Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY264443 Inspection date 16 June 2005 Inspector Carol Readman

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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 outstanding. 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 a registered childminder since 1996. She lives with her two teenage sons in a house in Andover, Hampshire. The whole of the opened planned ground floor is used for childminding. Children have supervised access to the bathroom upstairs. The children use the garden for outside play. It is fully enclosed and has a lawn and patio area. The childminder is registered to care for six children and is currently minding three preschool children and one school aged child. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NMCA) and is actively involved in the local

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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 childminding group. The family have gerbils.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children thrive at the setting because the childminder follows highly effective procedures and practices which meet the children’s physical, nutritional and health needs completely. Children receive constant adult support and guidance to help them gain an excellent understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. Older children understand the concept of germs and the need to wash hands after using the toilet to remove germs. Children receive encouragement to try a wide variety of healthy foods, for example watermelon and cherries, as part of a balanced diet and enjoy eating together as part of learning to socialise. Children help themselves to their own drinking bottles throughout the day. They enjoy fresh fruit and food, such as cakes and biscuits, that they help to prepare at snack time. Excellent hygiene routines, balanced nutrition and physically energetic play all

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Helping children to be healthy

contribute to children learning to develop a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Risks of accidental injury to children are minimised because the childminder is extremely vigilant and uses a very thorough risk assessment to identify and reduce potential hazards. Children learn how it keep themselves safe and develop a growing awareness of their capabilities to manage tasks, such as cooking and using ovens safely, fully supported by the childminder. Children learn about safe evacuation procedures in the event of fire. This helps them develop trust in their carer and will help them remain calm in emergencies. Children play with toys and use equipment that meets safety standards. A regularly updated toy inventory lists resources and the age groups that they are safe and suitable for. This ensures that very young children do not play with toys containing small parts or resources that may prove developmentally unsuitable for them such as puzzles that are too complicated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are very well protected by a childminder who has a clear understanding of child protection procedures and gives top priority to children’s welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children really relish their time in the setting. They are happy, settled, have excellent

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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 attitudes to learning and enjoy learning as they play. They achieve well because the childminder is skilled identifying children's stage of development and planning next steps. Children receive high quality care. All children arrive happy and eager to participate. Children settle quickly. The childminder is sensitive towards their individual needs. The youngest children are making excellent progress due to the constant encouragement and praise they receive. Children are keen to achieve and enjoy fun activities in a caring setting. Close and caring relationships increase children’s sense of trust and help them develop a strong sense of self. High quality adult-child interaction support early communication skills. Children enjoy playing together and take part in activities planned so that all can

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

participate at a level appropriate to them. They use their imagination in games and play games they made themselves. Children make up board games. They play these with the childminder and each other. Children enjoy themed weeks where they have excellent opportunities to learn about the world. Children take part in enjoyable physical activities such as walks in the woods as part of developing physical skills and a healthy lifestyle. Children enjoy well-planned physical activities such as 'the Olympic games'. All take part and have excellent opportunities to practice and develop physical skills.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. All children are welcomed and play a full part in the provision. The childminder values and respects their individuality and the family make up for each child. Their behaviour is excellent. The childminder supports the children in sharing and turn taking. Children learn to negotiate with others and take responsibility for their own behaviour. They learn to care for each other and develop positive attitudes to others. This helps them understand other perspectives and is the beginning of developing positive attitudes towards all people.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The children have extensive opportunities to learn about themselves, each other and the world around them through planned activities and outings to local places of interest. Children help decide activities and outings. This makes them feel valued and special, contributing to their self-esteem and sense of well being. An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children’s well-being at the setting. Parents feel involved and informed about their children's day. Their views about their child’s needs and development are actively sought on a regular basis throughout their time there. The childminder ensures that all parents know how their children are progressing and developing. Parents feel confident and happy about the care their child receives and are aware of the significant progress they make at the provision.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is outstanding. The childminder operates a very efficient and effective provision for the care of children. Children really enjoy their time in a very safe, friendly and well-organised setting. Every aspect of their care is considered. The childminder has all the required documentation in place and updates them regularly ensure they reflect a true picture of the setting. There are well thought out policies, which ensure the well-being of children. Children benefit from excellent health and safety procedures. They thoroughly enjoy their time at the provision and are achieving very well. They are proud of their achievements. The premises are well organised. Indoor and outdoor space is laid out to maximise play opportunities for children. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and development. She attends courses and applies newly gained knowledge as part of this continuous

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Organisation

improvement. Children at the provision benefit from this updated knowledge such as using of 'Birth to Three matters' to identify stages in development and plan next steps to progress young children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has updated her knowledge by attending courses, such as health and safety and food hygiene, and seeking additional level three childcare qualifications. She continues to update her knowledge and is due to attend child protection courses in the near future. She uses this knowledge to plan activities that help children to progress effectively and to ensure that she identifies and minimises hazards. Children progress exceptionally well in a safe, healthy environment .

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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 outstanding. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT MUST BE DONE TO SECURE FUTURE IMPROVEMENT?

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

No recommendations for improvement are made because the quality and standards of care are outstanding.

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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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