Childminder in HampshireOfsted inspection, 7 Jul 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 150854 Inspection date 07 July 2005 Inspector Penny Wood

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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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and two school-aged children in Worthy Down, Hampshire. The whole of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and overnight care for one child under eight years old. The childminder is currently minding two children aged four and two. Children are minded on a full and part-time basis. Before and after school care is also available.

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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 walks children to pre-school and takes children to the bus stop to catch the school bus. The childminder and children visit toddler groups and the local play park. The family have a dog.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are learning to keep themselves healthy by following good hygiene procedures, reducing the spread of germs and minimising the risk of cross infection of illnesses. Systems in place protect children’s welfare and ensure they receive appropriate medical care in the event of an emergency. Accurate records inform parents of incidents and the care children receive to ensure their wellbeing. Children receive sympathetic care when ill and practices adopted by the childminder ensure the home remains hygienic. Children have opportunities to enjoy physical play which contributes to their good health. Children frequently visit the play park and have access to a large garden where they are able to learn how to co-ordinate and develop physical skills. Children enjoy a healthy lunch comprising of a sandwich of their choice, fruit and yoghurts and receive a variety of different snacks throughout the day, some of which

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Helping children to be healthy

children make themselves. The childminder’s awareness of children’s dietary needs ensures children only receive suitable foods. Drinks are available to children at all times ensuring they do not go thirsty, particularly on hot days and during outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy room to play freely in the space available. Most precautions in place within the home and garden reduce the risk of harm to children. Supervision of children within the garden supports children’s safety, in particular when children play on the trampoline or in the paddling pool. Children are learning a sense of danger. During activities, children are aware of circumstances that can cause them harm, for example, bowls used for cooking may be hot. Regular cleaning of resources ensures toys are clean, hygienic and suitable for children to play with and regular checking of toys ensures they remain safe. Procedures in place support children’s safety regarding child protection issues. The childminder has a good understanding of the procedures and is aware of her responsibility to protect children’s welfare.

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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 are happy and settled in the childminder’s care. They are confident in their surroundings and feel at home. Children enjoy the childminder’s company and her involvement in their play. Continual discussions develop children’s listening and language skills. The children are curious and ask questions. Children enjoy a routine which offers them opportunities to enjoy physical play, use their imaginations and be creative. Activities encourage children to work independently and give opportunities for children to accomplish a goal and enjoy a sense of achievement. Children take pleasure in their accomplishments, are confident in their abilities, and have good self-esteem. Children enjoy the wide range of toys available which are suitable for children of all ages and stages of development. The rotation of toys maintains children’s interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Storage of toys at child level allows children to access toys independently. Children are excited and involved during games of their choice. Children experience interesting outings that promote their learning and interest in the world around them. Visits to toddler group give children opportunities to develop their social skills and meet with their peer group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals. They relish the childminder’s attention and the time she shares with them during their play and activities. Children are able to access resources which depict positive images of people and diversity, building a natural awareness of the world we live in. The childminder recognises the importance of working with parents and when necessary, outside agencies, in order to provide care which meets the individual needs of the child. Information shared between parents and the childminder ensures children are cared for in-line with parent’s wishes and gives parents an insight into their child’s day. Children follow rules for behaviour that are understandable and are realistic for the children to follow. Consequently, children behave well.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the childminder’s experience and ongoing development of her practice by attending training opportunities whenever possible. The childminder’s knowledge of individual children promotes their welfare. Organisation of space within the home allows children to play free from harm and enjoy independent access to resources. Policies and procedures reflect the childminder’s practice and regulatory documentation is in place but not all records are available for inspection or show accurate detail.

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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 The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has made improvements to her provision. Parents have completed documentation giving the childminder permission to seek further emergency advice or treatment. Practice ensures children receive appropriate care for their medical needs.

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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 garden is made secure with regard to the fence, garden shed and gate • ensure all documentation is available for inspection and records are completed appropriately showing accurate detail, with particular regard to registers, medication records and child details

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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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