Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 112375 Inspection date 22 July 2005 Inspector Lisa Jane Cupples

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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 has been registered since 1999. She lives with her husband and two school aged children. They live in a house in Denmead close to local schools, shops and parks. The ground floor is used for childminding with access to an upstairs bathroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding eight children on a part and full time basis. The family have a pet rabbit.

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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 The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and attends regular toddler groups. She is a member of a local childminding network and the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene and develop their self-care skills well through daily routines and discussions. Sound hygiene procedures ensure children are healthy and the spread of infection is prevented. Children benefit from a well-balanced diet because the childminder has an excellent understanding of healthy eating. She provides an extensive range of nutritious snacks and introduces a variety of new foods to the children, including a good selection of fruit and vegetables. Children's needs are met through detailed discussion with the parents and comprehensive records covering their individual needs and care routines, including allergies, medical and cultural needs. Children have ample opportunities to participate fully in a wide range of physical activities, developing their gross and fine motor skills effectively. The childminder ensures all the children go out daily, to local parks, for walks or on outings. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder talks to the older children about the importance of daily exercise, helping them to understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The childminder has a clear understanding of the procedures regarding accidents and medication, all the paperwork is well-maintained and shared with the parents helping the keep the children safe and healthy.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit from an extremely safe and secure environment because the childminder effectively identifies and addresses potential hazards, for example, when workmen arrive with a delivery the children remain safe in another room with the childminder. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through practical routines, for example, they understand and practice emergency procedures. Children are effectively protected because the childminder has an exceptional understanding of child protection procedures, which are discussed with the parents to ensure they are fully aware of the childminder's role and responsibility. Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of appropriate resources to promote their development. Thorough cleaning routines and procedures help to ensure equipment is checked regularly, clean and well-maintained providing a safe play environment for all

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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 have access to a vast array of resources which are clearly labelled, at a low-level and easily accessible, increasing the children's independence effectively. The play materials are rotated depending on the age and stage of the children who are attending on any day to ensure they only have access to safe and appropriate toys. Children are extremely happy and enjoy their time with the childminder, there is a great deal of laughter, smiles and affection during activities and daily routines. The childminder interacts exceptionally well with the children, playing at their level, talking to them, repeating words to extend their vocabulary throughout the day helping them to become confident language users. The childminder uses the Birth to Three Matters Framework as a working tool to focus on specific areas to help the children progress

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

rapidly. She provides an extensive range of opportunities and resources, organised exceptionally well to help promote the children's learning and development in all areas. Children have many opportunities to explore the world around them, planting seeds and watching them grow, going for nature walks collecting objects for art and craft activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit greatly from the childminder's very strong partnership with parents. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder takes the time to get to know each child and their families. Children are happy, settled and feel valued because their individual needs are discussed during arrival and collection and home diaries are used for younger children to ensure nothing is forgotten. Children's behaviour is very good because they know exactly what is expected of them. The childminder praises and encourages each child, focusing on the positives to boost their confidence and self-esteem effectively. Children understand the simple and consistent house rules, they share the toys and resources fairly, learning to show consideration for others. Children are beginning to show an understanding of the world around them, through practical activities and a range of resources.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of the children for whom she provides. Children are fully occupied and engaged with many play opportunities during their time at the setting, as the childminder organises the daily routines well. Children's health, safety and well-being is promoted because most documentation is detailed, accurate, up-to-date and shared with parents. Children benefit from a very well-organised, safe, secure and stimulating environment, where they are protected by solid procedures. Children enjoy their time with the childminder because resources and activities are planned well, provide sufficient challenge and the sessions are full and run smoothly. The childminder has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration and the inspection process, keeping children safe.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children are aware of the emergency evacuation procedure. Children now practice the fire drill every six weeks to ensure they know exactly what to do in an emergency, helping to keep them safe.

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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 children's actual times of attendance are recorded in the daily attendance register.

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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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