Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY252270 Inspection date 03 April 2006 Inspector Marilyn Joy

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged under 1 year and 6 years. They live in a house in the Whitenap area of Romsey. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. The family have 2 cats. Children are collected from the local school. Shops and parks are nearby. The childminder regularly attends parent and carer groups. The childminder is registered for a maximum of four children under eight years when working on her own or eight children when working with another childminder. She is

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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 currently caring for two pre-school and one child after school.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children’s good health is promoted because the childminder has a clear understanding of health, hygiene and nutrition. Children develop independence in caring for themselves and learn about the importance of observing good hygiene routines. They are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times such as before lunch and after using the toilet. Good hygiene routines are consistently followed by the childminder when changing nappies, providing individual bedding for younger children and ensuring equipment is regularly cleaned. Parents are made aware of the childminder’s sickness and hygiene policy so that she can take positive steps to prevent cross-infection particularly if children are ill. The childminder has ensured her first aid knowledge is up-to-date and that she has clear information about children's individual health needs so that if they are unwell or have an accident, she can respond appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a healthy lifestyle which includes nutritious foods, fresh air and exercise. They enjoy healthy snacks which include fresh fruit and raisins. Their lunch boxes are stored in the fridge and food is prepared according to parent's wishes. Meals and snacks comply with all special dietary requirements. Outdoor play and exercise is incorporated into the daily routines. Children play in the garden and move to music.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. A welcoming and child-oriented environment is offered where children's safety is given optimal consideration. The childminder is vigilant in supervising children and appropriate safety equipment is used effectively to eliminate potential hazards indoors and outdoors. Children are encouraged to develop good safety practices as they become more independent, for example they learn about road safety when going for walks. Children are familiar with safety rules in the home. They are careful of each other as they play and tell the childminder when they are going upstairs. Children have safe and easy access to an excellent range of resources. Stimulating toys are stored in accessible storage units in the playroom. Resources are cleaned thoroughly, age-appropriate and in very good condition. Play space is organised extremely well so that children of all ages have space to play. They can stretch out

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

on the floor or sit comfortably together on the sofa. Older children can sit at the table for craft activities and babies can explore a selection of toys set out on a soft rug in the lounge. Children's welfare is safeguarded and they are protected from harm because the

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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 childminder has a very good understanding of her responsibilities. She has a sound knowledge of child protection issues and has produced written information which she gives to parents. Careful consideration has been given to developing procedures for evacuating the premises in the event of a fire. Children practise the fire drill with childminder which helps them to become aware of what they should do. The premises are secure and there are thorough procedures in place so that children are only released to known persons.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. Close and caring relationships increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of belonging. They benefit from being cared for by the childminder who is committed to providing a stimulating and interesting environment. They are confident and familiar with the daily routines and what is expected of them, for example they tidy the toys away before snack time and help to set the table. Children’s individual sleep and feeding routines are incorporated well into daily activities. Regular outings and trips to the park fosters their enjoyment of the outdoors and physical exercise. Meeting with other childminders and going to toddler group encourages children to mix with others and develop their social skills. Children experience a broad range of indoor and outdoor activities. They develop independence in making choices about what they want to play. They choose from the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

good range of resources available and respond well to the childminder's suggestions. They enthusiastically join in with the actions when playing 'Simon says' and 'the farmer's in his den. They concentrate when sitting at the table for craft activities and select what they want from the dressing-up clothes. Children of all ages play co-operatively together.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children demonstrate a clear sense of belonging in the relaxed way they interact with the childminder. They develop confidence and self-esteem in an environment where they are valued and respected. Parents receive an excellent range of information about the service provided. Arrangements for managing children's individual care are discussed and agreed with parents when they initially visit the childminder. Ongoing discussions and children’s records ensure parent’s wishes continue to be acknowledged and children’s individual needs known. Parents are encouraged to raise any concerns they may have about their child's care with the childminder. Informal arrangements are in place for responding to concerns, although there is no system in place for keeping records of complaints. Details of children's daily activities and progress are shared with parents either in writing or verbally according to their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

wishes. Children are beginning to become aware of the wider society through activities and resources. Appropriate support is available for children with special needs. Clear and

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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 consistent behaviour management strategies are agreed with parents and help children understand what is expected of them. They are familiar with the daily routines and consequently behave well. Children are frequently praised and encouraged. Older children are enthusiastic about their reward charts and are beginning to understand the consequences of their actions.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and at ease in the caring and well-organised environment provided by the childminder and her co-childminder. They work closely together to offer good quality care for children. Space is used well so that children have safe areas to play. They can move around freely and be easily supervised. Parents are given a welcoming information pack which provides them with clear information about the service provided. Activities and children’s progress are discussed regularly with parents and contributes to both children and parents feeling confident and secure. Most documentation is in place and well-maintained. Children's attendance is clearly recorded, although it does not show if a child has been in the sole charge of the co-childminder for example if one childminder collects children from school and the other continues to play with the younger children at home. The childminder meets the

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Organisation

needs of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure her documentation was maintained and up-to-date at all times. Following the last inspection a form was produced so that written consent can be sought from parents so that the childminder can seek emergency medical care for children in an emergency and transport children in a vehicle. Children's records have been updated and parental consents sought, however some documentation has not been updated following recent changes in regulations. The childminder was also asked to review her evacuation and emergency procedures and share them with parents. A written fire safety procedure has been developed. It clearly details actions to be taken in the event of a fire to ensure children are evacuated safely. A copy is included in the information pack given to parents and one is also displayed. Procedures are discussed and practised with the children.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. 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 documentation and the procedure for responding to complaints in line with current regulations • when working with a co-childminder ensure attendance records clearly show who has responsibility for individual children when in sole charge of them.

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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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