Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY100454 Inspection date 15 March 2006 Inspector Elly Bik-Kuen Wong

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 2002. She lives with her husband and two school-age children in a semi-detached house in Chandler's Ford. Schools, preschools, shops and parks are nearby. All areas of the house are used for childminding, although the main areas used are downstairs. There is a secure garden for outside play. The family have pets such as a dog and a cat. The childminder currently minds four part-time preschool children and one schoolchild during the week. She attends and helps to run a local toddler group for children. The childminder is a member of the

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 Southampton Childminders Association.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from a clean and comfortable environment. The childminder cleans and disinfects surfaces and shampoos the carpets regularly. She applies suitable procedures for nappy changing to prevent cross-infection. The pets have their designated areas both inside and out for maintaining good hygiene. Young children develop their independence with toileting and hand washing and learn about good personal hygiene. The childminder reminds children to wash their hands before food after using the toilet and handling pets. Children benefit from regular drinks and balanced snacks and lunches for their good health and growth. Children's special dietary and health requirements are met well through close liaison with parents. Their wishes to provide their own foods and drinks are respected, for example for young babies and for children with multiple allergies. Children usually have drinks like milk, diluted squash and juice, to prevent

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

dehydration. They enjoy a biscuit mid-morning and fruits as afternoon snacks. Their sandwich lunches are usually provided alongside yoghurts and fruits, to work towards a healthy and balanced diet. Children's fitness and physical development is promoted through daily fresh air and exercise. The childminder takes children on daily walks during school and preschool runs. They often stop at the local parks for physical play and exploration. Garden games also help to develop children's physical skills, but are temporarily suspended due to improvement works in the garden.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy safe play and exploration. Toddlers and babies have easy access to toys stored on the floor and at low levels. Hazardous substances are put out of children's reach, for example in kitchen cupboards fitted with locks. Numerous smoke alarms are installed both downstairs and upstairs to enhance fire safety. The childminder supervises young children carefully both indoors and during outings. Small objects are removed when young babies and toddlers are present to prevent choking hazards. However, risk assessment is not up-to-date, for example regarding trailing cables; door security; and the emergency fire plan and practice. The childminder is qualified in first aid and able to protect children who may be affected by accidents and emergencies. Children's welfare is promoted through her various health and safety procedures. She knows how to use an Epi-pen for protecting children who suffer from acute allergies. She keeps records of accidents

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

and medicines. However, there are some lapses in the recording of parental consent and the acknowledgement of medicines. The childminder shows knowledge of child protection procedures, though she is not secure in the understanding of procedures

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 for obtaining advice and referring concerns.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well into the daily routines for meeting their needs, which are discussed with parents. The toddlers often enjoy active play in the morning, followed by a rest or sleep in the afternoon. The childminder combines play on the premises and local outings to toddler groups, the library, local parks and mini gym. These provide children with extra opportunities for play and socialising with other children and adults. Young children are happy and confident. They relate well to the childminder, who is kind and gentle with children. Toddlers and preschool children benefit from a good range of age appropriate books and toys, such as small worlds, like cars and trains; building blocks and puzzles; and an outdoor Wendy house including a play kitchen and dolls. Young children develop their ideas and communicative skills when the childminder talks to and interacts well with them. A toddler who is enthusiastic about

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

'choo-choo' learns new words and ideas about trains when the childminder asks open ended questions to prompt their thinking. Older preschool children are confident with speech when they share news during conversations initiated by the childminder. Children of different ages relate well to one another and play well together in a social manner. The childminder can further enhance children's play and development by using the Birth to three matters framework to help make activities more purposeful for children.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are met well because the childminder communicates and liaises well with parents. Children with a range of special needs, for example relating to their health maintenance, are well catered for. The childminder is pro-active in working closely with parents to meet special requirements relating to diets and allergies. All children are valued as individuals and treated with equal concern. They are praised and encouraged, so they behave well and develop their confidence and self-esteem. Children thrive on the childminder's clear house rules and behaviour boundaries. They learn about good manners and how to play together harmoniously. The childminder is kind and gentle with children. They follow her good role model and learn about respect for others. There are a few books and toys that promote positive understanding of differences including culture.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children enjoy their time at the welcoming and homely setting. They benefit from the childminder's good use of time, space and resources. Children are well cared for

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 through various health and safety procedures, though her risk assessment of the premises is not up-to-date. She is suitably trained and experienced with children. The childminder has a qualification in first aid and childminding, though her knowledge of child protection procedures requires updating. She shows good motivation to improve her early years knowledge by currently extending her childminding training. All required paper work is in place, is easily accessible and stored securely. However, some need to be more rigorous, such as the records of consent for medicines. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, the childminder was asked to obtain parental consent for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. She has since done that for all children in her care. She was also asked to ensure that information about children was always accessible during outings. The childminder has since input all children's emergency phone numbers into her mobile phone, which she carries during outings. As a back-up, she carries a card too, which shows her husband's mobile phone number for emergency contact, and through him, minded children's emergency contact details are also easily accessible.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. The childminder 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): • update risk assessment in the house such as regarding door security, electric cables, and an emergency fire plan for both floors. Also improve understanding of child protection procedures, such as for obtaining advice and referring concerns

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 • update and improve paper work, such as the recording of consent for medicines, and parents' acknowledgement.

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.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