Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and PooleOfsted inspection, 23 May 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY242749 Inspection date 23 May 2005 Inspector Carol Johnstone

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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 has been registered to care for children since 2002. She lives with her husband and two children, aged five and seven, in Oakdale, Poole. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there are two bedrooms on the first floor for children that need to sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time. She is currently minding eight children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The family have a rabbit and a hamster whom children can have supervised access

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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 to. The childminder is an NNEB qualified nursery nurse. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is effectively promoted in a variety of ways. They learn about the value of nutritious foods through daily 'fruit time' and cooking activities. Children make their own pizza, vegetable soup, bread and 'smoothies'. All children are involved in this, even very young ones, who are given achievable tasks of choosing and washing the fruit. Children learn about personal hygiene and wash their hands regularly. They use anti bacterial soap and separate towels to reduce the risk of cross infection. The childminder has effective hygiene procedures in place for preparing food and nappy changing, in order to minimise risk. Children who are unwell are excluded in order to prevent the spread of infectious illness. There is a clear sickness policy for parents giving time periods that must elapse before children can attend the setting again. Children have an excellent range of play equipment in

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Helping children to be healthy

the garden and are developing good physical skills. They learn how to climb, bounce, swing, slide and balance. They also have many walks to local parks and nature trails where they enjoy running, skipping and jumping in the fresh air.

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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 very safe environment where a number of effective safety measures have been implemented. For example, hazardous materials are inaccessible and all drawers and cupboards are locked. The front door is secure at all times. Children are learning to keep safe both indoors and when out. They are safeguarded from road danger when on outings by wearing reins or wristbands. They also wear bracelets with a contact number on in case of emergency. Children are taught about safety in the home and are reminded to play safely when in a group with others. For example, not throwing things around that could hurt other children. The childminder keeps her first aid training up to date and has a well stocked first aid box. Children have a good awareness of fire safety as they regularly practise an emergency escape plan. The childminder has a comprehensive knowledge of child

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

protection issues and refreshes her knowledge on a regular basis. Consequently, she would know what action to take if she had concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident to try and achieve things for themselves. The childminder

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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 encourages them to attempt things independently and allows children to make mistakes. However, she always waits nearby to offer gentle support and guidance. This builds their confidence and self esteem and gives them a 'can do' outlook. Children are very settled and secure in the setting. Interaction from the childminder is warm and caring. They enjoy a very good range of interesting activities. There is an emphasis on messy and creative play that allows children to express their own ideas. Children learn about nature and wildlife through trips to local forests, trails and beaches. They have frequent trips out with other childminders and their minded children for picnics and visits to theme parks. Children develop good social skills and build positive relationships with their peers.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn to respect each other. They share and take turns from a very young age and play extremely well together. Positive behaviour is acknowledged and praised which builds children's self esteem and sense of self. Good manners are encouraged and children say please and thank you to each other and the childminder. Parents are very involved in the care provided. This supports the children in the provision by ensuring consistency and continuity of care. They are invited to stay with children if they wish or to come along on outings. They have regular updates on how their child is progressing and a review is held every three months to ensure that their child's needs are being met.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her practice to ensure children's well being and safety. The play space is comfortable and inviting, with designated areas for different activities. Toys are easily accessible and there are bright photos and pictures in each room. The childminder keeps her childcare knowledge up to date and undertakes further training when it becomes available. Documentation is mostly accurate, however children's attendance is currently recorded as children depart and not as they arrive, giving an unclear picture of who is present each day. All documents are kept in a secure place to ensure the confidentiality of the children and their families. The provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, recommendations were raised in relation to the positioning of the fire blanket and obtaining parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment. The fire blanket has now been moved to a more accessible place in the kitchen so that it can be reached quickly in the event of a fire. Parental consent for emergency medical treatment is now held for each child so that

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Improvements 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 there would be no delay in them receiving urgent treatment if necessary.

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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 recording of children's attendance to ensure records are completed as children arrive and leave each day.

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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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