Childminder in DorsetOfsted inspection, 7 Nov 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304885 Inspection date 07 November 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 been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and eight in Weymouth. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder collects and delivers children to local schools. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently

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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 minding four children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She works jointly with another childminder at the same address. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds an National Nursery Examining Board qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a very hygienic environment. The childminder uses effective cleaning procedures for the kitchen, floor and toilet areas. In addition, there are thorough hygiene procedures for nappy changing and toileting. Children learn about their personal hygiene through regular hand washing before meals, after using the toilet and after play. Liquid soap and paper towels are used to reduce the risk of cross infection. Children also learn to independently help themselves to tissues when they need to wipe their nose. Any children who are unwell are excluded to prevent the spread of infection to others. Children gain knowledge about healthy eating through seeing pictures of fruits and vegetables displayed. There are also discussions during mealtimes about the variety of healthy food available. Parents are encouraged to send only nutritious food for packed lunches and unhealthy choices

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Helping children to be healthy

are excluded. In addition, all nuts are excluded to avoid any risk of unknown allergy. Snacking is discouraged, but when it is applicable only fruit or fresh vegetables are given. Drinks of water and sugar free juice are readily available to ensure children maintain adequate fluid levels. Children benefit from a wide range of physical activity on a daily basis. They enjoy walks to the local parks to use the swings and slides, they walk to the library and have regular trips to the local soft play area. When weather is inclement, play equipment is set up indoors and they use play tunnels, tents and a ball pit. Very young children are learning to practice their fine motor skills through holding paint brushes, beakers and spoons. They are exploring textures and materials with their hands and feet during activities such as hand and foot painting, play dough and jelly and mashed potato play. Young children and babies benefit from a daily sleep

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are protected in the setting through the range of safety measures used, such as safety gates, fireguards and socket covers. However, some minor aspects need attention in the playroom such as the Christmas lights and the extension lead to ensure they present no hazard to young children. Children are learning how to be safe when playing as they are encouraged not to leave toys around after they have finished playing with them. They are also taught not to climb on furniture and to sit properly at the table. Children learn how to be safe

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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 when out walking as the childminder is teaching them about road safety. Children are protected from accidents as they are on reins or in buggies when on outings. Children would be well supported if a child protection concern arose. The childminder has an excellent knowledge of this area and would know the signs and symptoms to be aware of and who to report concerns to. In addition there is a child protection policy for parents, notifying them of her responsibilities in the event of a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of thoughtfully planned activities. They are encouraged to try many creative activities and are currently making Christmas crackers and cards. They have also just made Christmas cakes and will be icing these before they take them home. During Halloween they carved pumpkins and dressed up. They regularly enjoy nature walks and collect leaves for their craftwork. Children are learning about stories in books and enjoy anticipating what happens next. They are starting to use hand and face gestures to act out the meaning of the stories. Children are learning about music through the use of instruments and singing sessions. They are learning about numbers and words through matching and sorting games and puzzles. All children are able to partake in all of the activities if they wish to, but there is also free play if they choose not to. This encourages the very young children to

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learn how to make choices and decisions for themselves based on being aware of their own needs. Children learn how to interact with others of differing ages through being able to play together. Activities are adapted for very young ones so that they always feel included. Children and babies are very settled and confident with the childminder and the interaction is warm and meaningful. The childminder makes regular observations of each child to ensure that their progress and development is monitored. She effectively plans the activities based on these observations and also uses the birth to three framework as guidance.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are learning about diversity through access to a wide range of resources that show positive images of other cultures and religions. They are encouraged to be respectful and polite to each other and are observed to say 'please' and 'thank you' to their peers and the childminder. Children's behaviour is very good and the childminder is consistent in her practice of being a positive role model and of explaining, in an age appropriate way, why something is unacceptable. Children with special needs would be welcomed to the setting as the childminder is trained in this field and has a positive attitude to including children in the care provided. Children are well supported in the setting through very positive links with parents. They are invited to attend with their child for several sessions before the child starts

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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 so that they are both comfortable about the care provided. Children are then invited to attend without parents a few times to see if they settle and are happy to be left. There is a daily contact diary which details the days events such as activities, food eaten and nappy changes. In addition there is daily discussion upon arrival and collection. Parents also benefit from a regular newsletter which explains current events in the practice and also invites comments and suggestions for future developments. This keeps them involved in the day-to-day running of the provision and the care provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a childminder who is committed to continually improving her practice through ongoing personal training and development. All children have a regular routine that has been discussed with parents. The routine allows for a balanced amount of free and structured play but is adaptable and flexible in order to meet children's needs. Most paperwork is clear and comprehensive. However, the book for recording attendance does not clearly show children's arrival and departure times, which would be necessary in case of an emergency. There are full records about each child and an individual learning plan to guide the child's progress and development. Parents receive a pack that explains the policies and procedures of the practice and the overall aims of the childminder. Their permission is recorded for transport, outings and the taking of photos and observations. However there is no written consent for

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Organisation

the childminder to leave children in the care of her co-worker. Records are stored confidentially and securely in a locked cabinet to avoid access by unauthorised persons. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints to Ofsted since registration. 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 that children's attendance is recorded accurately and that written consent is obtained from parents to leave children in the care of the childminder's co-worker.

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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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