Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY267909 Inspection date 17 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 six children. Registration does not include overnight care. The childminder currently provides care for two children. The childminder lives with her husband in a residential area of Bridgemary, Gosport. The home is within close proximity to Woodcott School, local shops, pre-schools and community parks. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding with the upstairs accessed for toileting and sleeping only. There garden area suitable for the children to access outside play.

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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends groups for children on a regular basis. There are a range of pets in the garden and cats in the home.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a range of stimulating resources, which contribute to their enjoyment and good health. They are confident to join in activities and know when to ask for help and support. They have regular access to outdoor activities and a rear garden area with lots of gross motor equipment such as wheeled toys, slide and trampoline, which help children develop control of their bodies. The children regularly walk to primary school, community parks and around the local community. This ensures they are physically active, develops their understanding of a healthy lifestyle and of the benefits of fresh air and exercise. The childminder provides well balanced, nourishing, meals and snacks and encourages the children to eat their fruit and vegetables. Children gain a good understanding of healthy eating as they enjoy being able to choose their own lunch and help the childminder with the preparation of the

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

meal. Children are healthy and thrive in the setting because the childminder follows good hygiene procedures throughout which promote the good health of children and prevents cross contamination. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene, as they are encouraged to wash their hands at appropriate times, which develop their personal care skills. Children are aware of their own needs and communicate when they require a drink or a rest throughout the day. The childminder responds appropriately to the children and ensures care, health and dietary needs are identified and fully addressed through close working with parents. She 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.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy a comfortable, safe and secure environment because the childminder is fully aware of potential hazards and takes the appropriate precautions to minimise risks. Children gain an increasing awareness of dangers through general conversation and childminder's working practices, for example not running near the road, holding hands on outings etc. The childminder is fully aware of children's behaviour and capabilities and the children feel safe and are well settled in the home because the childminder offers a good level of support and is vigilant in her supervision. The children are well protected as the childminder has a strong knowledge and understanding of child protection and is clear of her role and responsibility. Children enjoy using the toys and equipment and move around the home freely and with ease, confident in their surroundings. They independently

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 select resources which are of good quality and meet safety standards. Equipment is clean, appropriate and safe for the age and stage of development and is closely monitored by the childminder when in use.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident within the home, settle well and have good self-esteem. They make choices and decisions for themselves and explore their surroundings and stimulating resources available. They spend their time purposefully and have good opportunity to develop their skills and progress well in all areas. Children become independent as they use initiative to self-select between a variety of fun and interesting toys, books and equipment in the home and garden. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and participates fully in activities. She is affectionate and the children benefit from warm and trusting relationships whereby they receive lots of time, attention and cuddles. Children are relaxed and happy; they enjoy their time in the setting and develop communication and social skills through consistent, positive interaction from the childminder.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit greatly from the childminder’s good partnership with parents. Their individual needs are met and additional services are often provided by the childminder to help them achieve their full potential such as going into school to assist in the child’s learning and ensuring their work after school is completed. Children therefore benefit from the appropriate support, enabling them to progress in their learning and feel a sense of self-worth and value in their achievements. Children’s behaviour is good because they know what is expected of them and the childminder uses positive techniques such as discussion and distraction to manage them well. Children are beginning to gain an understanding of the world around them through visits into the local community and some resources that portray another culture.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and at ease within the well organised, safe, secure, stimulating setting. They are confident and use their initiative to explore and choose their own play. The home is set out well to meet the children’s requirement for comfort and enough space. The children are fully occupied with a good selection of stage appropriate resources and benefit from routine throughout the day, ensuring their dietary and rest requirements are addressed. Children are protected as all adults are suitably vetted and the childminder maintains good levels of supervision and support. Children’s health, safety and well-being is promoted because the childminder has the appropriate documentation, working practices and policies in

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 place, ensuring their needs can be met effectively. All records are in place and overall well maintained with the exception of parental signatures on the attendance register. Parents are kept informed and the childminder ensures confidentiality. The needs of all the children are met through the childminder's organisation and management of the childminding service she provides.

p.4

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 parents sign documentation to confirm children's attendance • extend children's understanding of diversity of society

p.5

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.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