Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY236121 Inspection date 28 April 2005 Inspector Alison Jane Kaplonek

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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 lives with her husband and daughter, who is under five years of age, in a house in Bishopstoke, Hampshire. Children have access to the lounge, kitchen/diner and downstairs cloakroom. The upstairs is used for sleeping babies. There is an enclosed garden with patio and lawn areas and the family have a guinea pig at the time of the inspection. The childminder regularly takes children to parent and toddler group, tumble tots and trips to the local park.

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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 cared for in a warm, clean family environment where they are encouraged to take care of their personal needs themselves for example when using the downstairs toilet to wash their hands. They are provided with nutritious snacks such as fruit or carrot sticks and regular access to drinking water. Children's good health is monitored and records kept of any accidents or medication administered although records do not include an agreement to seek emergency treatment or advice . The childminder ensures that her First Aid training is up to date and carries a First Aid kit at all times. Children are taken out every day for a walk either to the local park, to school or to visit other childminders and children. They also have access to a garden for outside play where they can enjoy physical activities in safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are looked after in a safe environment where good use is made of the available space. Children's safety is ensured at all times when they are both inside the house and outside, by the provision of the necessary equipment . Children make good use of the garden which contains plenty of safe outside play equipment. The childminder has a good awareness of safety issues and monitors children closely. She ensures that the premises are secure and has a clear fire procedure which ensures that children are able to evacuate the premises quickly in the case of a fire. Children have easy access to a selection of good quality toys which are stimulating and provide a range of challenging activities. Resources are continually changed to ensure that children have choices. These include resources promoting equality of opportunity. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

is undertaking additional training at present ensuring that children are well protected. .

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a good range of resources which provide them with stimulating and enjoyable activities. They show an interest in what they are doing and interact well with each other. They are developing in confidence and are able to request certain play equipment, for example a particular dressing up outfit.

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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 ask questions as they play and the childminder responds well, encouraging new vocabulary or helping them to count or recognise their colours. She is able to adapt activities to meet the needs of the children present although they are of differing ages. The childminder provides stimulating activities that children enjoy and learn from. She takes them out every day to parks, pre-school and provides a good range of activities in the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children gain an awareness of wider society and an understanding of others by accessing a reasonable range of resources, such as puzzles, books and small world figures, which is still being added to. The childminder shares books and toys with the children which enable them to discuss the needs and differences of other children. She also has current experience of caring for children with special needs and would welcome all children into her care. Children are treated with respect and their needs well met. They behave well, are developing their self-esteem and beginning to respect their playmates. The childminder has clear strategies in place, such as distracting the children with another activity, to avoid any possible confrontation. Children's care is influenced by the close working relationship between the childminder and parents. Their daily routine is discussed when parents collect them

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Helping children make a positive contribution

at the end of the day. The childminder shares her folder of certificates with parents when childminding starts ensuring an open and friendly relationship, and ensuring that children's individual needs are met. She does not however, share her written policies with parents at present.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well settled in the organised environment. They are never left alone with an unvetted adult and in the case of an emergency, arrangements are in place for the children to be cared for by friends or neighbours. Every child has a folder containing their personal information and contracts. These are well labelled and easily accessible. The childminder keeps good essential records, such as a record of accidents, a register and a record of any medication administered. This provides children with good continuity of care, ensures that they feel settled and secure and that their individual needs are well met. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has increased her resources to include dressing-up clothes, more role play equipment, some toys for older children and a

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Improvements 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 few resources showing positive images of disability such as small figures and books. She is still adding to her collection of resources and intends to improve these further. She has asked parents to give permission for the children to receive First Aid if necessary but now needs to extend this agreement further to include seeking emergency treatment and advice.

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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 accurate written permission is obtained from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice. • ensure all policies and procedures are discussed with parents prior to the start of a childminding arrangement.

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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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