Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 111852 Inspection date 20 July 2005 Inspector Lynn Reeves

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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 satisfactory. 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 in a residential area of Gosport in Hampshire. She is registered to care for four children under eight years and is currently minding two children aged under eight years on a part time basis. The property is within close proximity to schools, shops and parks. All areas of the house are used for childminding and children have access to a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is a member of the National 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 satisfactory. Children's health and physical development are promoted with regular walks to school and local attractions where children feed the ducks and benefit from gentle exercise. Children follow good hygiene routines; they wash their hands after toileting and before meals and learn about the spread of infection through discussion and having easy access to tissues and wet wipes. Children begin to understand the importance of a healthy diet by being provided with fresh fruit for snacks and having easy access to drinks. Parents wishes are respected regarding children's dietary needs and these are recorded on children's records. Children are protected and kept healthy through the childminder's understanding of procedures regarding accidents and the administration of medication.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a home that is well organised to encourage them to be independent; they are able to move around the allotted areas with safety. Children are provided with a good range of play provisions, which are regularly checked for damage and cleanliness. Low shelving units and storage boxes promote children's independence. Children learn the importance of staying safe through understanding the house rules and through discussion, for example being reminded to pick things up from the floor, no jumping on the furniture and road safety issues when out walking. Most risks within the home and garden have been addressed and minimised, although a fire blanket is not available and there is no written fire plan to help safeguard children in emergencies. Children's welfare is protected as the childminder is able to recognise signs and symptoms of abuse and she is aware of the correct child protection reporting

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Consistent support and meaningful praise encourages children to become increasingly independent, for example the childminder encourages the children to choose what they want to play with from the low storage areas. Children build on their own curiosity when playing with musical toys as they press the buttons to watch the animals pop up and listen to the different noises and sounds. The childminder builds strong relationships with the children, where they receive lots of smiles and cuddles, which contribute to their sense of belonging. The childminder sits down at the children's level, taking an active part in their play, naming the colours

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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 and shapes and using familiar words and nursery rhymes to extend the babies' learning. Children are beginning to learn about the local environment as they visit the local duck pond and go for walks to the park and experience a varied range of activities which contribute to their development inside and outside of the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children access a range of toys that reflect diversity and promote positive images of gender, culture and disability to promote their understanding of the wider world. Children gain a good understanding of the local community with regular visits to the park, duck pond and town centre. The childminder maintains a positive approach in dealing with special needs and unwanted behaviour; children learn what is acceptable through discussion, praise and encouragement. The childminder has realistic expectations from children and strategies used are discussed with parents to ensure a consistent approach. Children's individual needs are catered for as parents are provided with information regarding the childminder's business through discussion at handover time.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children have access to a clean and well maintained house, where they have easy access to toys and play resources. They benefit from a well-organised, safe and secure environment where their health, safety and well-being are promoted. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children who attend. She maintains high adult : child ratios and ensures children are well supervised at all times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder was given four recommendations at the last inspection: plan and organise suitable activities to keep children stimulated; ensure premises are kept secure; follow correct procedures for recording existing injuries and accidents and reporting child protection issues. Since the last inspection the childminder has improved on her understanding of child development and plans a range of suitable activities to keep children stimulated. The premises are kept locked to ensure children's safety. Systems have been introduced to record existing injuries and accidents and the childminder has updated her knowledge of the correct child protection reporting procedures to safeguard children.

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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 There are no complaints to report

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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 satisfactory. 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 written fire plan and ensure a fire blanket is provided

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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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