Childminder in DorsetOfsted inspection, 6 Jan 2006

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 153374 Inspection date 06 January 2006 Inspector Marilyn Joy

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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 a registered childminder since 1999. She lives with her husband and two school age children aged six and eleven. They live in a bungalow close to Verwood town centre. Shops, parks and schools are nearby. All areas of the property are used for childminding, with the exception of the bedrooms. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have two cats. The childminder is registered for 5 children under 8 years and is currently minding 10

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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 children on a part-time basis. This includes 6 children under 5 years, 1 child aged between 5 and 8 years and 2 children aged over 8 years. The childminder welcomes children with special needs. She has an NVQ level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education and completed level 2 of the Quality First quality assurance scheme in July 2005. She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA), as well as a member of the local childminders' group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health and dietary needs are met because the childminder works closely with parents to ensure she has a thorough knowledge of what they are. Parents are made aware of the childminder's sickness policy so that she can take positive steps to prevent cross-infection. Good routines are consistently practised regarding food hygiene and nappy changing. Children are generally encouraged to be independent and develop healthy practices for themselves, such as washing their hands and learning to blow their noses. A healthy lifestyle is well promoted. Fresh air and exercise is encouraged through regular outdoor play in the garden and visits to the park. Information about the provision of healthy and nutritious food and drink is included in the information for parents. Children usually bring their own lunch boxes. Suitable procedures are followed to ensure the food is stored and prepared appropriately. Children sit

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Helping children to be healthy

comfortably at meal times in appropriately sized chairs. Babies are cuddled when they have their bottles and older children are encouraged to feed themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. A welcoming environment is offered where space is well organised so children have safe areas to play and are easily supervised. Children's work is displayed and there is an information board for parents. There is a wide range of stimulating and age-appropriate toys and equipment. Resources are clean and in good condition. Many toys are stored in child-height drawers or boxes so that children can access them easily. Children's safety is well promoted through the effective use of safety equipment and good support from the childminder. Children learn about road safety when going on outings and being careful of others when playing, such as keeping small items out of reach of babies. Good systems are in place to ensure emergencies can be dealt with effectively and efficiently. Evacuation procedures are shared with parents and practised with the children. Emergency strategies have been set up, so that additional support is

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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 available should it be required. A good awareness of child protection issues means children are safe and protected from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled. They form positive relationships with the childminder who is involved and interested in their play. Children learn to share and play co-operatively together. They are offered a good range of indoor and outdoor experiences to promote their development such as trips to the park, making animals from play dough, creating masks and dressing-up. Activities are organised to accommodate individual children's daily routines as well as being fun and exciting. Children move confidently around as they choose what they want to play with. Babies explore noisy and tactile toys, whilst others enjoy playing with the cars and puzzles. Monthly topics and activities are planned throughout the year, for example children record their height on the wall chart and take prints of their hands and feet when finding out about 'Ourselves'.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Effective partnership with parents means that children's individual requirements and parent's preferences are known and responded to. All children are valued and good arrangements are in place for supporting children with additional needs. Excellent systems are in place for sharing written and verbal information with parents, which keeps them up-to-date with their child's care and well-being. However, there is no formal system for responding to complaints. Pre-school children have daily diaries in which the childminder details their activities, what they have enjoyed and their routines, such as eating and sleeping. Children are confident and secure. Settling-in arrangements are agreed with parents and help children to develop a strong sense of belonging. Children have access to some resources to encourage their awareness of the wider community. They learn to play harmoniously together and develop confidence and respect for others. Children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

learn what is expected of them because the childminder provides clear and consistent boundaries that children understand. She guides their behaviour well with praise and encouragement.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are comfortable and at ease in the well-organised and caring environment. Space is well used so that children are easily supervised as they move around independently and safely. Documentation and procedures are in place to promote children's well-being and development, although records for detailing complaints are

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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 not included. Parents are provided with a welcoming and informative prospectus which is followed up with detailed policies clearly outlining the service provided and how children's care will be managed. Parents are well-informed about children's activities, progress and daily routines either verbally or through their daily diaries. Activities are planned around children's interests and to support their development. Incorporating an awareness of the diversity of society has not been fully considered when provided resources. Positive outcomes for children are promoted well because the childminder is qualified and committed to continually developing her service through further training. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that there are sufficient resources that provide positive images of disability. She has not increased her own resources in this area, although does borrow books from the library to provide children with some opportunities to become aware of the wider society.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop a system for recording and responding to complaints in accordance with current legislation • continue to develop the range of resources that provide positive images

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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 reflecting the diversity of society including 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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