Childminder in SouthamptonOfsted inspection, 30 Mar 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313424 Inspection date 30 March 2006 Inspector Tonia Chilcott

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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 satisfactory. 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 husband and 2 children, 1 aged under 3 in Swaythling, Southampton. All areas of the property, are used for childminding however, this normally occurs downstairs. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time and is currently minding 2 children on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library. The childminder makes use of the local parks. The family has a pet cat. The childminder is a member

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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 of the National Childminding Association (NCMA) and Southampton Childminding Association (SCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy snack and meal times that are relaxed, social occasions with children all sitting up to the table together. They enjoy making sandwiches, choosing from the good range of fillings that have been pre-prepared by the childminder. Children's individual needs are met by the childminder, who takes into account children's likes, dislikes and allergies whilst providing meals and snacks. Children are encouraged to develop good hygiene practices and their health is protected by the good standards of hygiene and cleanliness, which are maintained within the home. Children learn to keep themselves healthy by washing their hands at particular times, due to the consistent encouragement from the childminder. For example, children know to wash their hands before eating. Children benefit from regular opportunities for physical exercise and development, for example, they enjoy trips to parks and play areas regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming environment that remains secure at all times. Space is used well, allowing children to play comfortably. They freely make choices from the good range of toys and materials that are easily accessible to them, and learn about the wider world through the good range of resources that promote positive images. Children's safety is promoted by the childminder who has a sound awareness of most safety issues. Emergency evacuation has been considered, however, this is not consistently practiced with children to enable them to gain an awareness of the procedures. Children learn to keep themselves safe whilst out of the home with the childminder. They learn about road safety, for instance, whilst walking home from school. Children are protected by the childminder who has a good understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled within the care of the childminder. They confidently make choices regarding the activities that they wish to take part in and happily ask the childminder for support and help if they need it. Children enjoy looking at books

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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 and reading with the childminder, using props to support the story. For instance, whilst reading stories about animals, children find models of the animals in the story. Their learning is extended by the childminder, who gently encourages children to practice their reading. Children's individual daily routines are supported and acknowledged, through the childminder's understanding of their individual needs. Children relate well to one another and the childminder, and enjoy each other's company.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children behave well in response to praise and encouragement. Their behaviour is managed consistently and positively by the childminder, who has effective procedures in place to record and share information with parents. The childminder provides a range of resources to promote a positive view of the wider world, increasing children's awareness of others. Children's needs are met by the childminder's procedures to share information with parents on a regular basis, although there are no procedures in place to share or record details of any complaints with parents. The childminder shows a positive attitude towards inclusion and would work closely with parents to support children with special needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is using appropriate records to safeguard children's welfare, however, register is not a wholly accurate register of children's attendance and there is no formal system in place to record any complaints that are made by parents. Children benefit from the well thought out environment. Indoor space is laid out allowing children room to play comfortably and freely. Children are confident in the environment and consequently are able to initiate play and make their own choices. The childminder has written policies and procedures in place, which are used to promote the welfare and care of the children and are shared with parents. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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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Complaints 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

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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 satisfactory. 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): • develop a system to investigate and record details of any complaints • provide children with further opportunities to practice fire evacuation • ensure that details of children's attendance are recorded at the time of their arrival

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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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