Childminder in Dorset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY307730 Inspection date 22 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 satisfactory. 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 in 2005. She lives with her son, aged five, in Weymouth. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes, plus two bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding four children all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder has a dog to which 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 The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Dorset and Poole Childminding Network. The childminder provides overnight care.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted in the setting. The childminder cleans the kitchen and bathroom areas to promote a hygienic environment. Children learn that they need to wash their hands before snacks; however, the current procedures do not minimise the risk of cross infection as one towel is shared by all children. Children who are unwell are excluded to prevent the risk of spreading the infection to others. The pet dog is regularly wormed and treated against fleas. It has a separate area of the garden that is fenced off to ensure that children have no contact with its faeces. Children are encouraged to learn about healthy eating and are offered nutritious snacks. A selection of fruit is offered each day and they enjoy choosing from melon, grapes, oranges and apples. Any sandwiches offered are made from wholemeal bread to increase fibre levels. The childminder has a food and hygiene certificate

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Helping children to be healthy

which ensures that food preparation and handling is hygienically done. This also increases food hygiene awareness in the children who see fruit and vegetables being washed before use. Children are offered unlimited water and sugar free juice to ensure adequate fluid levels are maintained. Children have regular exercise and fresh air during the walk to and from school. The childminder also takes them to the local park. Physical skills are enhanced during fine weather, when the garden is used for ball play. In addition, there are scooters, a sandpit and a slide for outdoor play, to increase the range of motor skills used.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has an awareness of safety that is used to protect children. She has safety gates and cupboard locks in place and keeps cleaning materials out of reach. However, there are several areas of wiring that are potential tripping hazards. In addition, the outdoor hose is unsecured and is potentially hazardous. She keeps the front door locked to prevent children from escaping on to the road. She has written out a clear emergency evacuation plan which she keeps by the door for quick access if needed. When out walking with the children, she uses reins or holds hands to prevent risk from the traffic. When using the car, she installs appropriate safety seats and booster cushions. She checks the condition of toys and equipment to ensure there are no broken pieces that could harm children. They are also cleaned regularly. The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and is aware of

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

the signs and symptoms of abuse. Consequently she would be able to recognise these if they presented in a child that she was caring for. She demonstrates

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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 understanding of the need to record any child protection details carefully and to seek assistance from the appropriate agency.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children have the opportunity to try a range of creative activities to extend their imagination, such as art and crafts, cooking, role play and dressing up. They are also encouraged to read, complete homework and spellings and attempt puzzles. Often however they prefer to spend time playing computer games on the television. They are offered outings in the Summer to the local farm where they pick strawberries. They also go to the local Swannery which increases their awareness of wildlife. Young children are encouraged to be independent through trying to put on their coat and shoes by themselves. They can also access their own resources as these are easily accessible. Activities are adapted in order for them to join the older children and have opportunities for interaction. The childminder uses the Birth to Three Framework to help plan her activities for this age group.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children's awareness of diversity and disability are increased due to the wide range of resources available. In particular, the childminder has an extensive range of musical instruments from Africa and the children enjoy playing with these. The childminder has some experience with children who have special needs and has a positive attitude towards including them in the provision. Children's behaviour is managed adequately and a variety of strategies are used to teach them to take turns. These strategies are discussed with parents at the outset to ensure continuity. Children are encouraged to use good manners and to say 'please' and 'thank you'. Unkind or unacceptable words are not allowed in the setting. There are positive relationships with parents in order to support the children. A daily diary is offered for young children if required. There is also a discussion each day upon collection of all

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children about the day's activities and events. Parents and children are encouraged to visit several times before the children start in order for them to become familiar with the surroundings. The childminder is keen to follow existing routines in order to ensure the children are not disrupted. Parents are offered a booklet which explains the childminder's practices.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises the space available adequately in order to meet the needs of the children present. Her paperwork is comprehensive and children's records are fully completed in order to obtain the fullest information. Permission is obtained from parents regarding transport, outings, photographs and the use of sun cream.

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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 Records are stored confidentially. The childminder is keen to continually improve her practice and she attends any childcare training courses that become available. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complaints to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made to parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made by 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 satisfactory. 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 use appropriate hand washing procedures in order to prevent the risk of cross infection • ensure that potential hazards are inaccessible to children.

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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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