Childminder, Out-of school day care in Dorset

Inspection report for early years provision

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139245 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2006 Inspection date Brenda Joan Flewitt Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 1993. She lives with two of her adult children in Lyme Regis, Dorset. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes with the exception of the bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a cat and a pet rabbit to which the children have supervised access.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding six children under the age of five years, and four school aged children on a part time basis. She also cares for children over the age of eight. The childminder supports children with special needs. 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's healthy lifestyle is well promoted. They are cared for in a clean and tidy family home where they develop independence in practising good procedures in their own personal hygiene. For example, they routinely wash their hands before food, and after using the toilet or handling animals. Children are protected from the spread of infection through the childminder's routine procedures. These include providing hygienic resources for hand washing and nappy changing, and making sure parents are aware that children should not attend if they have an infectious illness.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have constant access to a drink so that they do not get thirsty. The childminder makes sure that their cups are easily accessible and replenished as necessary. Children make choices from healthy snacks and meals provided mainly by parents and supplemented by the childminder. They learn about healthy eating through discussion and the good example set by their childminder. She encourages them to try new fruits or vegetables. They take part in a good range of physical activities which promotes their health. This includes daily fresh air during garden play when they ride on wheeled vehicles and play ball games; nature walks, and visits to the park. They use large equipment to practise skills in swinging and climbing.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's medication and accidents are well managed. There is a well stocked first aid box available, and records are completed clearly and accurately.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in safe and secure, well maintained premises where risks and hazards are identified and minimised. The childminder puts measures in place to help prevent accidents. These include socket covers, safe low level glass and making hazardous substances inaccessible by way of cupboard locks. Children are protected from uninvited visitors and cannot leave the building unsupervised, as the doors are kept locked. They move around the home in safety and use play provision that is kept in good condition. There is a range of equipment that helps keep children safe while eating and travelling. This includes a high chair and buggies with harnesses, and appropriate car seats.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children start to become aware of their own safety when out on outings. They learn to stop and look for traffic, and how to cross roads safely. The childminder makes them aware of their surroundings and the importance of staying close to her or within the limits agreed. This enables the children to explore and play independently within safe boundaries. The childminder makes sure that the children have appropriate clothing and that there are first aid resources and contact numbers readily available. Children learn what is expected if they must leave the home in an emergency as they are involved in regular practices. This contributes towards their safety in a real situation.

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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 good understanding of child protection issues and the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures contributes towards the children's safety and welfare. Existing injuries are recorded as routine, and there is information for parents that explains the childminder's responsibility in child protection.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and secure and enjoy the time they spend with their childminder. They make good relationships with her and each other. They are confident to make their needs known as they can be sure of a friendly and caring response.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are involved in a variety of activities that promote learning in all areas of development. They develop independence in practical skills such as managing their own shoes and coats, and getting into the correct car seat before a journey. The childminder offers play opportunities that include construction, role play, art and craft, puzzles, small world toys, books, dough, sand and water. They play with a suitable range of play provision which is arranged by the childminder to allow them to choose for themselves. For example, a two-year-old enjoys sorting vehicles and drivers, then selects the garage to drive the cars down. He observes that two cars have the colours blue and white. Children enjoy consistent positive interaction from their childminder which helps them understand the world around them. She talks with them during their activities about colours, numbers and encourages them to recall events in their lives. A child looks forward

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

to the promised trip on a bus to the library, as he remembers the person who reads the stories and leads singing. School-aged children are offered the opportunity to relax at the end of their school day, or be active in the garden as they choose.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's days include a broad range of visits outside the home where they explore their local environment, meet other people and use a wider range of equipment. Younger children regularly go to a toddler group which is held in the same premises as the pre-school they will attend, they meet other local children. This helps build their confidence and helps them settle when they start at pre-school. They enjoy trips to a children's farm where they observe and feed animals, and like to walk in the woods and notice the changes in nature through the seasons. A favourite activity is going to a local café where they learn what is expected in a more adult environment. Children have enjoyed watching the machinery working as the local beach has been re-constructed. All this helps children develop a positive attitude to the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are respected as individuals. The childminder gets to know children's particular needs and preferences through positive interaction while supporting their activities, and effective communication with parents. Children develop a good awareness of people's differences through discussion and positive experiences. Their time with the childminder includes many opportunities to meet a range of people, both old and young, in various every day situations. For example, a trip to the dentist or doctor enables them to observe a new situation, which helps prepare

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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 them for their own future experience. They enjoy looking at post cards and discussing various parts of the world visited by the childminder's family, and use resources that reflect positive images of diversity.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They learn to take turns and share during their play, and are encouraged to display good manners. They respond favourably to the consistent praise and encouragement offered by the childminder for their efforts and achievement, which helps build their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's good relationships with parents. She provides useful information about the setting to parents, which includes some written policies and procedures. There is a written complaints procedure, however this does not include the most recent requirements. There are daily opportunities to exchange information verbally, which contributes towards meeting individual needs and ensures that any additional requirements are met.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children gain from the childminder's commitment to developing her role through training. She attends courses to keep up-to-date with various aspects of child care. The appropriate organisation of the space available, resources and structure of the day leads to children being active in a safe environment, eating and resting as individual needs require, as well as enjoying visits outside the home. The childminder is aware of informing Ofsted about changes to the premises and making sure that clearance checks are complete for all people living with her. However, she overlooked the change in household members when her assistant moved out.

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Organisation

All the required documentation and records are in place, up-to-date and completed accurately. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The last inspection recommended that the system for recording the administration of medication was extended, to ensure parents sign to acknowledgment the entry.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder keeps clear records of any medicine administered to children, which includes a parent's signature to acknowledge the record. This contributes towards the children's health.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Complaints since the last 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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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 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): • review the complaints procedure, to include a system for recording complaints that parents can see on request • ensure that Ofsted are informed of any changes in persons living or working in the household.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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