Childminder in Dorset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY290999 Inspection date 11 May 2005 Inspector Brenda Joan Flewitt

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and son aged 5 years, in Blandford Forum, Dorset. The whole of the house is used for childminding, which includes a lounge-diner as the main play area with sleeping and toilet facilities provided on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five years, on a part time basis. She collects children from pre-schools, and attends a local toddler group.

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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 in a warm, clean and well maintained family home. They learn good procedures for their own personal health and hygiene, through discussion and example provided by the childminder. They understand that they must wash hands after using the toilet, and routinely use the facilities with developing independence. Children make decisions about resting through quiet activities such as looking at photos or reading a book, and decide on appropriate clothing for particular activities like finding their own shoes and coats for going out in the garden to play. Babies' own routines are respected with regards to sleep and feeding patterns, as agreed with parents. They develop physical skills through the opportunities provided by the childminder's effective organisation of equipment and support. Children can easily access their own drinks, and make choices about their snack and

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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 safe and secure family home where hazards and risks are identified and minimised through a comprehensive risk assessment and ongoing checks. Children move around with confidence and in safety, choosing activities from the effectively organised, well maintained play equipment. For example they can easily select a book to read from the low level shelves, and choose to sit a low level table or on a soft sofa. Pre-school aged children gain good independence skills as they can safely reach their own coats and shoes when going outside. Children learn the importance of road safety when on outings. They are beginning to know that "stop" is a key word to respond to when outside the home. They also learn about evacuating the home in an emergency through regular discussion and practice. The childminder's clear understanding of child protection issues and the Area Child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Protection Committee procedures contributes to safeguarding the children's safety and welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy settled and secure in their childminder's care. They are confident in making choices and asking for help when they need it. They make good relationships with the childminder, her family and each other. The children often talk about members of the childminder's family and other people they meet as the

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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 childminder provides many opportunities for discussion and conversation. Children are involved in a wide range of activities and experiences that promote their learning in all areas of development. These include role play, books, puzzles, sand and dancing to music. They choose activities independently, or with support, from a good variety of well organised resources. For example children can easily find the favourite 'Fireman Sam' outfit from the dressing up box, or decide to make their own music on a keyboard stored on a low shelf. Visits outside the home broaden the children's experiences in every day activities such as choosing books from the library, shopping for particular chosen items, feeding the ducks, and joining in the gym sessions at the local toddler group. The

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder is developing her knowledge of promoting younger children's learning through use of the 'Birth to three matters' framework.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All the children attending enjoy each others company. The pre-school aged children play well together, negotiating and sharing toys and equipment. They spontaneously include younger children in some activities, demonstrating a caring attitude, for example showing the baby how to complete a lift out puzzle, or 'reading' him a story. The children begin to develop an open attitude towards all people, they see positive images of a diverse society during their play activities and visits into the local community. Children behave well. They respond favourably to the childminder's positive behaviour management. They know what is expected and independently carry out routine tasks with confidence, such as taking off shoes when coming in from the garden, putting toys away when they have finished, and sitting at the table to eat. Children benefit from the childminder's positive partnership with parents. The

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder promotes good communication between herself and parents which includes comprehensive information about the setting, daily diaries to record children's routine, activities and achievements, and friendly exchange of information on arrival and departure. This contributes to children's individual needs being met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Good organisation of the environment leads to children developing independence and gaining confidence to make choices. Suitable planning of outings helps to keep children safe, however in the case of a child having an accident there may not always be appropriate First Aid resources available. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. Records and documentation are well organised. However the childminder does not always obtain the required parents signature on medication

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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 records. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • make sure that First Aid equipment is easily accessible when taking children on outings. • make sure that a parent's signature is always obtained when recording medicines to be administered to children.

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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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