Fry Linda Christina

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY293612 Inspection date 12 May 2005 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 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and three children, twin daughters aged 9 years, and a daughter aged 16 years. They live in a house in Canford Heath, in Poole, situated close to parks and local schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes, with toilet facilities and sleep provision provided on the first floor. Children have access to an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play, and have regular visits and outings during week. The family have a bird aviary at the bottom of the garden.

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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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered to care for six children under eight years, and is currently minding 10 children on a part-time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about personal hygiene through the daily routines, for example, using wipes to make sure their hands are clean before eating their snack. Information about the children's dietary needs is obtained from parents, this enables the childminder to cater for their individual needs. Children have access to regular drinks throughout the day, which meets their need for frequent drinks. However healthy eating is not actively promoted as the snacks of biscuits, cakes or chocolate bars, do not offer children a nutritious option. Children have regular opportunities to experience physical outdoor play activities, for example, through visits to the local parks. This helps develop their physical and co-ordination skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have access to child-height furniture and an extensive range of age appropriate toys and resources. These are well organised to enable children to make their own choices and therefore encourages their independence. Children are beginning to learn about their own and others safety. For example, when playing in the play tent and becoming aware not to knock it over on each other. The childminder has put some safety equipment in place, however the kitchen stair-gate, low curtain cord, and outdoor play space are not sufficiently secure to protect children from potential risks. Children are well protected because the childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities in the protection of children, and the local child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and secure and enjoy sound relationships with others, for example, they giggle with excitement as they play 'peek-a-boo' in the play tent with the childminder. A varied range of age appropriate indoor and outdoor play experiences and activities are accessible to the children. Although the childminder does not always introduce sufficient challenges to promote the development of children under three.

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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 Children happily play alongside each other co-operatively. They are able to confidently select their own resources, for example, when going into the garden and selecting the chalks and chalk board.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The pro-active approach by the childminder in organising activities to suit the needs of all children is effective in enabling all children to be included. For example, visiting a playground which has specialized play equipment for children with special needs. The childminder has started to use Makaton, which aids communication for some children. Children have access to a range of resources which reflect positive images of diversity, such as books, dolls, small world play which help them become aware of diversity and the needs of others. The childminder uses clear strategies for managing behaviour. This helps children learn to understand to take turns and share, and makes sure they know what is expected of them. Her calm and gentle approach presents as a good role model to children. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents. The two-way exchange of information on a daily basis ensures that information about the children is regularly

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Helping children make a positive contribution

shared. Good relationships between the childminder and parents contribute towards making sure a child's individual needs continue to be met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The play space is sufficiently well organised, which gives children regular opportunities to make their own choices about their play. Many aspects of documentation are in place, however the attendance register is not sufficiently maintained to show when children are on the premises. Policies and procedures are currently being developed which will help inform parents of the childminder's childcare practices. However not all parental consents are in place, with regard to seeking emergency medical treatment. A list of the range of activities provided for the children is available, this makes parents aware of the play opportunities offered to their children. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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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 There are no complaints to report

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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): • improve the provision of food, to ensure children are provided with a range of healthy and nutritional snacks. • put measures in place to make sure potential risks to children both indoor and outdoor are minimised, to ensure their safety. • improve activities and learning opportunities further for the younger children, for example by using the Birth to three framework. • make sure an attendance register is maintained, and parental consents are obtained for all 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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