Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308084 Inspection date 24 February 2006 Inspector Marie Thompson

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and one child aged 18 months in Rotherwick, near Hook, Hampshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a garden for outside play. There are currently two children on roll. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have one rabbit. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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. The childminder follows children’s own routines, which ensures continuity of care for them. The childminder has a good understanding of each child's individual needs, which promotes their wellbeing. Children follow good hygiene practices and know that they need to wash their hands as part of their personal care routine. Parents' requests with regard to their children's dietary needs are adhered to, and these are fully discussed when a new minding agreement begins. The childminder knows children’s individual health needs and all relevant documentation is in place, which ensures that she meets each child's individual needs. The childminder has good procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection, which also contributes to keeping children healthy. The childminder does not hold a current first aid certificate, which compromises children's safety and wellbeing. Children have opportunities for physical play indoors and, although the garden is not

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Helping children to be healthy

in use at the present time, children are able to develop their physical skills outside by visiting the local park, toddler groups or walking to the shops, where there is more space for them to enjoy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in an organised environment, where the childminder identifies most risks and minimises hazards, although the location of the fire blanket means that it cannot be accessed quickly in an emergency. This allows them to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety inside and outside the home. Children have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating, suitable for their stage of development and meet safety standards. Regular checks ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. Children benefit from well supervised outdoor play. Clear procedures for outings ensure children's safety at all times. Children learn about road safety and use pedestrian crossings whenever possible, which allows them to learn some sense of danger and to gain knowledge

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

about how to protect themselves from harm. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues, which safeguards and promotes children's welfare. The childminder is able to effectively and efficiently deal with all child protection concerns and there is documented evidence to support this.

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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 The provision is satisfactory. Children arrive and settle well in an environment where the childminder sensitively interacts with them. They are happy, relaxed and confident. They relate very well to the childminder and to each other, and clearly enjoy each other's company and social interaction with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys and resources which appeal to all. Children are encouraged and their efforts are praised by the childminder, which promotes their self esteem and allows them to develop their self- confidence. Children’s independence is encouraged and the childminder offers them support when required. A good range of activities supports children's learning and development. Regular

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

outings to local venues, such as the library and the shops or walks to the duck pond and to see the horses, help them understand the world around them. Children develop well because there is a good range of resources available, which are appropriate to their ages and stages of development. Children have free choice of play and self-select activities they wish to do. Therefore, children feel secure in their environment and valued as a family member. They enjoy books and stories, which are part of the daily routine. They are beginning to learn to co-operate and share when playing games together. Painting and music nurture children's creative development. Children learn through the activities which the childminder offers; for example, they enjoy playing with the musical toys and puzzles.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children feel respected as individuals and made to feel good about themselves. Time spent with children encourages independence, confidence and makes them feel secure within their environment. The childminder talks to them about their home life and things that are important to them. They learn about the world through outings and activities that introduce them to other cultures. Children have access to a good range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity and their understanding of others. The childminder meets children's needs by following normal daily routines as discussed with parents, which helps children feel secure. They have time to relax as well as be active, which develops their independent freedom of choice. Children learn important social skills, such as sharing and listening to each other. They enjoy each other's company and treat each other kindly. Children benefit from a lot of praise and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

they behave well. Generally, good explanation helps children learn right from wrong and teaches self-discipline. The childminder has good relationships with all of parents, which is friendly and supportive. Parents are fully informed of her practice, ensuring children's continued support and welfare.

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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 organisation is satisfactory. Children feel at home and at ease with the well organised and comfortable environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder uses her policies and procedures to promote children's welfare, care and learning. The childminder has all documentation available, which includes a daily record of children's attendance; however, this is not consistently signed by parents or the provider. All relevant and mandatory documentation is in place and reasonably well maintained, although the complaints procedure does not contain the name and contact details of the regulator - Ofsted. By working in partnership with parents, the childminder ensures that she meets children's individual needs. Discussions take place daily with parents, and children

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Organisation

tell their parents what they have done during their time with the childminder. The regular informal discussion with parents ensures continuity of care for children. Children receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident to develop and expand their learning through play. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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

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): • attend a paediatric first aid training course

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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 • make sure that the fire blanket in the kitchen can be accessed quickly in an emergency • ensure that the record of attendance is consistently signed by parents and the provider • ensure complaints procedure includes the name and contact details of the regulator (Ofsted)

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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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