Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number 109425 Inspection date 14 September 2005 Inspector Denise Rosemary Olsson-Hildick

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 was registered in 1998 and lives with her husband and three children in Twickenham near parks, local schools and bus routes. Children have access to the entire home though are discouraged from going upstairs alone unless they are completely independent. There is an enclosed garden at the back of the property. The family have a dog, two cats and a tank of tropical fish. The childminder is registered to care for three children, is currently minding a ten month old and a six year old child. The childminder walks and drives to schools to take and collect children and attends local parent and toddler groups and activity

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 groups on a regular basis. Children who have a special need or speak English as their second language would be welcomed and supported. The childminder is a member of the local branch of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy nutritious meals and snacks that cater for individual dietary needs because the childminder is committed to providing a healthy diet, including these details in her parent's prospectus. The childminder negotiates and plans suitable meals with parents for children who are fussy eaters to tempt them to try new flavours. These efforts are successful and children enjoy a greater range of food. A cooked tea including protein, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables is provided and children eat a healthy diet. Drinks are readily available, which ensures children are not thirsty. Children learn the value of good personal hygiene in a clean, tidy and warm home because all aspects relating to good health and hygiene are undertaken in a conscientious manner including the care of pets. For instance pets’ food and water bowls are inaccessible to children. Play indoors and outdoors, walks and visits ensure children appreciate opportunities

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

to rest, relax or exercise according to individual need or inclination. A variety of sleeping arrangements ensure children are able to sleep where they feel most secure. For instance young children are made comfortable in their buggy if this is where they fall sleep. Children's individual needs are carefully accommodated as they are, for instance, warmly wrapped in a blanket if they go out in a pushchair in cold weather. First aid materials and medication are safely stored and readily accessible only to the childminder which ensures children's safety and well-being are carefully and promptly provided for.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Because the home is safe, spacious, clean and warm, children are able to move about independently and with confidence. They feel safe and protected indoors, outdoors, on outings and in the car as a result of the childminder’s awareness of possible risks. Among other precautions the childminder makes the home safe by covering electrical sockets, testing smoke alarms and keeping toiletries and cleaning materials out of reach. These are promptly dealt with, for instance children take their shoes and socks off on the wooden floor to reduce any possibility of slipping. Blankets and a duvet are placed on the patio for young children to play on while the garden is renovated. A mat that slips on the wooden floor is going to be made safe. Children understand the importance of behaving in a way that makes sure they and others are kept safe. For instance, they hold hands when they go out for a walk and

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 the childminder explains how to cross the road.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Correct procedures will be followed to protect children from harm as the childminder has an understanding of child protection issues and her responsibilities in this matter.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children feel relaxed, at ease and familiar in the home and with the childminder who talks with pleasure and understanding of children's individual temperament, characteristics, interests and needs. Children enjoy pretend play with a telephone, build a tower of soft bricks, shake a bottle of water containing glitter and generally explore the home and their toys with interest. Pushing a trolley helps children to develop walking and balancing skills. Mirroring children's facial expressions, sounds and actions helps children to understand that their efforts are worthwhile. Encouragement and praise are freely given, enabling children to play with toys, participate in activities of their choice, learn through play and at their own pace. Conversations, hugs and smiles are frequent, kind, warm and genuine. Children are developing a healthy self-esteem and confidence, enjoy their play and are eager to

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learn. Toys that engage their particular interest are made available. They are focussed on their activities and form secure friendships and attachments to others. Outings to Heathrow Gym, libraries, one o' clock clubs and the park extend children's interest in the world around them. Children's pleasure in their activities is facilitated by the childminder's enthusiasm and skill which ensures they feel valued and accepted for the person they are.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are developing an understanding of what is expected of them and learn to comply with boundaries and rules that are applied in a kind and patient manner. The childminder's own children explain the `house rules' to new children and she then clarifies these with explanations. Children's understanding, personal circumstances and temperament are taken into account and managed in a deft, age-appropriate manner. For example, children are diverted from leaving the play area with toys the childminder knows they like. Frequent and genuine praise boosts self-confidence. The commitment to including and valuing all children regardless of ethnic origin, background, gender or ability ensures children feel welcome and accepted. They develop polite behaviour and a real empathy for others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Equipment includes dolls, books and a video that reflect a positive image of people from minority ethnic groups, though there is none of people with a disability. Boys and girls are actively encouraged to play with toys of their choice. When a girl stated that boys could not play with dolls the childminder skilfully introduced an Action Man into the activity and children proceeded to have a fantastic game. Children with a

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 special need are welcome. As a consequence of an inclusive approach children develop an awareness of the diversity in society and behave with respect towards others. Children benefit from the trusting and professional relationship their parents have in the childminder's ability. Her approach to parents takes into account their individual needs, for example she accommodates any special arrangements relating to the collection of children. To help good communication with parents, the childminder has developed an attractive portfolio, completes a daily diary, keeps letters of thanks and talks with parents every day. This approach helps to ensure consistency of care for children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy playing in a well-organised home and garden, secure in a daily routine adapted to individual needs and able to choose activities of most interest to them. They benefit from the care provided by a skilled and enthusiastic childminder. Documents including the register, accident book, contracts and medication record are all up to date, comprehensive and stored in a confidential manner, however written permission to take children in the car is not in place. A prospectus includes details of her service, qualification certificates, what meals are provided, how accidents are dealt with and other information of interest to parents. All essential checks are in place. The childminder has a First Aid certificate valid until November 2007.

p.5

Organisation

Children are protected and supported by comprehensive administrative systems designed by the NCMA, complemented by those designed by the childminder, to ensure all children's needs are met. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.5

Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended the childminder should complete a first aid course, obtain local child protection guidelines and ensure the record of children's attendance includes times of arrival and departure. The childminder now has a current First Aid certificate and this qualification ensures children's accidents are appropriately dealt with; she has a copy of the local child protection guide which means she knows who to contact if she has concerns about children; the register includes children's times of arrival and departure and this ensures attendance can be checked against an accurate record.

p.5

Complaints 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

p.5

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.6

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.6

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 have access to play materials that portray a positive image of people with a disability.

p.6

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.6

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