Nevitt-Haggard, Donna

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY312674 Inspection date 10 March 2006 Inspector Louise, Caroline Bonney

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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 school-aged child in Church Crookham. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder currently cares for 2 children, and is registered to care for a maximum of 5 children at any one time. The childminder walks or drives to local pre-schools and schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has cats and a cockatiel.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder establishes good routines which help children develop awareness of hygiene. Pre-school children know to take off their shoes on arrival at the house and wash their hands at appropriate times, such as before eating. Babies roll and stretch on the clean, washable, play mat on the floor. Children are kept safe from cross-contamination through the suitable nappy changing procedures in place, and through the maintenance of clean and well-maintained toys and premises. Children eat at the table during sociable mealtimes, while babies enjoy a relaxing cuddle as they have their bottle. The childminder protects children from illness and cross-infection through the implementation of her sickness policy, which parents are aware of. Children receive prompt support from the childminder who is sensitive to their needs. As babies show the early signs of hunger or tiredness, the childminder encourages

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Helping children to be healthy

them to have a bottle and a rest in their cot. This helps them cope well with their day and activities. Children have good opportunities for physical play, which helps to maintain their good health. Babies are able to roll, stretch and kick on their play mat indoors, and enjoy bouncing on the childminder's knee. Older children sometimes walk home from playgroup and access a wide range of play equipment in the garden, including a trampoline.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play on premises that are welcoming, secure, and are safe through the childminder's careful risk assessment and vigilance. She identifies any hazards and takes steps to reduce these. For instance, babies sleep downstairs where she can closely monitor them, and the cot has a net permanently in place to prevent the cats from climbing in. Plans are in place to improve the safety of the steps children use to access the garden, which children only access with close supervision meanwhile. Children access toys and equipment that are safe and suitable for their ages. For instance, tall shelving units firmly fixed to the wall to prevent them from tipping and there is a full safety net around the trampoline. Children learn to keep themselves safe. They manage acceptable risks as they use challenging equipment outside, such as the trampoline. When out walking they know to stay on the inside of the pavement and not to pet strange dogs. Children use

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

appropriate seats and restraints when in the car. Children are further protected

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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 through the childminder's sufficient understanding of child protection, although she does not have the latest guidance to refer to.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are happy in the warm and enthusiastic care of the childminder. They enjoy a varied range of activities which help them develop well. Babies respond animatedly as the childminder talks to and plays with them, encouraging them to develop communication skills and co-ordination. They explore their environment as they roll on the play mat, touching objects that make different noises and have different textures. They have their care needs promptly met, such as nappy changes and feeds. This helps them flourish in the childminder's care. Pre-school children develop independence as they select their activities from the wide range that is easily accessible on low storage shelves. Children have good opportunities to socialise as they visit friends, local toddler groups and indoor play areas. Children develop confidence and self-esteem as the childminder praises and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

encourages them during their activities, and displays their work on the wall.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children have their individual needs met by the childminder seeking information from their parents. Parents complete child detail forms and contracts and share information verbally during the daily handover. Babies take home a daily diary in which the childminder notes down details of their care and activities during the day. This helps provide good continuity of care. Parents receive detailed information about the provision through the printed brochure, which includes the policies and procedures in place. This helps to support the safety and welfare of the children. Children have equal access to a wide variety of toys, many of which reflect social diversity. They participate in art and craft activities, such as making spiders' webs at Halloween, or Father Christmas's washing line. This effectively helps to reinforce children's understanding of their own culture, but not so much of other cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder skilfully manages the children's behaviour, using positive strategies such as praising good behaviour. Children are aware of the consistent rules, which are displayed for them to read. This helps them understand the boundaries in place, so helping them to relax and settle well in the provision.

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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 The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from the effective organisation of the space and resources. They are able to make their own decisions about their activities as they safely access their well-organised toys. Children have different activity areas available, such as safe floor space for babies to roll and kick in, a large table for art and craft activities, and the computer station upstairs. Outside, children have immediate access to equipment which is set out ready for their use in the garden. Plans are in place to improve the steps into the garden, although these remain a hazard at present. Children receive plenty of support during their activities as the childminder carefully manages the numbers attending. Babies changing routines are met through the

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Organisation

childminder's flexible approach, which ensures continuity around feeds and sleeps. This helps them settle well and feel secure. The childminder seeks appropriate training, such as in First Aid, which she is to attend in April 2006. The childminder maintains documentation well and shares this with parents, together with her written policies and procedures. This contributes to the safety and welfare of the children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This is the first inspection since registration.

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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

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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • provide safe access to the garden • extend the activities available to increase children's awareness of multi-culturalism

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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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