Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY321211 Inspection date 15 September 2006 Inspector Anne Mitchell

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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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and one child aged 22 months in a first floor flat in the Southbourne area of Bournemouth. The whole of the flat is used for childminding with the exception of the study. The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight at any one time. There are currently two children on roll. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA)

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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVISION

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 satisfactory. Children's independence in their personal care is promoted through the provision of a step stool to help them reach the sink, pump liquid soap and accessible towels. Children can be treated promptly in the event of accidents as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Children's health and wellbeing is supported through clear documentation, recording accidents and medication. Children are provided with drinks on arrival from school, and throughout the afternoon to encourage them to keep their fluid levels maintained. Healthy snacks are provided, such as fruit, to promote children's dietary health. Children's dietary needs are noted in their individual records to ensure their individual needs are met. Children have daily opportunities for physical play and fresh air, as they visit a local play park after school, when the weather permits.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children's safety is promoted through procedures to check visitors' identity, and a secure premises. Safety equipment in rooms used by children is in place, such as socket covers, smoke detector and a fitted gate, preventing access to the stairs to ensure a safe environment. Children participate in helping the childminder to tidy before next activity to make room and prevent trips. This helps children to learn about keeping themselves safe. Children benefit from using toys and equipment that have been checked by the childminder to ensure they are in a safe condition. Toys are stored at children's level so they can access them safely. Children are appropriately supervised, and older children have opportunities to be independent. Fire drills have been considered but not practised, so children are not familiar with emergency evacuation procedures. Children are protected from harm and neglect through the childminder's sound

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She has completed child protection training and knows how to get support and advice from the appropriate agencies, if necessary.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are content as they choose toys and activities. One child enjoys using the floor puzzle, while another learns to play 'Happy Birthday' on a keyboard. Children spontaneously count all the puzzle pieces while they tidy away. Disney music plays in the background to provide a calm and child friendly environment. The younger child is supported by the childminder who uses continuous interaction and helps her with difficult pieces. Children demonstrate a level of confidence by giving adults instructions to participate in their games.

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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 There are a suitable range of activities and resources to keep children's interest, although resources for older children are somewhat limited. Children recall their visits to the park, playing with dough and drawing pictures after school.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy the welcoming environment, with toys available for them as they arrive. Children appear comfortable and relaxed. Resources that positively reflect diversity are available, although limited. Children attend for such a short period, there are limited opportunities to promote their knowledge and understanding of the wider world through planned activities. Children are generally well behaved, and the childminder manages behaviour effectively by using explanation and praise. Minor incidents are managed with patience and sensitivity. A child becomes frustrated with another's non-compliance in a made-up game. The childminder gently explains that she will finish the game with her, to calm the situation quickly. Partnership with parents is satisfactory and the childminder is available to discuss children's routines informally with parents at the end of the day if required.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder is aware of the systems to check adults in the household to ensure a safe environment for children. She has completed the required training, as well as an additional course in child protection. Children are suitably supported in their play, and space is organised appropriately to meet the varying needs effectively and allow sufficient space for them to play. Activities and equipment for older children, and resources that provide positive images of diversity are limited. All required paperwork is in place, although the daily attendance register is not up to date. Documentation to support children's health and wellbeing is clear and in place. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints about the provider received by Ofsted since the last

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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 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 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): • ensure the daily attendance register is up to date at all times • continue to develop equipment and activities for older children, including resources that provide positive images of cultural diversity and disability

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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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