Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY101011 Unique Reference Number 18 May 2006 Inspection date Wendy, Elizabeth Lightfoot Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 lives with her husband and two children, one of whom is under eight years, in the Bitterne Park area of Southampton. All areas of the property are used for childminding, however this normally occurs downstairs and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding seven children on a part-time basis.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes the children on regular outings to a gym club, a farm, parks and for walks through the woods. Family pets include two guinea pigs and some tropical fish.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are healthy because the childminder maintains a hygienic environment and teaches children to wash their hands before and after meals and after handling the pets.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children's medical needs are understood and she gains advance parental consent in writing before administering any medication, recording doses given, so parents can monitor their children's health. Although the childminder's first aid qualification has lapsed, she has kept up to date regarding changes, since her last training, and has now reserved a place on the next available course. Accident records are clear and include any action taken.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children eat a healthy diet which respects their dietary needs and preferences. Snacks include a selection of fresh fruit and children access regular sugar-free drinks or water.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children develop physical fitness and control through swinging, sliding, running freely, riding on tricycles, using the trampoline and playing with bats and balls.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in clean, light and airy rooms in a calm and comfortable family home. They move freely around the downstairs space, to enjoy a range of activities. Children play outdoors in a secure garden. They access a good range of toys and other resources to promote their developmental needs. Imaginative play is particularly well-supported with an inviting range of dressing-up clothes.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's comfort is ensured through the use of stage appropriate equipment, including items for babies, such as travel cots and bouncy chairs. Car seats provided for children are appropriate to age and size. Children are safe and secure, indoors and outdoors, because the childminder has carried out a risk assessment and measures are in place to minimise risks. Children are well-supervised. The childminder is aware of what they are doing and monitors their movements, from room to room.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety in the event of a fire is safeguarded by a fire-blanket, secured to the kitchen wall; smoke alarms on each level of the house and the evacuation plan, which is displayed on a board. Children's safety is helped by the childminder's understanding of child protection issues and what to do if she has concerns about a child.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident and relaxed at the childminder's as she is interested in their ideas and willing to join in with imaginative play. Children dress up as characters from favourite children's

p.3

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 stories, such as Snow White, and bring the childminder a witch's hat, asking her for a poisoned apple and confidently expecting that the childminder will go along with the pretence.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop well creatively as they are given regular opportunities to explore a wide range of appealing craft resources. Children are competent at using tools such as scissors and glue spreaders. Children's self-esteem is high as they receive regular praise for efforts and successes. They enjoy taking their work home, including decorated party hats, paintings, drawings, collages, photos and Papier Mache items.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play well together, chatting with animation, over meal-times, about subjects like the Loch Ness Monster. They show an appreciation of books, as they are aware that they can find pictures of the monster in the local library. Children show curiosity and a thirst for knowledge and understanding often asking "Why?" when they need to know more. Children learn good manners and use 'please' and thank you' regularly in play. They use imaginary play to help them come to terms with exciting and slightly fearful things, like spiders.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with equal concern and allowed a good degree of independence, so they feel valued and settle well. Children benefit from good relationships with the childminder and those the childminder has with their parents. She knows each child well and gives them much individual attention. Children are provided with resources and craft activities to help them learn about diversity in the community.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder supports children with disabilities, liaising closely with parents and professionals involved with children to ensure she is well-informed to meet their needs. Children with special needs are included in all activities, which the childminder adapts to help them make progress.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well at the childminder's as they are happily and fully occupied. If unwanted behaviour arises, children are readily distracted to a fresh activity. Children are treated with courtesy by the childminder and respond with similar pleasant behaviour.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents benefit from clear arrangements made about children's care, which is reflected in a written contract. The childminder appreciates the importance of good communication with parents and keeps them well-informed about children's well-being, progress and activities.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is suitably experienced to care for children. She has completed childminder preparation training, but her first aid qualification has now lapsed. The childminder ensures that children are protected from persons who are not vetted.

p.4

Organisation

Children receive much one to one attention from the childminder, as ratios are good. The childminder organises space, time and resources well to meet children's needs effectively. She

p.4

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 maintains a register of children's attendances, showing the days and times, so it is always clear who has care of the children.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder uses documentation effectively to underpin the care of the children. She uses a parent handbook to inform parents of some of her policies and procedures, though this currently does not include those reflecting her responsibilities with regard to child protection. Records kept on children are countersigned by parents and the confidentiality of these is respected. The childminder is aware of suitable retention periods for these records.

p.5

Organisation

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

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to provide documentation regarding the recording of incidents.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

A clear record is now maintained outlining incidents and how the childminder manages the situation and plans to support children's understanding.

p.5

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.

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

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): • maintain a current first aid qualification • ensure parents are aware of her responsibilities regarding child protection

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

p.5

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.5