Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY234909 Inspection date 01 June 2005 Inspector Anne Mitchell

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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 since 2003. She lives with her husband and one child aged two years in the Iford area of Bournemouth. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. There is a total of six children on roll. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family have a cat.

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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 qualified nursery nurse and a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is well promoted in the clean, well maintained environment . Children learn good hygiene routines as the childminder reminds about washing hands before snack and after using the toilet. Children are encouraged to be independent and increasingly responsible for their own personal hygiene. For example, through the use of a step stool and toilet seat for small children. Children are safe from infection through thorough procedures, such as good cleaning routines and using disposable gloves during nappy changing. Clear medication records in place to ensure children's good health and well being. Parents are provided with written information about sickness policy to ensure children are protected from infection. Children's dietary health is good and positively promoted by the childminder's clear understanding of healthy eating. Children are encouraged to drink regularly during

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Helping children to be healthy

the day and snacks include fresh and dried fruit. Children's understanding about healthy eating is also enhanced by gardening activities, such as growing cress and tomatoes. This initiates discussion and learning about healthy foods. Children's physical health is promoted by range of outdoor physical play activities. These include football, walks and outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is a high priority. The premises, including garden are secure and safe. Children select toys and resources safely and independently, from accessible storage. Children are effectively protected from harm, and their well being is promoted by clear procedures. For example, toys and equipment are carefully checked to ensure they continue to be safe and clean. The childminder has high standards, ensuring a safe and clean environment for children. All ages of children play safely on the child sized tables and chairs. Good quality safety equipment is in place. Children are well supervised at all times. They are reminded about how to keep safe to promote their welfare. Children know about simple rules on outings to promote their welfare and understanding of road safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

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's knowledge of child protection helps her to safeguard and promote children's welfare effectively.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are self assured through the childminder's good practice and positive interaction with all the children in her care. Their learning and progress is fully encouraged by the childminder's clear understanding of child development. Children experience a very good range of activities and resources that help them develop in all areas. They demonstrate good imaginative skills as they make a 'meal' in the toy kitchen. Children interact well together, and are encouraged and praised by the childminder. Children are very settled and confident. They enjoy a warm and secure relationship with the childminder and with each other. For example, younger children enjoy having the older child read them a story. Children's confidence is fostered very effectively by the high level of interaction. Children are valued as the childminder takes genuine interest in what the children have to say. Children's independence is encouraged. All

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

children help themselves to drinks. They are independent in their personal care. Children select toys and resources freely. Children's creativity is positively promoted. They freely access a very good range of craft equipment and messy play. They have good opportunities to enjoy local outings to toddler groups, parks and toy library. This helps them extend their knowledge of the local community, and to socialise with others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children recognise and respect diversity through good quality books and toys that provide positive images of cultural diversity. However, there are limited resources that provide positive images of disability. Children enjoy activities involving cultural festivals. This helps them to further explore and value diversity in a practical way. Children's individual needs are well met by the childminder. Initial discussions with parents at the outset helps the childminder get to know the children in her care very well. They feel valued by the childminder, who talks to them about things that are important to them. Children's behaviour is very good. They are polite and well mannered and are respectful of each other. For example, older children help younger children in play activities. Minor conflicts are easily resolved by the childminder's calm and patient approach. Children's behaviour is managed very effectively by consistent and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

positive strategies, such as distraction, discussion, praise and encouragement. Children are provided with consistent and cohesive care, helping them to feel settled and valued. This is due to the childminder's close, working relationship with parents.

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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 Each child has a daily diary. The childminder records children's daily routines, progress and mementos of visits. Parents are encouraged to include messages about what the children have done at home. Children feel welcomed and appreciated as the childminder talks to them about their time at home. The childminder has developed written information for parents, to inform them of her routines, activities and outings provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's developmental and care needs are well met, due to the qualifications and training of the childminder. The care and welfare of the children is supported by the well organised and up to date documentation. This is kept securely to maintain children's confidentiality. Children's play is successfully supported by the effective use of space. They have good opportunities for messy play, dance and music, or calm and quiet periods. An additional ground floor room is now available for use, to maximise the space fully. The childminder has developed a comprehensive document for parents, giving them clear information about the setting, and informing them of her policies and procedures to help them in their choice of child care. Overall the needs of the children are met.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that children are not exposed to minor hazards in the garden. Ivy has been removed and slates moved out of children's reach, providing a safe and secure outdoor environment for children of all ages.

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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

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure there are resources available that provide positive images of disability

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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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