Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY101274 Unique Reference Number 17 January 2006 Inspection date Anne Munro Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 is registered to care for up to five children under 8 years old and is currently caring for 11 children on part-time arrangements. She does not offer overnight care. The childminder lives with her husband and their two young sons in a house in Christchurch, within walking distance of shops and parks. The whole of the ground floor and the children's bedroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. At the time of inspection, three cats are the family pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends several 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 the spread of infection by the childminder's careful attention to good hygiene procedures. Premises and resources are clean and well-maintained. Children develop good levels of independence in their personal care. They learn to wash their hands from an early age, using their own flannels and paper towels. Drinks are always available and children learn good table manners, eating their packed lunches together. They benefit from the childminder's good understanding of children's dietary needs, and her experience in catering for special diets. She is sensitive to the needs of sick children and has effective policies and procedures in place to deal with illness or injury. Young children are able to sleep comfortably in a travel-cot or bed upstairs, or in buggies, according to individual preferences. They have plenty of opportunities for healthy physical activity, playing in the garden and walking to a

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Helping children to be healthy

parent and toddler group where they join in action games and music and movement sessions, as well as playing on large apparatus.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children have plenty of space to play in a warm, comfortable, and secure environment. They are able to play safely and move confidently around the house, as the childminder has carried out a thorough risk assessment; and has introduced comprehensive safety precautions to protect children, including gates to the stairs and kitchen, and safety catches on cupboards. Children practise clear evacuation procedures regularly, developing in understanding and confidence. They learn consistent rules to keep themselves safe, such as not running indoors and putting toys away to keep the floor clear. On walks outside they wear reins, hold the pushchair, and learn to cross the road safely. They are able to make choices from an extensive range of toys and equipment, which promotes the development of children of all ages. Toys are well-maintained and stored within easy reach. Children's welfare is fully supported by the

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

childminder's excellent understanding and experience 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 comfortable in their relationships with the childminder. They come happily into the house and are confident in familiar routines, such as washing their hands and sitting at the table to eat. The childminder has good knowledge of children's individual needs and capabilities, and plans a stimulating programme of activities appropriate to their ages. Children are interested and involved in what is on offer. They are confident in making choices and learn to put toys away when they have finished. They attend a variety of children's activity groups and regularly meet with other childminders for joint outings, learning to socialise with other adults and children. Children obviously enjoy their time with the childminder, who plays alongside them, encouraging language and developing play.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children of different ages play well together, learning to respect the needs of others. They play with a good range of resources that provide positive images of other cultures, and learn about festivals and celebrations through activities with the local childminding group. Children are generally well behaved as the childminder uses praise and encouragement to reinforce good behaviour and promote children's self-esteem. She liaises with parents and takes advice from other professionals to ensure that any special needs are addressed. The childminder forms good working relationships with parents, encouraging communication and respecting their wishes, so that children benefit from continuity and consistency. She is flexible in her working hours in order to accommodate parents' work patterns and family routines.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from good levels of supervision and individual attention. They play confidently in a well organised environment, with plenty of space to play inside and out. The childminder is well qualified and experienced and is committed to updating her skills and knowledge with ongoing training, so that children benefit from a service which continues to develop and improve. Clear policies and procedures support the welfare of children, although there is not yet any system in place for recording complaints. The childminder maintains accurate records, ensuring that she has all the necessary information to be able to care for children effectively. Personal information is stored securely and the childminder gives careful attention to confidentiality. Overall the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Improvement since the last inspection is good. The childminder no longer uses slug pellets in the garden, meeting the recommendation that children are not exposed to hazardous chemicals.

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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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Complaints 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): • introduce a system of recording complaints, to be made available to parents.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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