Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY137297 Inspection date 20 July 2005 Inspector Penny Wood

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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 in 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and seven in Compton, near Winchester. The whole of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding four children aged between six months and five years old. Children are minded on a full and part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder takes children to the local toddler group and to visit the play park and mobile library. The childminder supports

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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 children who are bi-lingual. The family have one pet rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy regular physical exercise which contributes to their good health. Children have opportunities to run around and play freely whilst learning how to co-ordinate their bodies and build muscle strength. The childminder’s training in first aid and the availability of first aid kits in the home and on outings, ensure children receive appropriate medical care at all times. Health records safeguard children’s welfare and inform parents of the care provided for their children. Children are learning to be healthy in their diet and enjoy a variety of healthy snacks and nutritious meals. Children have free access to drinks which allows them to fulfil their own needs when thirsty. Information regarding children’s individual dietary needs ensures children receive suitable foods and remain healthy. Clear policies promote children’s good health. Children stay at home when ill in order

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Helping children to be healthy

to prevent illnesses spreading between children. Children who fall ill receive sympathetic care and reassurance until their parents arrive. Children follow good hygiene practices during their routines and know when it is important to wash their hands. In conjunction with this, the childminder’s good hygiene procedures reduce the spread of germs and infections. Therefore, maintaining children’s good health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy space to play freely in an environment which is clean and well maintained. Displays of children’s artwork make the rooms welcoming for children and their parents. Children have access to a wide range of resources which are suitable for children of all ages and stage of development. Regular cleaning and checks for broken toys ensure they remain safe for children to play with. Children are learning to play safely in order to protect themselves from harm, for example, not climbing on furniture. Good levels of supervision ensure children’s safety. Most hazards have precautions in place to minimise the risk to children. Evacuation procedures practiced with the childminder ensure children know how to protect themselves in the event of a fire. The childminder values children’s safety and fully understands her role of protecting children from harm with regard to child protection issues. Procedures in place support

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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 Children enjoy a wide range of activities, some of which they are able to choose for themselves. Low-level storage of toys allows children independent access and choice. The rotation of toys between storage and the playroom maintains children’s interest. Children are involved and engrossed in their play. They are developing their imaginations through opportunities to be creative. Children enjoy talking about their play. Questions asked by the childminder encourage children to use their developing language skills and give opportunities for children to enlarge their vocabulary. Praise and encouragement by the childminder boosts children’s self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. Simple instructions given by the childminder enable children to achieve their goals and to succeed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children take pleasure in the congratulations offered by the childminder. At times when children are a little unsure of situations, the childminder offers reassurance resulting in the children quickly settling.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are welcomed into the childminder’s home where they are valued as individuals. The childminder recognises the importance of working with parents and professional agencies in order to provide care appropriate for children which meets their individual needs. The good range of resources, which depict positive images of culture and disability, encourage children to learn about diversity naturally through their play. Where appropriate, activities are adapted to allow children of all ages and abilities to take part. Resources are accessible for children allowing them to be independent and where required, the childminder stays close by to offer support. Children behave well as a result of the good strategies in place which are age appropriate and understandable for the children. With support from the childminder, children are learning to share and take turns. The childminder experiences good

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Helping children make a positive contribution

relationships with parents. The availability of policies and procedures inform parents of the childminder’s role and responsibilities. Sharing of information on a daily basis ensures children are cared for in-line with parent’s wishes, parents are included in the care provided and have an insight into their child’s day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder’s knowledge and experience gained during fifteen years of caring for children. She is committed to developing her practice by attending training courses and completing her quality assurance network training with the National Child Minding Association. Documentation is organised effectively and shows accurate detail. All records are accessible and available for inspection. The childminder’s clear set of written policies reflect her good practice and promote children’s safety 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 childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has made improvements. Parental consent for the administration of non-prescription medication has been put in place ensuring children receive appropriate medical care in-line with their parent's wishes.

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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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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): • ensure the area behind the children's playhouse is made safe or inaccessible to children

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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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