Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY299216 Inspection date 16 August 2005 Inspector Pamela Woodhouse

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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 was registered in 2005 to care for 4 children under eight years. There are currently 3 children on roll, 1 aged 21 months attends full time, and 2 aged 21 months and 5 years attend part time. The childminder lives with her partner and 20 month old child, in a bungalow on the outskirts of Christchurch, which is within walking distance of local pre-schools, schools and shops. With the exception of the main bedroom, the whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding. This includes the lounge and two bedrooms. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The family

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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 have a cat. The childminder takes the younger children to toddler group and all children to visit the local play area and places of interest.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean and comfortable environment. Their health and well-being is promoted through the childminder's agreement with parents to take appropriate actions, for example, seeking advice and treatment in emergency situations. Also contributing to this, are the sensible hygiene practices such as the provision of separate towels and cot linen. Children's awareness of hygiene is promoted from an early age when, for example, they learn as a matter of course, to wash their hands before eating. The childminder suitably protects the children from the sun by ensuring that they wear sun cream and hats and do not play outside during the hottest part of the day. Parents provide their children's meals with drinks and additional drinks are available throughout the day should the children need extra. The children have opportunities to use play equipment which helps to develop their

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Helping children to be healthy

physical skills such as a slide and ride-a-long toys, however, most of these are not sufficiently challenging for children over the age of four.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in an environment which is generally safe. Appropriate safety equipment is in position indoors to minimise risk of injury to children, for example, a barrier across the kitchen door and a fixed fire guard. However, outdoors there is some risk because of the uneven surface and positioning of some equipment in the garden. The environment is secure and the childminder has a clear procedure for evacuating the premises in an emergency, however, children are able to access keys in the internal doors and the evacuation procedure has not been practised with them. As a result the effectiveness of this has not been tested. Children's toys and play resources are safe and clean. The younger children are able to access these from low storage shelves and boxes, however, the older children's independence to choose is more limited due to resources being stored on higher shelves which are out

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

of their reach. The children's welfare is safeguarded through the childminder's understanding of child protection procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are relaxed, settled and happy in their environment and have established a warm relationship with the childminder. They have some opportunities

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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 to choose what they want to play with and experience using a range of age appropriate toys. They engage in a variety of activities which contribute to their development inside and outside of the home and the younger children learn to socialise with others during their regular visits to toddler group. All of the children enjoy creative activities and take pleasure in making, for example, flags to extend their play in the sand. However they are not encouraged to use their own ideas to decorate these, for example, with chalk or coloured tissue paper. There is a routine to the day which takes account of children's daily sleeping patterns and activities are informally planned to allow for flexibility and spontaneity such as children showing a preference for a quiet or more energetic activity. This ensures that their individual

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has established a positive relationship with parents and there is a regular exchange of information to keep them fully informed about what their children do and the progress they are making. The under 2 yearolds daily activities and routines are recorded and shared with parents to ensure the children's wellbeing. There are few opportunities for children to use resources to develop their awareness of diversity within our society. The childminder's relaxed approach to managing behaviour is effective. Children are well behaved and respond appropriately to her friendly interaction. They are beginning to form positive relationships with their peers, and are learning to share and take turns with each other.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder makes appropriate use of her home and the children benefit from the organised environment. They have access to an appropriate range of toys and equipment which they are able to locate easily and play with in comfort. The children know the daily domestic routines such as meal, rest and quiet times which gives them some sense of familiarity and structure to their day. The children's records and documents are complete and stored safely and securely to maintain confidentiality. The childminder shows some commitment to increasing her knowledge and skills and is developing a range of policies to assist her in developing these. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 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): • make sure that internal door keys are inaccessible to the children • make sure that the emergency evacuation procedure is effective and practised with children • assess the risks to children in relation to the outside play area and take action to minimise this

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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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