Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510845 Inspection date 16 May 2005 Inspector Maria Lumley

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and ten year old daughter in the Oakdale, Poole. The whole of the ground floor of the property are used for childminding. There are two first floor bedrooms for children who need to rest. There is a fully enclosed front garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, these all attend part time. The family have a pet cat which has contact with minded children.

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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 satisfactory. Children are encouraged to keep healthy through their daily access to the garden where there is a purpose built play area. They develop an enthusiasm for exercise through the inviting and well planned equipment. They develop good hand-eye co-ordination whilst playing swing ball and demonstrate good control when kicking and throwing balls. Children are aware of the changes to their bodies whilst engaged in physical activities. For example, the change in their heart rate and breathlessness. Children know about the dangers of the sun and talk about the need for sun hats and cream to protect their bodies. Children's health is compromised by inadequate hand washing and drying procedures. Although the childminder is aware of good hygiene procedure, at times these are not implemented. This exposes them to the risk of cross infection. Children's meals are catered for by their parents and healthy snacks are provided by

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Helping children to be healthy

the childminder. However children's health is compromised due to the inadequate storage of packed lunches.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are protected and kept safe through the activities. They develop new skills and confidence on large play equipment. This is due to the childminder achieving a balance between allowing freedom and setting safe limits. For example, children learn about safe practices when climbing the ladder and using the slide. Risk to children is minimised due to the childminder's high regard for safety issues. For example, the use of socket covers, stair gates and secure premises help to keep children safe. Children are able to select from a good range of suitable and safe resources. Use of child size furniture enables the children to sit comfortably and safely. The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection procedures which supports her in her role of keeping children safe. She has all the required documents and procedures in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

For example, the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has a written emergency evacuation procedure.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled at the childminder's house. They have established familiarity with their carer which has resulted in them being relaxed and at ease at the setting.

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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 are confident and they select their own resources and make choices about their play. They have good levels of concentration and show determination to complete tasks. For example, one child spent considerable time attempting to assemble a train track. Through trial, error and guidance from the childminder he was able to complete the task. Children are challenged by their play due to the childminder's awareness of child development. For example, the childminder noted that one child was able to complete a six piece puzzle with ease. She encouraged him to attempt nine and twelve piece puzzles. This required focus and concentration and supported his progress. Children are gaining confidence in learning about colour recognition and counting. They are encouraged to practice these skills in everyday

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

activities. For example, counting the number of jumps on the trampoline and steps on the ladder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are well behaved. They are aware of boundaries and expectations of their behaviour. Children are well mannered and polite. For example, they say "please" and "thank you" without being prompted. Children show respect for the resources and pack away activities when they have finished with them. Children are valued as individuals. Their needs are understood and catered for, following their normal daily routine as discussed with the parents. For example, the childminder is currently working in partnership with parents to ensure a consistent approach with potty training. This is resulting in a positive outcome. The childminder is now increasing activities that promote children's awareness of diversity. This ensures children are learning about the wider world. Children are able to access some books and musical instruments which raise children's awareness of others.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and confident to explore within an organised environment. They move round the indoor and outdoor areas with ease and familiarity. Resources are organised and accessible and children have the freedom to make choices about their play. This encourages children's independence. The childminder maintains ratios at all times ensuring that children receive sufficient adult support. All documentation is well maintained and organised to support the welfare of children. Parents consents are all in place which ensures children are cared for according to parents wishes. Policies and verbal information are used effectively to keep parents informed about the provision. Overall the needs of the children are met.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

The previous care inspection recommended that the childminder complete an additional first aid course, ensure children do not have access to water hazards and to increase resources that reflect diversity. The childminder completed a Medic first aid course 03/07/04 which ensures she has the skills to administer first aid treatments to children. The swimming pool has been removed and this contributes to children in the setting staying safe. The childminder has purchased some resources which reflect positive images of cultures and disabilities. This contributes to children's awareness of others. The childminder is continuing to add to these resources and is planning to include related activities with the children. This will help promote a positive view of the wider world.

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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 that children's packed lunches are stored appropriately. • improve hand washing and drying procedures to minimise the spread of infection

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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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