Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY261260 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2007 Inspection date Anne Mitchell 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 has been registered since March 2003. She lives with her husband and their eight- year-old daughter, in the Northbourne area of Bournemouth. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a garden to the rear of the house, for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for up to five children under the age of eight years. The are currently four children under eight on roll. The childminder attends local toddler groups and play areas and is able to collect children from some local schools. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children follow good hygiene routines. They know they have to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. A child tells the childminder 'I don't want play dough on my hands when I eat my fruit'. The childminder explains about getting rid of germs too, so children learn about the importance of hand hygiene. A separate towel is provided to limit the spread of

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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 infection. Children are fully independent when using the toilet. They remove their shoes in the house to keep the carpet clean for babies to crawl.

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Helping children to be healthy

Toys and equipment are cleaned on a regular basis. Documentation to support children's health and welfare, such as accident and medication recording is in place. The childminder has developed a hygiene policy that is shared with parents from the outset.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have good opportunities to enjoy the fresh air and have regular exercise. They play in the garden and visit local parks and the beach. Older children are provided with physical challenges such as climbing and balancing in a variety of local play parks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's dietary needs are recorded and respected. They are provided with healthy food options at snack time and for main meals. Children have a fresh fruit salad for snack with strawberries, grapes and banana. The childminder provides them with balanced and nutritious meals such as tuna and pasta bake or spaghetti bolognaise. Children talk about their favourite meals with enthusiasm. Drinks are available throughout the day to ensure their fluid levels are maintained and they are reminded to have a drink after they have been running around.

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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 secure and safe environment. The front door is kept locked and safety equipment such as socket covers and stair gates are in place to ensure children can play safely. Smoke detectors are tested to ensure they are in working order. Children clearly describe the emergency evacuation procedure and they practise this on a regular basis.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's knowledge of keeping themselves safe is enhanced by discussions with the childminder. They are reminded not to throw the cheerleader's baton inside and discuss road safety on local outings. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder uses coloured wrist bands with the childminder's mobile number. A first aid kit is available when they are out to ensure children can be treated promptly in the event of an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and equipment are checked by the childminder on a regular basis and is safe for continued use. Children are well supervised as they play inside and out.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has developed a child protection policy and this is shared with parents. She has attended child protection training and has a secure knowledge and understanding of child protection issues, including the correct procedures to follow in the event of any concerns. Consequently children are effectively protected from harm and neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They play well together and enjoy each other's company. They are initially involved in creating shapes with coloured play dough. The use craft pinking shears to cut zigzag edges and combine the colours to make a 'birthday cake'.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are free to choose from a broad range of toys and activities. They finish the dough and tidy it away before choosing the dressing up clothes. The children take turns to try on the costumes and then provide a fashion show for the childminder. They dress as popular Disney characters and in Hawaiian costume and do a hula dance. The children have good relationships

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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 with the childminder and with each other. They are confident and talk with enthusiasm about their school, their new teachers and what they like to do at home.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy planned outings to local attractions, such as Christchurch Quay to feed the ducks and swans, and to use the climbing equipment. The childminder shares responsibility with the parents to take children to swimming lessons and to Rainbows. Children recall with excitement a recent visit to the cinema. They settle quickly to use the computer, making a list of all the foods they like to eat and checking their spelling with a dictionary.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children enjoy the welcoming environment with toys set out ready for them as they arrive. The childminder ensures toys and equipment are age appropriate depending on the children attending that day. The childminder knows the children very well and is able to meet their needs effectively. They are made to feel at home as the childminder talks to them about things that interest them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has developed a written equal opportunities policy and this is shared with parents from the outset. Children learn about the wider world through the multicultural resources available to provide positive images of cultural diversity and disability.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. They are polite and well mannered, saying "please" and "thank you" without prompting. They share well together and are happy to take turns. The childminder is a good role model and praises them regularly.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents are provided with an informative start-up pack which includes the childminder's policies and procedures as well as information about fees and holidays. Parents are kept well informed of their children's progress and daily routines through daily discussion and diaries for younger children and babies. Letters and e-mails from parents show they are happy with the care provided. One says that their child enjoys the 'home from home environment'. Another states that the childminder comes 'highly recommended'. Contracts are used with all parents and written consents are in place. However, there is no written consent for the childminder to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care. The childminder has attended her required initial training and has attended a child protection course. However, her first aid certificate has expired and she is booked to update her training in September.

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Organisation

The space and resources in the childminder's home are well organised to meet the varying needs of children of different ages. Younger children can select toys from floor level and the older children have plenty of space to enjoy a variety of play experiences. The childminder plans a good balance of indoor play and outings to toddler groups, parks and play areas.

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Organisation

Documentation is well organised and mainly up to date. However, the complaints procedure does not reflect current practice. The childminder has developed a range of policies and procedures that are shared with parents from the outset, although she does not have parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment.

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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

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to review the organisation of toys and resources to ensure children can access specific equipment as appropriate. Age appropriate resources are now provided from low level storage and available for children to choose, promoting their independence.

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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. 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): • obtain written parental consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure the complaints procedure reflects current practice

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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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