Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

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153371 Unique Reference Number 06 September 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 1989. She lives with her youngest child aged 15 years in a house in Christchurch. The whole of the property is used for childminding except the top floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children under five years and seven children over five years, of whom two are over eight years. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects from the local schools and playgroups. She is a member of the Dorset Childminding Network and attends the local toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle with the childminder. Regular outings to the park, play centres and access to the garden supports their physical development well. They learn to use a range of different equipment and play in the fresh air. Meals are usually provided by

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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 parents so the childminder encourages children's awareness of the importance of healthy eating as they chat together. The contents of lunch boxes are stored in the fridge to ensure the food stays fresh.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are cared for in a warm, clean home where effective hygiene practices are consistently followed, such as when changing nappies or ensuring children wash their hands. Older children are able to access the bathroom independently and use individual towels to dry their hands. Parents are made aware of the childminder's sickness policy so that children do not attend if they are ill and the spread of infection can be minimised. Documentation relating to children's health is maintained well and supports the childminder in ensuring she has a secure knowledge of individual health and dietary requirements.

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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 well-maintained, safe and secure home environment where a strong emphasis is given to keeping them safe and protecting them from harm. Effective risk assessments ensure risks are identified and minimised. There is a clear emergency plan and fire drills are regularly carried out so that all children are familiar with what to do in the event of a fire. Smoke detectors are situated on the two lower levels and maintained in working order. However, a smoke detector has not been fitted in the upper bedroom or landing which means should there be a fire a warning may be delayed. There is a well-stocked first aid kit and the childminder regularly updates her first aid knowledge so that she knows what to do in a child has an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a good range of resources that are clean and in good condition. Toys are age-appropriate and regularly rotated to maintain children's interest. Children's pictures and information posters displayed in the porch provides a welcoming entrance for children and parents.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures and her responsibilities, should she have any concerns about a child's well-being. The premises are secure and there are clear systems to make sure children are only collected by known persons.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have an exciting and active time with the childminder. They enjoy a broad range of activities and experiences in the home and on outings. They attend various toddler and interest groups so they can socialise with others and explore different toys and equipment. They visit the farm, play in the ball park and go for walks. They sit comfortably with the childminder to read a book and enthusiastically join in with the actions when singing songs. Children's language and communication skills are effectively promoted through repetition, extension and continual interaction.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from the close and caring relationships developed with the childminder, her enthusiasm and involvement in their play. They are happy and settled, demonstrating a clear sense of belonging in the confident manner in which they choose what they want to do. Children's individual routines are incorporated well into daily activities so they have time for resting, eating and play.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children flourish in the childminder's care because she knows them well and values their individuality. Good relationships developed with parents contributes significantly to their care and well-being. Effective arrangements for exchanging information, such as daily contact books, enables parents and the childminder to work together to meet children's needs and ensure individual expectations are responded to. A good range of information about the service provided is shared with parents and all regulatory documentation relating to children's care is in place. Particular emphasis is given to maintaining confidentiality. Appropriate arrangements have been considered for supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement, as well as consistent boundaries, to help them understand what is expected and behave well. Children worked together to draw up their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

own rules, such as no fighting and being nice to each other, and these are displayed in the kitchen.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's health, care and well-being is effectively promoted because the childminder is well-organised and has a clear commitment towards continual development through ongoing training and belonging to the local childminding network. Space is used well so that children are able to move around confidently and be easily supervised. Priority is given to ensuring children's safety and thorough measures have been taken in most areas. A range of policies and procedures, detailing how children's care is managed, are shared with parents to ensure they are fully informed about the service provided. All required documentation is in place and well-maintained. 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 increase confidence with child protection issues and consider the organisation and storage of resources to allow children easy and independent access to an appropriate range. The childminder has attended a child protection course and updated her knowledge and understanding of relevant issues in order to safeguard children's welfare and protect them from harm. Some changes have been made to improve the storage and accessibility of resources, such as, space has been made in the kitchen for craft materials and some equipment is stored in low shelves in the porch. Generally, resources are rotated and set out in the lounge according the age and interests of the children attending. Children are able to ask for additional resources which are stored in the dining room to prevent too much clutter developing in the lounge.

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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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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 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): • ensure smoke detectors are fitted on each level, including the top floor.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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