Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY294986 Inspection date 21 December 2005 Inspector Keriann Belcher

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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 since 2004. She lives with her two daughters aged 4 and 6 years in Cippenham, in the County of Berkshire. The whole of the ground floor and the back bedroom is used for childminding. There is fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under 5 all day. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children.

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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 attends local toddler and childminding groups on a regular basis. The family have a pet cat and rabbit. 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 protected from illness and cross infection as the childminder does not care for them if they are sick. Children are learning good hygiene, such as washing their hands before eating. Children take part in regular exercise, which promotes good physical development. For example, going to the park and activity centres. Good policies are in place for medication, which ensures children are well cared for. Children enjoy a range of healthy snacks and meals, which are provided to meet their individual dietary requirements. They are able to access drinks at anytime.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children feel at ease as they are cared for in a warm, welcoming home. Their welfare is protected from potential hazards. The childminder has a good awareness of reducing danger in the areas of the home the children have access to. However, although a fire escape has been well thought out, it has not been practised with the children. This means that the children are not familiar as what to do in the event of an emergency. Children's needs are met by the suitable, safe range of equipment to meet their individual needs. For example, a highchair and car seats. Toys and equipment are stimulating and fun, ensuring the children want to play with them. Children benefit from the childminders secure understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection. For example, she knows the possible indicators of abuse and what to do if she suspects a child is being harmed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children have access to a range of toys and resources. These enable them to progress in all areas of their development, such as opportunities to develop their creativity through music and using art materials. For example, the children delight in

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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 exploring the glue, glitter and getting messy whilst making Christmas pictures. They move to and make music with simple instruments. Children's independence is promoted as they can self select toys from low level cupboards and boxes. The children are encouraged to learn self help skills such as using the toilet and feeding themselves. Children's confidence is developed by the positive relationship the childminder has with the them. For example, talking and listening to what the children are saying and doing.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children benefit from the good partnership between the childminder and the parents, which promotes the children's welfare and care. For example, the children's individual needs are discussed and recorded to promote a consistent approach to their care. Children's self esteem is raised by the childminders good attitude and commitment to treating them with equal concern. She does not accept any offensive remarks, attitudes or behaviour from children or adults. There are resources that reflect positive images of culture and gender. Children learn how to behave well as age appropriate methods are used by the childminder to manage unwanted behaviour. For example, giving children time out to consider their actions and explanations why the behaviour is not acceptable.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children's welfare is protected as the childminder is aware of her requirement to notify Ofsted of any significant changes which may effect the care of the minded children. She plans her day and week to provide a balance of activities, allowing for active play and relaxing activities.The children benefit from the childminders good use of space to allow them to play, learn and relax. Children's care is very well met by the effective use of documentation. For example, the childminder has developed a systematic approach to her record keeping and shares information with parents. The setting is meeting the needs of the range of the children for whom it provides care.

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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 N/A

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Complaints since the last inspection

There are no complainants to report. The provider is required to keep a record of complainants made by parents which they can see on request. The complainant record may contain complainants 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): • practice the fire evacuation procedure, so that children are prepared should there be an emergency situation.

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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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