Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

155667 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2006 Inspection date Lynne Elizabeth Lewington Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 2001. She lives with her husband and two school-aged children in a four bedroom house in Fleet. The property is in a quiet road close to local parks, shops and schools. The ground floor is used for play and the children’s bedrooms for rest. There is access to a secure garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

She is registered to provide care for four children under eight years; of these, not more than two may be under five years, and of these, not more than one may be under one year. At present there are four children on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder takes the children to the local pre-school group and attends the toddler group on a regular basis.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is actively promoted through a good diet, effective opportunities for physical activity and suitable hygiene routines. Good quality healthy meals and snacks encourage the children's growth and development. Suitable drinks provided regularly, prevent dehydration. Relaxed mealtimes at the table provide opportunities for children to talk with the childminder about the food on their plates. This encourages their learning and understanding of a healthy diet.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from frequent suitable opportunities to develop their physical skills through regular walks, playing in the garden and the park. They confidently move around the premises, negotiating successfully around furniture and toys. Construction toys and puzzles encourage children's hand and eye co-ordination as they play.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children know good hygiene routines after toileting and before food, as they take care to wash and dry their hands effectively. Suitable hygiene measures promote a healthy environment. Clear information about children's dietary and health needs ensure appropriate care is offered, although parents have not given consent for emergency advice or treatment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. A sufficient understanding of child protection issues promotes children's well being whilst in the childminders care and information is available for parents regarding child protection procedures. Children learn to behave safely around the premises and on outings through supervision and simple routines. For example, holding hands and the push chair on outings and looking for cars as they cross the road.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder demonstrates an awareness of safety issues and encourages the children to act responsibly setting clear boundaries around the home however this does mean that there are hazards which children can access, for example the stairs. The attractive garden has a number of hazards including a swimming pool and so its use is always monitored carefully. Children play with safe equipment, suitable for their ages and stages of development. They have access to sufficient space, enabling them to explore, exercise and play. Access to a downstairs toilet encourages the children's personal independence skills.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. She is warm and caring devoting her time to playing with them. The children confidently move around the premises and sit with the childminder for stories, cuddles or to play. She listens carefully to them, offers ideas and encouragement, enabling them to complete simple tasks. The childminder supports children's play through playing alongside them and encouraging children to talk about what they are

p.3

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 doing, this increases their understanding and vocabulary. Children ask questions and show an interest in the environment around them.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder frequently draws the children's attention to something of interest on the television, for example, a giraffe eating leaves or a close up view of a snail. They talk about what they can see and relate it to events they remember. Children build their social skills through outings to the toddler group and baby gym, enabling them to mix with other children and adults.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children behave very well as the childminder works with parents to overcome problems and promote positive improvements. She is consistent in her expectations of behaviour and explains to children if they behave inappropriately, enabling the child to develop an awareness of right and wrong. Children share, take turns and learn to be considerate to others in their play.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children visit local parks, toddler groups and a play gym, which provides them with opportunities to mix with others and become aware of our diverse society. All children are included well. Toys and resources reflect our diverse society enabling children to become aware of others. Positive relationships with parents are fostered through good daily communication. Information is gathered appropriately about each child to ensure their needs are met well.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides. Children are cared for in a caring and happy environment where the childminder utilises her resources well to ensure the children have an enjoyable time in her care. Children are 'at home' in the environment and relate well to the childminder who enjoys their company. Positive communication with parents enables the children's needs to be fully understood and met.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder demonstrates an appropriate awareness of the records she is required to maintain however insufficient information is recorded at times, the childminder is not up to date with current requirements with regard to complaints and her first aid qualification has expired.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was asked to improve safety in the garden and ensure all records of childminding activities were maintained as required. Improvements have been made to the outside routine which promote the children's safety as they only play on the lower level of the garden and cannot access the garden area unsupervised. Children's records are now maintained clearly and contain all the relevant information to provide informed care, although the childminders knowledge of current updated requirements of the national standards is limited.

p.4

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

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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): • complete a first aid course that includes training for infants and young children • request written permission to seek emergency advice or treatment • improve safety routines on the premises to ensure the children's safety at all times • update knowledge of current requirements of the national standards.

p.5

The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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