Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY245362 Unique Reference Number 26 May 2006 Inspection date Marilyn Joy Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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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.

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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

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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.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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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.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been a registered childminder since 2002. She lives with her husband and two school age children in a detached house on the edge of Totton. Local shops, schools, pre-schools and play parks are close by. All areas of the house are used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outside play. The family have two cats.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for up to six children under eight years. She is currently caring for four children.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted well because the childminder has a good understanding of health, hygiene and nutrition. She ensures children's daily routines incorporate all aspects to promote a healthy lifestyle. Children are offered nutritious snacks and regular drinks. They sit sociably together and are encouraged to try different fruits and vegetables. They enjoy fresh air and develop their physical skills when going to the park, playing in the garden and walking to school. Children's hand-eye co-ordination improves as they play with the variety of small and large equipment available. They learn to manoeuvre wheeled toys outside and small cars on the car mat. Babies learn to feed themselves and have regular times for sleep and play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Good hygiene procedures are followed throughout the childminder's daily practice, for example when changing nappies and the storage of children's lunch boxes. Children are encouraged to develop good routines for themselves, such as washing their hands. Parents are made aware of the childminder’s sickness policy so that she can take positive steps to prevent cross-infection particularly if children are ill. Children's individual health and dietary requirements are clearly recorded and discussed with parents so she can ensure their particular needs are responded to, such as making sure any foods offered comply with their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children are cared for in a bright, welcoming and child-oriented home environment. They have easy access to an excellent range of stimulating toys and resources which are clean and in very good condition. Space is organised extremely well so that children have comfortable areas to play and be easily supervised. A high priority is given to ensuring their safety. Thorough risk assessments are completed and regularly reviewed to ensure potential hazards are identified and eliminated, for example there is a fence around the greenhouse and safety gates on the stairs. Children become aware of keeping themselves safe through consistent guidance from the childminder. Young children are reminded not to put things in their mouth. Children help to put toys away when they have finished playing so they do not fall over them. Children learn about road safety when going on walks and coming home from school. Their age and stage of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

development is taken into consideration when deciding whether reins are required, they should hold hands or if the area is safe enough for them to walk on their own.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is given paramount consideration. Procedures for evacuating the premises in the event of a fire are well thought out and shared with parents. Older children practise the fire drill with the childminder which helps them to understand the need to listen and follow instructions. Safety equipment is regularly checked to ensure it is in good working order. The premises are secure and children are only released to known persons. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues. She has a written policy which she shares with parents to ensure they are aware of her responsibilities. Supplies and contact information are taken on outings so the childminder is able to deal with emergencies should they occur.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are involved, interested and enjoy their play. They experience a broad range of well-planned activities. They are encouraged to be creative and use their imaginations when painting, dressing-up and modelling with the dough. Regular outings are organised to extend children's experiences and awareness of the world around them. They go for walks in the forest and visit the park. They play pooh sticks in the stream and learn about keeping themselves safe as they play. They socialise with others and learn to play co-operatively when going to toddler groups and the childminder drop-in.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's individual routines are incorporated well into daily activities so they can develop regular habits. Activities are organised to suit a range of needs, for example when older children are colouring at the table younger children can sit in a high chair with paper and chunky crayons. Children make choices and develop independence as they select toys for themselves from the exciting range in the playroom. The childminder follows children's lead. When they show an interest in the doll's house she sets it up in the middle of the room, adds the figures and the furniture then offers ideas to develop the play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children interact happily with the childminder. Young children develop confidence in speaking. They begin to name what they can see as they look at books together. Their language and communication skills are effectively promoted. The Birth to three matters framework is being used well to extend the play opportunities offered, make observations and develop the information shared with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's needs are met because the childminder knows the children well and has clear information about their individual needs. All children are treated with respect and valued. Clear arrangements are in place for supporting children with learning difficulties or disabilities. Behaviour management strategies are discussed and agreed with parents. Clear and consistent boundaries, as well as praise and encouragement, help children understand what is expected of them and behave well. Simple house rules are displayed for older children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good relationships with parents contributes to children feeling confident and secure. They demonstrate a strong sense of belonging in the comfortable and contented way they play with the childminder. Arrangements for children's care and well-being are discussed and agreed during initial visits and ongoing discussions ensure parents and the childminder continue to be well-informed. Daily diaries have been introduced to compliment discussions and record children's routines and activities. Parents have access to a good range of written information about the service provided, although the complaints procedure has not been updated according to current regulations.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive good quality care in the well-organised and happy environment. Comprehensive documentation is shared with parents and ensures they have clear details about most aspects of the service provided. Daily diaries and discussions are used to exchange information with parents to ensure they are fully informed about children's activities, care and well-being. Space is used well so children can be easily supervised and access resources independently. Positive outcomes are promoted for children because the childminder has a good understanding of the National Standards and is committed to improving her provision through further training and review. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection an action was raised to complete a first aid course. The childminder attended a course in 2004 and is already looking for another course to ensure her qualification does not lapse after three years. She was also asked to update some documentation. She has reviewed her paperwork and has requested written consent from all parents for seeking emergency medical care or treatment. Completing the first aid course and having appropriate written information means children receive the appropriate care in an emergency.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints 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.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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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.

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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 the complaints procedure in accordance with current regulations.

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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 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

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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

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