Childminder in PortsmouthOfsted inspection, 28 May 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY281944 Inspection date 28 May 2005 Inspector Michelle Ann Parham

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 has been registered since 2004. She is registered to provide care for four children. Registration includes overnight care for one child. The childminder currently provides care for three children on a part-time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and two children, in a residential area of Buckland, within close proximity to local shops, preschools, adventure playground and community parks. The childminder is able to take and collect children from Meredith Infants and Brunell Junior Schools.

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 All areas of the home are accessible to the children except the master bedroom. There is a rear garden area suitable for the children to access outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends groups for children on a regular basis. The family have two pet cats.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children benefit from fresh air and exercise because the childminder ensures they go out on a daily basis. In good weather they visit the local play park and Buckland Adventure Playground and at other times the childminder takes them to indoor soft play areas. This helps to promote children's gross motor skills, co-ordination and their knowledge of the world around them. Children enjoy a clean and very well maintained environment because the childminder has highly effective procedures in place to promote their good health and to prevent the spread of infection. They have a step available in the bathroom and their own children's soap, which encourages them to gain increasing independence and to develop their self-care skills. Children receive an appropriate care package for their individual needs because the childminder works closely with parents and has the required documentation to

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

identify allergies, special diets and any other considerations. The children are able to rest and sleep when they become tired and the childminder has individual routines in place to ensure they are comfortable, settled and secure in the home. Children are kept safe and healthy because the childminder has effective procedures in place to address accidents and emergencies and operates in the child's best interest in the event of them being ill. Children benefit from a healthy diet at the setting because the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and provides a range of healthy foods and snacks. This helps children gain an increased understanding of nourishing foods and of healthy lifestyles.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The children enjoy using the toys and equipment in the home and move around the setting freely and with ease. They are confident in their surroundings and benefit from a safe, secure environment because the childminder has minimised most risks. Some plastic bags, however, are currently stored where they can be accessible in the kitchen and this does not fully ensure the children's safety. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder has good procedures in place for ensuring their supervision and safety. She explains to the children about road safety rules and ensures they are appropriately restrained in the car with seat belts and suitable car

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 seats. However, appropriate business insurance is not in place to transport minded children in the car. Children independently select resources which are of good quality and meet safety standards. They enjoy using equipment which is appropriate and safe for the age and stage of development and closely monitored when in use by the childminder. Children are well protected because the childminder has the required documentation and procedures are in place to ensure their welfare. She has sound knowledge and understanding of child protection and awareness of her responsibility to act upon concerns noted.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children develop confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging in the home because the childminder has excellent interpersonal communication skills. She listens to the children, shows interest and enthusiasm in what they are doing and participates fully in their play. The children enjoy lots of cuddles and receive appropriate support whenever required because the childminder is vigilant in her supervision and responds immediately to their needs. The children make choices and decisions for themselves and explore their surroundings and stimulating resources available. They spend their time purposefully in play and have good opportunity to develop their skills and progress well in all areas. Children gain increasing independence as they use initiative to self-select between a variety of fun and interesting toys, books and equipment in the home and garden. Children benefit from appropriate and varied activities and play opportunities because

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminder has a good understanding of child development. They are relaxed and happy in the home and develop their communication and social skills through consistent, positive interaction from the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children are very comfortable, happy and relaxed in the setting because the childminder welcomes them into the home and builds secure, warm, loving relationships with them. She offers plenty of opportunity for information sharing and works closely with parents, which ensures children’s individual needs are well met. Children benefit and receive an appropriate care package because the childminder ensures all details regarding health; diet, behaviour etc are recorded and addressed fully. Children and parents benefit from the flexibility of the service the minder provides as she offers weekend and overnight care to support working parents and family need. Children settle into routines because the childminder ensures they are consistent and appropriate for their individual need. For example through various methods the childminder has found the best way children enjoy sleeping and resting

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

at the setting and she is happy to adapt her practice to accommodate their preferences and needs. All children are welcomed and treated as individuals and they develop a positive view of the world around them and diversity through a range

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 of practical activities, toys and outings into the community. Children overall behave well because the childminder promotes good behaviour, encourages good manners, has a calm nature and has clear rules and boundaries in place. They are protected because she has highly effective procedures to challenge unacceptable behaviour and is vigilant in her supervision to ensure some children who have challenging behaviour are appropriately monitored.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The needs of all the children are effectively met at the setting. The childminder provides a well organised home within which the children feel happy and relaxed and explore their play and surroundings with comfort and ease. Children have their individual needs addressed appropriately as the childminder has the documentation and working practices to support their care, learning, safety and well-being. Parents are supported, welcomed into the home, fully informed and up to date about their children’s progress and all documentation is shared and co-signed. This promotes working in partnership and ensures children benefit from continuity of care. The childminder has a clear understanding of the requirements of her registration and overall maintains standards well.

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): • Ensure plastic bags are stored safely and obtain appropriate insurance for transportation of children.

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 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.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.6