Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY304363 Inspection date 04 January 2006 Inspector Samantha Powis

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 2 and 8 years, in the Canford Heath area of Poole in Dorset. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and two bedrooms are available on the first floor for play or sleep purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a total of five children at any one time. There is currently one child on roll.

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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 member of the National Childminding association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are healthy due to the positive steps taken by the childminder. They are protected from the risk of cross infection as she actively encourages them to wash their hands well before snacks and after using the toilet. She provides appropriate resources, such as wet wipes and separate cloths and towels, which helps prevent germs from spreading. To protect the children, the childminder also follows excellent hygiene practices when nappy changing and supporting the children's personal needs. She shares with parents her policy regarding the exclusion of children who have an infectious illness, therefore, reducing the risk of spreading illnesses. Children are healthy due to the childminder providing an appetising range of nutritious snacks. They enjoy options such as dried fruit, cereals and additive free ice pops. She establishes detailed information about children's individual dietary needs,

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Helping children to be healthy

to ensure these are not compromised. Children have access to drinks at all times, so they don't become thirsty. In general, documentation is used effectively to support children's ongoing health and well-being. A detailed record of accidents is maintained, to ensure parents are given accurate information. The childminder is aware of the need to obtain written consent for seeking emergency medical attention and advice, but has not done so for all the children, therefore compromising the welfare of some children. Children have many opportunities to develop physical skills and benefit from getting out in the fresh air regularly. They frequently go out in the garden to use physical play equipment such as slides and swings. They enjoy climbing through the tunnel indoors to access the play tent. This physical activity increases their general fitness and helps them learn new skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe through a combination of direct supervision and the provision of a safe and secure environment. This includes measures such as stair gates to deny access to the stairs and front door, and the use of safety glass at low levels. All precautions are adapted according to the ages and the needs of children attending. Safety is checked and reviewed regularly, ensuring children are protected at all times. To keep the children safe, the childminder has installed smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors within the home, and regularly checks these are working. She has developed a clear procedure to be followed in the event of an emergency within the home, but has not as yet practiced this escape with the children.

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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 To help protect children from harm, the childminder has some knowledge of the possible indicators of abuse. She has access to literature which she would refer to in the event of a concern, but lacks confidence in who she should notify with any concerns. She has a policy which she shares with parents, ensuring they are aware of her role and responsibility.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children receive good interaction and lots of physical contact from the childminder, which helps them to feel settled and secure. Children are happy and content and have a warm relationship with the childminder. She constantly chats to them and provides encouragement for all activities such as building the train track. They enjoy cuddling up to enjoy a familiar story. Children are becoming independent and explore activities for themselves. They access a broad range of toys and equipment, which is stored well to allow them to make choices. A small step is provided in the bathroom, to encourage children to develop independence in their personal skills. Children enthusiastically take part in a variety of interesting activities, and use stimulating resources that take account of their ages and individual needs. They go out on a regular basis to visit local places of interest such as the beach, therefore

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

extending their experiences. They attend toddler groups which offer them opportunities to develop their social skills. Children are confident within the familiar routines, which take account of children's needs. Activities are very much led by the children. The childminder ensures they have access to resources and toys which will stimulate them and keep them fully engaged. Children's learning is promoted due to the childminder constantly supporting and encouraging the children during their play. She talks to the children about what they are doing, asking them to find a particular shape or colour when using the threading game, and getting them to help tell familiar stories.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children's individual needs are given good consideration, which increases their sense of belonging. Detailed written records are maintained, which enables the childminder to meet the individual needs of all the children effectively. Ongoing discussion and a two way diary ensures that information about the children's welfare and progress is exchanged daily. The childminder is respectful of parents wishes. She learns important information about the children, and adapts her provision to ensure they are all well supported. Children behave well and are given lots of praise by the childminder to reward good behaviour. They are secure due to the familiar and consistent boundaries and expectations. The childminder skilfully uses distraction when the children find it hard

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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 to share a toy. Children are encouraged to respect each other. The childminder acts as a good role model, encouraging good manners and a kind and caring attitude. The children are learning about other cultures and ways of life through frequent use of a variety of multicultural resources and activities, this includes books, dolls and small world equipment.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are settled and confident to explore within the well organised environment. There is plenty of floor space for them to play freely. Resources are positioned well to ensure children can access them easily by themselves or with minimal adult support. Children benefit from the childminder having completed some training relating to her role. However, additional knowledge about child protection procedures will ensure that she helps protect them fully. Positive outcomes for the children are supported through written policies and procedures that fully detail and reflect her working practice. These are shared with the parents to make sure they are kept informed about the provision. Regular discussion with parents ensures they are well informed about their child's welfare and activities. In general, documentation is well organised and maintained. Personal information is stored securely to ensure confidentiality is respected. The childminder meets the

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Organisation

needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made 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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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): • obtain written consent from all parents, for seeking emergency medical attention or advice • increase knowledge of the procedures to follow in the event of a child protection concern

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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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