Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY278539 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2007 Inspection date Marilyn Joy 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 2004. She lives with her husband and child aged four years in Ensbury Park, Bournemouth. The whole of the of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding six children on various days, of these, one is over five years.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Bournemouth Children Come First Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Children have excellent opportunities to experience a healthy lifestyle and develop an understanding of the importance of looking after themselves. For example, they have their own individual flannels and towels on labelled hooks, and are very familiar with daily hand

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 washing routines. Children enjoy nutritious home-cooked meals at tea-time and healthy snacks of fruit during the day. Daily routines ensure children have plenty of exercise, fresh air and activities to develop their physical skills. Emotional wellbeing is promoted extremely well through the sensitive care they receive.

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Helping children to be healthy

A strong emphasis is given to promoting children's good health. Excellent steps are taken to protect children from the spread of infection. Health and hygiene procedures are exceptionally good and there are very clear procedures regarding illness, accidents and medication. Food hygiene training has been completed and reflected in the childminder's practice.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a bright, welcoming and child-oriented environment where a strong emphasis is given to keeping them safe. Potential hazards are identified in the home and when taking children on outings. Effective steps are taken to minimise any risks, for example, appropriate safety equipment is in place throughout the home and rules defined when playing outside. A good range of clean, safe and well-maintained resources are easily accessible for children to choose what they want to play with.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded and they are protected from harm because the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, although, these are only shared informally with parents. Clear arrangements are in place for responding to emergencies, such as, what to do in the event of a fire, and appropriate fire safety equipment is in place. The home and garden are secure so that children are unable to leave the premises unaccompanied.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children's confidence and self-esteem are encouraged extremely well in the calm, caring and challenging environment offered. They receive lots of praise, encouragement and guidance to help them understand what is expected and to extend their skills. A broad range of activities promotes their development and provides them with a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences, such as, art and crafts, visits to the park and baking. They develop independence as they choose from the good range of resources available. Children enthusiastically engage in imaginative play and create their own storylines, for example, the sofas become aeroplanes or boats. Children's language and understanding is effectively encouraged by the childminder who interacts extremely well with the children. They are encouraged to think for themselves and solve problems, such as, how to fit the train track together to build a bridge. Children benefit

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

from the close and caring relationships developed.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children demonstrate a clear sense of belonging in the happy and confidant manner in which they move around and interact with each other. Children flourish because their individuality is valued and they have clear and consistent boundaries to help they know what is expected. Children's individual needs are met because the childminder has a sound knowledge of what they require and agrees with parents how their care should be managed. Time is spent discussing

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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 all aspects of the care provided and parents receive copies of the childminder's policies. However, details of the procedures to be followed if a parent has a complaint or her responsibilities regarding child protection, are not included. The behaviour management policy is particularly good giving clear examples of how the childminder addresses different issues, such as, 'let's tidy up' rather than 'don't make a mess'. Daily diaries for under fives, as well as ongoing discussions for all children, ensures both the parents and the childminder are kept up-to-date with children's progress and wellbeing.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. A well-organised and child-friendly environment is offered where children are comfortable and at ease. Effective measures are in place to promote positive outcomes in all areas and ensure they are safe, secure and well-cared for. Children's health in particular is enhanced because the childminder has comprehensively evaluated and maximised her practice in this area. Children benefit from the high quality care provided and the strong commitment towards developing the provision through further training and belonging to the local childminding network. All regulatory documentation is in place and maintained well. Parents are kept fully informed and agree the arrangements for children's care and wellbeing. Written policies and procedures detail the service provided in most areas. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure plants in the garden do not pose a risk to children. This has been addressed by moving plants to ensure children's safety when playing in the garden.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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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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): • develop the information shared with parents to ensure they are fully informed about complaints and child protection issues.

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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 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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