Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY313541 Inspection date 26 May 2006 Inspector Dinah Round

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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 registered in 2005. She lives with her partner and 6 year old daughter. They live in a house, in Poulner, Ringwood. Childminding is carried out on the ground floor of the premises, with a designated playroom geared to children's needs. Children have access to an enclosed, rear paved outdoor play space. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years. There are currently four children on roll. The family have a cat and two guinea pigs, children have no unsupervised access to the animals. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are cared for within a clean, well maintained family home. They benefit from the childminder's effective daily routines and practices. For example, good nappy changing procedures are followed, individual towels and disposable tissues are provided for children. This helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children learn about the importance of personal hygiene through washing and drying their hands before cooking activities, and after using the toilet. Children's health and dietary needs are met efficiently by the childminder. Clear written records are maintained of any accidents, incidents and medication administered, and provides consistency of care. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children are provided with a good range of nutritious snacks and meals. This includes hot lunches, and snacks of fresh and dried fruit. Regular drinks are accessible throughout the day which means that children do not get thirsty. Some

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Helping children to be healthy

food is provided by parents, and the close liaison between the childminder and the parents makes sure that children's individual dietary needs are followed. Children learn about healthy eating through discussion and planned topics. For example, they made fruit ice lollies and banana muffins to link in with the weeks topic of 'Fruity Friday' Children benefit from quiet and active times during the day. They enjoy physical activities on a regular basis, which includes use of the outdoor space and play equipment. This ensures that children get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children enjoy frequent outings to local parks and places of interest such as, Moors Valley Country Park and walks to the local shops.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for within a well organised and secure environment. Appropriate safety measures are in place around the home to ensure children remain safe such as, stair gates to prevent access to the stairs and locks on low level cupboards. However, some potential hazards are not successfully identified which could create potential risks to children. Children benefit from the childminder's close supervision and learn about keeping themselves safe when on outings. For example, the childminder teaches them the 'green cross code' when walking to school. Clear fire and emergency procedures have been developed. However, these have not been practised with the children to ensure they are clear what to do in an emergency. Children are able to move freely between the playroom and lounge, which provides good opportunities to explore safely. They have access to an extensive selection of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

clean, good quality toys and play equipment. Resources are well positioned to make sure they are suitable for the children's age and stage of development. For example, toys for younger children are kept in separate toy boxes.

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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 The childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues and procedures contributes towards safeguarding the children's safety and welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are happy, content and forming excellent relationships. They are confident and flourish in the relaxed and stimulating environment. The childminder plans an excellent range of interesting topics and fun activities to promote children's development. For example, children made bird cake, created different bird pictures from materials, and carried out a bird survey where they counted and identified birds in the garden. Children have planted strawberries and runner beans outside, which provides hands-on experiences to learn about growing fruit and vegetables. Children are eager and enthusiastic to take part in the play opportunities. For example, they use their imagination well in the shop as they enjoy pretending to buy the different foods. Children are encouraged to think and make decisions, and the childminder uses spontaneous play opportunities to successfully support their

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learning. For instance, children delight in using the large tape measure to measure items around the room. Children are developing good independence skills as they find and choose toys for themselves. They have regular access to a wide range of creative activities such as, painting, collage and cooking. Children benefit from lots of good quality interaction from the childminder as she continually talks to them to stimulate their language. This helps them feel settled and secure. Children enjoy regular experiences outside the home such as, visits to the local library and parent and toddler groups. This encourages socialising and helps to develop children's confidence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals which helps them to feel good about themselves. Their particular needs are fully discussed with parents to ensure their individual needs are followed. The children's creative work is displayed around the playroom which gives them a sense of belonging. Activities are effectively adapted to suit children's individual ages and abilities, which ensures all children are able to join in. Children are developing a good awareness of other cultures and ways of life through the different topics, activities and resources provided. For example, at 'Chinese New Year' children tasted prawn crackers, spring rolls, and made a Chinese dragon from junk materials. Children behave well. They benefit from the childminder's positive environment, and her calm and consistent manner in dealing with any behaviour issues. For example, tidy-up music and clear explanation by the childminder is used effectively to help

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children learn about tidying away toys. Younger children happily get involved as the childminder explains 'You help me, and we'll do it together'. Children benefit from the

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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 childminder's regular praise and encouragement, which helps promote their self-esteem. Children's individual needs are continually discussed with parents which contributes to their care and well being. Detailed written information is given to parents to inform them of the childminder's policies and practices. Clear children's records are maintained, and include written parental consents to take children on outings and seek emergency treatment. However, information about the children's daily care, routines and development is shared on an informal basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and confident to explore within the welcoming, child-orientated environment provided by the childminder. This includes a well organised playroom which appeals to children, and allows them to independently select the resources. The exciting range of planned activities provide both indoor and outdoor play experiences, and encourage children to learn in a fun way. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to on-going development of her childminding role and the activities she offers. The childminder meets the needs of the children for whom she provides. Clear policies and procedures have been developed and these are shared with parents to keep them successfully informed of the childminder's practices. Documentation and records are well organised and accurately maintained. This contributes towards the children's care and well being.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • implement risk assessments to ensure potential risks are identified, and practise emergency evacuation procedures with the children • develop further the current systems in place to exchange information with parents, to make sure they are kept well informed about their child's care and development.

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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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