Childminder in Dorset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 153378 Inspection date 30 June 2005 Inspector Brenda Joan Flewitt

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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 2001. She lives with her partner in Bridport, Dorset. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding which includes toilet facilities. Sleeping facilities and extra toilet facilities are provided on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. She is currently minding four children under five years and three school aged children on a part time basis. The childminder also cares for children over the age of eight years.

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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 holds an NNEB qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is promoted at all times. They are cared for in a warm, clean and well-maintained home where they learn good procedures for their own personal hygiene, through discussion and example. From a young age children start to realise that their hands should be clean before eating. Children independently use the facilities available on the ground floor. Children easily access drinks throughout the day, as the childminder makes sure their individual cups are within their reach and are replenished as necessary. Children make choices at meal times from food provided by the parents, and enjoy nutritious snacks such as fruit, biscuits or toast. Children respond well to a semi-structured routine which includes a good balance of physical activity, times to be outside and quiet times. They are regularly involved in activities which help their physical development. These include playing in the garden,

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Helping children to be healthy

swimming, going for walks and using the swings and slides in the play park. Children also enjoy the weekly 'gym tot' session where they join a group activity that includes singing action songs and taking part in parachute games.

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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 safe and secure home where hazards and risks are identified and minimised. The children move around in safety to take part in a variety of activities. For example, they can easily reach the toys which are arranged on the floor or stored in low boxes. Children are well protected on outings through the childminder's safe procedures which include visiting child orientated venues and using appropriate car seats and restraints. They learn what to do in an emergency situation within the home as they are regularly involved in discussion and fire practices. The pre-school aged children have helped in producing a fire symbol which is used as a visual aid during the fire procedure. The childminder's sound understanding of child protection issues and the Area Child Protection Committee procedures contributes towards the children's safety and welfare.

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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 The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and secure in their childminder's care. They gain confidence in making choices and asking for help when they need it. They make good relationships with the childminder and each other. For instance, the children often talk about other minded children as the childminder provides many opportunities for discussion and conversation. Children are involved in a broad range of activities and experiences that promote learning in all areas of development. This includes dough, craft, listening to stories, construction and role play. They enjoy acting out real life situations like buying fuel for the car or cooking lunch. Children are developing skills in using small equipment independently such as, cutting paper with scissors or, with the youngest children,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

learning to feed themselves with a spoon. The children's days include a variety of visits outside the home where they explore their local environment, meet other people and have opportunities to use a wider range of play equipment. They regularly visit other childminders where they get to know and trust additional adults, and socialise with children of a similar age. They enjoy going on outings to venues like 'The Barn' where they learn about animals, which includes helping to feed the babies. As a result, children develop a positive attitude to the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children attending enjoy the company of their childminder and other children. The youngest children observe and learn from the older ones, which helps them develop confidence and skills. They feel a sense of belonging as they see themselves in photographs and recall activities they have previously enjoyed. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder knows each child well through positive interaction while supporting their activities, and effective communication with parents. Most children join in activities appropriate to their age and stage of development, however the youngest children cannot always easily access the most suitable resources. Children behave well. From an early age they learn to share and take turns. They all help tidy away the toys they have played with. Children understand what is expected as the childminder takes times to explain reasons for requests.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the childminder's open and professional relationship with parents. The childminder promotes good communication between herself and parents. This includes clear information about the setting, photographs of the children enjoying activities and daily opportunities for discussion. This contributes to the children's individual needs being met effectively.

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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 The organisation is good. The good organisation of time and premises leads to children being active in a safe environment, and independence skills being promoted. However, the youngest children cannot always select a full range of developmentally appropriate activities for themselves, due to the storage arrangements. The regular activities organised with other childminders means that children gain confidence with other familiar adults. Therefore, in the event of the childminder being unavailable such as for holidays or sickness, the children settle more easily with an alternative childminder they already know. Records and documentation are well organised and up to date. Policies and procedures are used effectively to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. However, this does not include the necessary replacement of first aid

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Organisation

equipment, some resources are out of date. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection, the childminder has improved the system for recording the children's attendance, which is now kept up to date. She has obtained written parental consent to seek medical treatment in an emergency, for each child. This means that all the required written parental consents are in place. The childminder has attended a course to develop her knowledge and understanding of how to promote equal opportunities. As a result, the children develop an open attitude towards all people, they see positive images of a diverse society during their play activities and visits into the local community.

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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

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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 take account of the following recommendation(s): • review the organisation of the play equipment so as to improve the youngest children's opportunities to spontaneously select a full range of activities for themselves. • ensure that the contents of the first aid box are checked frequently and replaced as necessary.

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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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