Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY300197 Inspection date 17 June 2005 Inspector Lorraine Sparey

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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 January 2005. She lives with her husband and 2 children aged 17 months and 3 years in Charminster, a suburb of Bournemouth. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. A maximum of four children may attend at any one time. There are currently two children on roll. The childminder is also registered to provide overnight care for two 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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She walks to a local preschool to take and collect children and visits the local parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's overall health is promoted well. The childminder maintains a clean and hygienic environment. Children follow good personal hygiene routines, such as, washing their hands and face, and cleaning their teeth after meals. They recognise and use their own colour co-ordinated face cloths and towels. This reduces the risk of cross infection. Children have good opportunities to develop their physical skills. For example, the childminder encourages the baby to join in the action rhymes. Wide range of outdoor resources, such as, swing, slide, tree house and ride on toys, develops their muscle control. Children enjoy regular walks to the park. Children's dietary and care needs are met well. The childminder follows their home routines with regards to their feeding and sleeping. Children are developing an awareness of healthy eating. They have regular opportunities to enjoy a variety of

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Helping children to be healthy

fruits and other healthy options, such as bread sticks. The parents and the childminder share the responsibility for providing their food. Children have constant access to drinking water, promoting their independence and well- being.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is promoted well by the implementation of clear procedures. For example, children are well supervised. The childminder completes visual checks to maintain a safe and secure environment. This allows children to explore and play safely. Children learn ways of keeping safe. For example, the childminder has taught the baby to manoeuvre safely over the step into the conservatory. Children safely choose from the broad range of quality resources. They are stored appropriately to allow older children to freely access resources without putting the younger children at risk. Such as items with small pieces that the baby could put in her mouth. All equipment and resources are checked on a regular basis and conform to British Standard. The childminder has a secure and clear knowledge of child protection procedures, which supports her in her role of keeping children safe from harm.

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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 relaxed and comfortable. They are confident to play with the broad range of quality toys. Children benefit from the positive interaction with the childminder. For example, they enthusiastically join in with her singing favourite rhymes. She is skilled at involving all the children in activities, particularly during storytime. Good use is made of the garden. Children enjoy a wide range of resources, in their outdoor play. They can freely move from between indoors and outdoors increasing their choices. Basic plans follow children's daily routines and offer a wide variety of good play opportunities such as, cooking, painting, and use of the computer. Children enjoy regular outings to structured toddler groups and visits to the local park. They meet other children at the groups, which promotes their socialising skills. Children are

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder liaises closely with parents about children's individual needs. This ensures a child's specific needs are well met. There are effective systems in place to share information with parents about the child's progress. Children's behaviour is varied at times. The childminder has clear expectations of behaviour, and her strategies are age appropriate. However, she is not consistent in her approach. This leads to the children receiving mixed messages. Children are developing awareness of their community and the wider world. They enjoy a range of activities and resources that promotes their understanding of diversity. The childminder uses some television programmes to enhance their learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are confident and settled with the childminder. They benefit from her good organisational skills. The environment is child orientated and very welcoming. Space is effectively to allow children to freedom to move and play freely, throughout the ground floor. The garden is organised as an extension of the indoor environment. Children can freely move between the areas. She uses her time effectively. This enhances children's play opportunities. The childminder is pro-active in developing her skills and knowledge in childcare. She regularly attends training opportunities and is currently completing an in-depth course. All the documentation is well organised. This ensures that parents are kept informed of her practice, and children are well cared for.

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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 Overall, children's needs are met.

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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): • maintain a consistent approach to managing children's behaviour, using age appropriate strategies.

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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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