Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY308242 Inspection date 08 March 2006 Inspector Marie Thompson

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and 4 children aged 11, 9, 7 and 5 years old in Chineham, Basingstoke. The whole of the downstairs of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There is currently one child on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family does not have any pets. The childminder is a member of the National

p.2

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 Association (NCMA).

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment where they learn to follow good hygiene practices. The childminder uses wipes to clean hands after visiting the toilet or playing in the garden and before eating, helping prevent the spread of germs. Children enjoy healthy snacks and know that fruit is good for them. They are well nourished and meals cater for individual tastes, as the parents provide packed lunches. Children receive plenty of drinks, especially in warm weather, which prevents dehydration. Children receive appropriate first aid, which is recorded and countersigned by parents. They are only administered medicine that has been authorised by parents. Sick children are sensitively cared for by the childminder and appropriate procedures followed, which reassures and comforts them. Children enjoy regular physical activities, which help keep them in good health. Outings to the park provide access to large play equipment, giving children plenty of

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

opportunity to develop physical skills. The childminder builds very strong relationships with the children, making them feel secure. The childminder knows the children well and is responsive to their individual needs, which allows them to learn and develop a variety of skills.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a well organised environment, where the childminder identifies risks and minimises hazards. This allows them to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives high 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 which 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 the Green Cross Code and road safety when they are out walking and use pedestrian crossings whenever possible, which allows them to learn some sense of danger and to gain knowledge about how to protect

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

themselves from harm. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues which

p.3

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 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.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the environment where the childminder sensitively interacts with them. Children are confident and relate very well to the childminder and to other members of the family and enjoy the company within the warm environment. Social interaction with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups helps to develop relationships with children of a similar age. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of stimulating toys and resources, which appeal to all. A good range of activities support children's learning and development. Regular outings to local venues, such as the library or the shops, help to develop an understanding of the world around them. Children enjoy books and stories, which are part of the daily routine. Through playing games, children develop many skills, such as co-ordination, co-operation, sharing and taking turns. Children enjoy gardening

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

and walks to feed the ducks, which allows them to explore and investigate. Painting and music nurture children's creative development. Good support reinforces new language and counting by rote increases children's understanding of numbers and their enjoyment of rhythm, through puzzles and musical toys.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel respected as individuals and made to feel good about themselves. 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 reasonable range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity and their understanding of others. The childminder meets the children's needs by following normal daily routines as discussed with parents, which helps the children feel secure. They have time to relax as well as be active, which develops the children's independent freedom of choice. Children learn important social skills such as sharing and listening to each other. Children benefit from lots of praise, cuddles and reassurance. They behave very well. Good, calm and sensitive explanation helps children learn right from wrong and

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

teaches self-discipline. There are currently no children with special needs within the childminder's care. Although, the childminder has some experience and a good understanding of caring for children with special needs. Close liaison with parents and outside agencies would ensure that all the children's needs are well planned for and met.

p.4

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 The childminder has a very good relationship with all of the parents, which is friendly and supportive. Parents are fully informed of her practice, ensuring the children's continued support and welfare. Parents feel welcome and value the childminder's congenial and consolatory approach to caring for their children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the very well organised and comfortable environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder effectively uses her policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. However, there is not a policy or record in place for complaints. The childminder has all documentation available, which includes a daily record of the children's attendance. Most relevant and mandatory documentation is in place and well maintained. By working in partnership with the parents, the childminder ensures that she meets the children's individual needs. Discussions take place daily with the parents and the children tell their parents what they have done during their time with the childminder. The regular informal discussion with parents ensures continuity of care for the children. Children receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident

p.5

Organisation

to develop and expand their learning through play. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

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 policies in line with the National Standards for complaints • devise and implement a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request.

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6