registered to provide care for 6 children under 8 years of age. There are currently a total of 8 children under 8 years on roll. The childminder also provides care for older children. She drives to local schools to drop off and collect children, and attends toddler groups on a regular basis.

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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), as well as a member of the local network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is effectively promoted through a range of well considered procedures. Children use paper towels to dry their hands which limits the spread of infection. Good nappy changing procedures are followed, including the use of disposable gloves and cleaning the changing mat after each change. Younger children are well supported in good hand hygiene procedures, such as washing their hands before snacks and meals. Older children are fully independent in personal toileting routines. Children's dietary health is fully promoted by the provision of regular and accessible drinks throughout the day. Healthy snacks, such as a range of fresh fruits, are provided. Children's understanding of the importance of a balanced diet is promoted through discussion and planned projects about healthy eating. Children's physical health is well promoted through regular walks and outings to provide exercise and fresh air. Children visit parks and the beach where they have

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Helping children to be healthy

good opportunities to climb, run and balance in safety. Children's small muscle control and development is effectively fostered through a range of activities, such as using puzzles and threading. There are good opportunities for large physical play in the garden, where there is play equipment and a secure swimming pool for use in the summer.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is well promoted through the provision of safety equipment, such as stair gates. Children are well supervised at all times and the premises are secure. Children's safety is effectively promoted in the house, garden and on outings through visual risk assessments carried out by the childminder. Children learn about keeping themselves and others safe through discussion. During outings they are encouraged to look out for traffic and practise road safety. Children play with safe, good quality toys and equipment, which is checked regularly to ensure continued suitability. Fire safety is well managed, and children are familiar and confident in practising emergency evacuation procedures. Clear health and safety policies and emergency procedures are shared with parents from the outset to reassure them. Children are protected from possible harm and neglect through the childminder's

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

clear knowledge of child protection. She has attended training in this area and has developed a clear and well written child protection policy which is shared with

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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 parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a broad range of resources and activities that promote their all round development. Their learning is effectively supported by the variety of planned projects, such as 'healthy eating' and 'Easter'. Children's independence is successfully promoted as they freely choose resources stored in low level drawers. New children settle quickly as the childminder uses distraction effectively, helping them become involved in activities she knows they enjoy. A child happily works together with the childminder to build a railway track, and as his confidence grows, makes 'tea' and 'meals' for the childminder in the play kitchen. Children enjoy a range of creative play such as dough, painting, cooking and craft. The childminder plans regular local outings to toddler groups and parks to ensure children have opportunities to develop their social skills and physical development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy walks on the beach and in woods to collect natural resources, such as pebbles and shells, to decorate at the childminder's home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual likes, dislikes and family background are familiar to the childminder, who talks to them about their home life and meets their needs effectively. Children learn about their local environment and community through regular outings to parks, shops and the beach and through discussion with the childminder. Children's understanding of cultural diversity and disability is well promoted through multicultural resources. Planned activities about cultural festivals help children learn about, and respect the beliefs of others. Children have a clear sense of belonging in the childminder's home as photographs of them, and their projects and art work are displayed. Children for whom English is an additional language are well supported through close liaison with the parents, and the use of picture books, facial expressions and gestures. Children's behaviour is good and the childminder provides an effective role model, by

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Helping children make a positive contribution

praising children for their achievements and thanking them for their help. House rules are displayed to remind older children about the expectations for behaviour. A clearly written, and positive behaviour management policy is shared with all parents to ensure a consistent approach. Partnership with parents is good. Children's daily routines are shared with parents at the end of each day and written diaries are used for children under five. The childminder liaises with parents to gain information about the children's individual needs before an arrangement commences. Parents are happy with the level of care

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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 provided. Policies and procedures are shared effectively, although the complaints procedure has not been up-dated. The childminder has developed a regular newsletter for parents, to keep them informed of outings and projects.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a secure environment where the suitability of all members of the household has been checked. Children benefit from the childminder's experience and commitment to training. She is currently completing an NVQ 3 in Child Care and Education, and has attended some workshops to extend her knowledge. Space and resources are well organised to ensure children can choose from a varied range of age appropriate activities. The setting has sufficient room for different types of play, sleep and rest. The childminder has developed a range of well written policies and procedures to share with parents, which reflect the child care practice she provides. However, the complaints policy does not reflect the recent changes in legislation. All other documentation is clear, up-to-date and kept confidentially within the home. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder agreed to develop resources reflecting positive images of ethnicity, culture and disability and to develop written information for parents and include details of emergency and complaints procedures. She also agreed to contracts, the daily register and written parental consents are updated, accessible and maintained accurately. The childminder now has a suitable range of resources that provide positive images of cultural diversity and disability, to help children acknowledge and respect difference. All required documentation is now in place, maintained accurately and up-to-date to support children's health and welfare and to ensure they are cared for in respect of their parents' wishes.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints about the provider received by 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • update the complaints procedure to ensure parents are informed of new legislation

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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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