Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY308115 Inspection date 07 March 2006 Inspector Helen Mary Ball

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and 1 child aged 2 years, in a house in North Baddesley, Hampshire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is currently registered to care for a maximum of 5 children under 8 years, of which 2 may be under 5 years. She is currently minding 2 children, under 5 years and 1 child of school age. The childminder both walks and drives to local schools to collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes

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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 children to a variety of play venues. The family has 2 cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from becoming ill because the childminder is proactive in reducing any possible risks of cross-infection. For example, she washes toys regularly and provides children with individual face cloths. Children learn good hygiene routines and are becoming independent in their self-care, such as using tissues to blow their own noses and washing their hands after using the toilet. Children understand the need to have clean hands before eating and without prompting, take turns in handing around wet wipes at snack time. Children have daily opportunities for outdoor physical play. This helps them to develop confidence and move with control. Children's emotional wellbeing is supported as the childminder offers plenty of cuddles and eye contact. She understands how to help very young children's physical development. For example, the childminder sits on the floor beside a baby

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Helping children to be healthy

who is able to stand. She encourages him to cross the gaps between furniture, whilst having the reassurance of her guiding hand and encouragement. The childminder understands that young children need to rest and sleep during the day and organises her time effectively to ensure their individual routines are followed. The childminder provides healthy meals and snacks for children, in accordance with parent's wishes. She has a current food hygiene certificate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are secure and well supervised in a clean, warm and child-friendly environment. The childminder's calm but fun approach makes children feel totally at ease in her care. Children enjoy looking at their art work, which is displayed at low level. This helps them to feel valued. Children play with an extensive range of accessible toys that are appropriate to their developmental needs. The childminder provides suitable equipment to develop children's independence. The childminder has an excellent awareness of security. Children are unable to leave the premises unsupervised and there can be no unauthorised access to children. There are clear procedures to ensure that only authorised people can collect children by use of a password system. Children are protected from harm as the childminder has taken all reasonable steps to reduce any risks to children within the home and garden. She has carried out a fire drill, uses stair gates appropriately and has made

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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 areas accessed by children safe and secure. Children are protected on outings as the childminder has implemented some additional safety procedures. For example, the provision of an additional emergency mobile phone containing children's contact numbers and an emergency first aid and equipment kit. The childminder understands her responsibilities with regard to child protection and her role in keeping children safe from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are relaxed and settled in this cosy and harmonious environment. A warm and caring relationship exists between the childminder and the children and they respond positively to her gentle manner. The childminder is particularly skilled at talking to children, responding to their ideas and interacting appropriately to extend their play. This was evident when two children were dressed as princesses and the childminder provided a pop-up tent, which immediately became a castle for the children. Throughout their play, the childminder continued to add a variety of props that excited and stimulated the children. Children are encouraged to participate in creative play and the childminder includes babies in these activities. For example, hand printing. The childminder thoughtfully plans activities which the children enjoy. She takes digital photographs to promote discussion amongst the children and to share with parents. For example, children's

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

faces were animated and messy in the photographs of pancake day. The childminder offers individual children cuddles when they are needed. As a result, children feel secure, valued and develop a sense of belonging. For example, as each child wakes up the childminder sits quietly and allows the child to snuggle up while she talks soothingly. She has drinks prepared and children are given ample time to adapt before joining the others to play. Children benefit from her calm and unhurried manner.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are kind, considerate and thoughtful to each other. The childminder is an excellent role model and children follow her example. Children behave well and the childminder recognises situations that trigger difficult behaviour. She is skilled in early intervention and distraction techniques, thereby avoiding any upsets. The childminder treats each child in her care with equal concern and promotes collaborative play, ensuring that younger children are able to join in all activities. She is sensitive to children's feelings and turns negative situations into positive experiences with kindness and laughter. This maintains children's self-esteem. Whilst the childminder has no experience of caring for children with special needs, she shows a positive attitude to inclusion. She is willing to undertake any training

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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 necessary to ensure she is able to support a specific need. The childminder is willing to make any reasonable adjustments to remove potential barriers to a child attending her setting. She has a "can do" approach which means that children are likely to achieve the best outcomes when in her care. Children benefit from continuity of care as the childminder has an effective relationship with parents. She provides a daily diary for each child, ensuring that parents are fully informed about their child's day. Children's wellbeing is significantly supported by the childminder's partnership with parents. Their views about their child's needs and interests are sought before the child starts at the setting. This ensures that the childminder can make the transition from their home to her home as

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The provision meets the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides. The childminder is committed to her own personal development and has attended a range of courses in childcare, first aid and food hygiene. This knowledge base enhances her work with children, with particular regard to children under 3 years old. The childminder is well organised and makes effective use of her time to support children. She makes good use of space so that children can move and play without restriction. Children's wellbeing is supported by the appropriate use of documentation, although some lacks necessary detail. The childminder has not obtained consent for emergency medical advice or treatment. She has produced a portfolio of information for parents but the complaints procedure and log do not contain all necessary information.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. 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

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, and ensure that medication records are countersigned by parents following administration • provide parents with a procedure to follow in the event of a complaint, including the telephone number of Ofsted; extend system of recording complaints to include National Standard to which complaint refers and action taken to resolve the complaint

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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

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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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