Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY244564 Inspection date 02 March 2006 Inspector Lorraine Sparey

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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 was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and two children aged 6 and 3 years in Poole. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. On occasions the childminder's husband works as an assistant. A maximum of three children may attend at any one time. There are currently five children on the roll, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder supports children with special needs. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends several local toddler group in the local community.

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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 qualified in National Nursery Examination Board and a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's understanding of good personal hygiene practices is well promoted through everyday routines, for example, children automatically wipe their own hands and face after lunch, with baby wipes. They are encouraged to wash their hands after toileting and before lunch, using the resources provided; these encourage independence, such as liquid soap and towels. Children learn about protecting themselves from germs. They use tissues to blow their noses and dispose of these appropriately. However, some practices do not support their general well being by reducing the risk of cross infection, such as sharing towels. Children are well protected in the event of an accident or if they require medication. Both the childminder and her assistant are qualified in first aid and have good procedures in place to promote children's health. Children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle is effectively promoted through projects

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Helping children to be healthy

and discussions. Children learn about healthy food and enjoy food tasting sessions. Their meals and snacks are supplied by parents and supplemented by the childminder. Children benefit from attending a "make and munch" session promoting the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables. Children have access to water throughout the day. The childminder encourages them to have regular drinks to maintain their fluid levels. Children have lots of opportunities to develop the physical skills both indoors and outside. They walk to and from school with the childminder. They benefit from lots of outings in the community, to the local park and toddler groups. Children develop their muscle control through a wide range of physical activities. These include gardening, bouncing, balancing and climbing both at the childminder's house and at a local soft play area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and secure environment. The childminder ensures all the play areas are suitable with a clear space for the children to explore. There are good procedures to ensure children are kept safe while sleeping upstairs. Children can safely choose from a broad range of well maintained toys. All toys and equipment conform to British standards and are cleaned on a regular basis to maintain their continued suitability. Children learn to take responsibility for their own safety. For example, when jumping they know they must have a clear space otherwise they may fall over and hurt themselves. The childminder teaches children to negotiate hazards, such as the

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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 stairs. Children's safety is promoted on outings through the childminder implementing effective procedures. These include completing a risk assessment, using reins and teaching children about road safety and stranger danger. The childminder has very clear knowledge and understanding of child protection. She has attended many courses and is confident with signs and symptoms of abuse. Parents are given information on her role and responsibility in keeping children safe from harm and neglect.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and relaxed in the childminder's care. They develop new skills and confidence through the well planned activities, such as gardening and creative play. Children plant seeds and vegetables in their own area in the garden, and delight in tending to them and watching them grow. Children enjoy a range of outings to places of local interest, such as Farmer Palmers where they can hand feeds piglets and calves and hold the guinea pigs. Children benefit from the close relationships they develop with the childminder and her assistant. They confidently talk with them at lunchtime about their morning. One child excitedly recalls their visit to the local theatre. The childminder includes the other children in the conversation, reminding them that they had done a drawing. Children develop their own ideas during role-play using their imagination and imitating the childminder, for example, one child changes the doll's nappy and then

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

gives her a drink. Children develop good social skills through their visits to structured toddler groups and meeting up with other minded children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the community they live in. Children attend local toddler groups, they walk to and from school discussing things they see and they visit the library and local park. Children benefit from the childminder's knowledge of their family. Two of the children are going on holiday, for example, and the childminder chose books about the country they are visiting. Children's understanding of the wider world is increased by celebrating various festivals throughout the year, in particular Chinese New Year and Diwali. Children with special or additional needs are well supported. The childminder has good procedures in place to ensure their individual needs are met. Children learn to take responsibility for their behaviour. They show consideration to their peers and are well mannered. All children say thank you for their lunch and ask to leave the table. A child passes another child his cup when he gets up from his

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Helping children make a positive contribution

sleep. They co-operate with each other as they pack away the toys. Children's self esteem is promoted by the childminder's excellent use of praise.

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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 The childminder has very good relationships with parents. She provides detailed written diaries about what the children have done during the day including nappy changing, outings and activities they have enjoyed. She has devised a wide range of policies which are shared with parents covering all aspects of the service.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to training to increase her knowledge and understanding of up-to-date childcare practices. Children enjoy the added support from her husband who acts as her assistant. They are very confident, happy and secure with him. Children confidently move and explore the whole of the ground floor. The resources and space are used effectively to support them in their play. For example, during role-play children move between the playroom and the lounge pretending they are going to the shop or the park. Toys are available in both play areas. This promotes and supports children's choices in their play. The childminder provides resources to support children's independence in their personal care, however some practices do not minimise cross infection. The childminder is well organised in her documentation. She has a range of policies and procedures which are updated to ensure they are reflective of her current

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Organisation

practice. She uses NCMA publications to ensure parents are involved in the agreements reached. Documentation is stored appropriately to maintain confidentiality. This supports her in providing good quality care. 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 provider agreed to ensure she obtained written permission from parents for her assistant on occasions to be left in sole charge of the children. She has addressed this and this ensures children are cared for by suitable adults and parents are well-informed.

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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

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 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 all hygiene practices limit cross infection

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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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