Childminder in Dorset

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY221719 Inspection date 20 April 2006 Inspector Bridget Copson

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 9, 6 and 2 years in Blandford town, Dorset. Minded children have access to the sitting room, dining room, kitchen and toilet on the ground floor. There is a garden at the back of the house. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 2 children at any one time. She currently cares for 4 children under 8 years and 1 child over 8 years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The family do not keep any pets.

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for within a generally clean and hygienic environment where the childminder has some systems in place to prevent the spread of infection. For example, regular cleaning of her home, equipment and toys, disinfecting the changing mat after use and excluding sick or infectious children. However, the childminder does not wear disposable gloves when changing soiled nappies to further prevent the spread of infection. Children learn about managing good personal hygiene appropriately through hand washing routines and using their own individual hand towels and flannels. Children enjoy a good range of activities and play provision to support their physical development and fitness. For example, they dance to music and songs and roll tennis balls to each other on the floor indoors and younger children use push along toys to practise new mobility skills. In addition, children use large and small scale

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Helping children to be healthy

toys in the garden and enjoy walks and trips to the parks, playground and indoor soft play centre each week. Children learn about healthy eating habits through enjoying some nutritious foods at snack times. For example, they are offered fresh and dried fruits as well as biscuits with drinks of water or juice. Children have access to drinks regularly to ensure they do not get thirsty. Children's health, medical and dietary needs are met appropriately in most areas by the childminder. She keeps written records from parents regarding the care required and provides written details of any accidents for parents to sign for consistency of care. However, the childminder obtains a general overall written permission from parents to administer medication. This does not include details of what is to be given, when or the doses required. Parents then sign each day to acknowledge what medication has been administered and at what times. This does not ensure children's

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Helping children to be healthy

medical needs are being met accurately and according to parents wishes. The childminder holds an appropriate first aid certificate and kit to support her in caring for children appropriately in the event of an accident.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for within a suitable family home which is organised to provide them with lots of open space. This allows children to enjoy large scale activities indoors and the freedom to play freely and unhindered. Children are generally kept safe and secure. There are some measures in place to protect them indoors, for example, door and window locks, hazardous substances high out of reach, a stair gate and socket covers. However, the garden has steps leading to the raised lawn above. This area has an open drop down to the concrete path about three feet below. The drop is not secured and therefore a potential hazard to children's safety. Children learn about safety through practical activities and the childminder's guidance. For example, learning about road safety on walks, managing steps and older children

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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 learning about safety on the trampoline. Children of all ages access toys freely and independently from open floor boxes, mats and storage units within the sitting room. Younger children do not have access to anything unsuitable or unsafe, such as Lego, which the childminder keeps upstairs. Children are protected appropriately by the childminder who has systems in place to safeguard their welfare. For example, close supervision and details of adults authorised to collect children. In addition, she has a suitable understanding of child protection issues and procedures to support her in keeping children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a good range of activities and play provision to support their learning and development in all areas. For example, children build with Lego, train tracks and bricks and use puzzles, games, threading and sensory activities to support their manipulative skills. They also use their imaginations well with an extensive choice of dressing up clothes and outfits, music, singing and dancing, role play and small world sets. In addition, they enjoy different creative activities, such as drawing, painting, sticking, cookery and toddler group activities and enjoy a good choice of story and reference books. Children benefit from many other activities throughout the week, such as playing and making friends at toddler group, enjoying active play in the soft play centre and lots of local walks. Younger children's learning and development is planned well by the childminder who uses her knowledge of the Birth to three matters framework and children's individual

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

interests to create simple weekly plans of themed activities. For example, this week children learn about colours through exploring books, art and craft and discussing what they see. This supports them in making simple connections with their learning whilst having fun. The childminder interacts in children's play with enthusiasm and observes them well. She uses her observations to plan their next steps through extending planned activities each week, asking more challenging questions and encouraging children to make decisions. Children are learning and developing well. They show a strong sense of well-being and are developing good independence. For example, children are happy and active, they seek out favourite toys with excitement, focus well on their play and know where and how to tidy toys up. Children communicate well and are learning new words regularly. For example, children name things they recognise in books and the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

childminder teaches them new words which they later recognise. Children use their imagination well, playing with role play, art and craft, small world toys and music. The childminder also joins in organised activities, such as dancing to music with scarves and dressing up clothes.

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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 provision is satisfactory. Children are all treated equally and fairly by the childminder who has effective systems in place to ensure they are all included. For example, she plans activities each week according to those present and actively discourages gender stereotyping to ensure no child is excluded from any activity. Children's individual needs are met appropriately in most areas by the childminder through information sought from parents, record keeping and offering children activities that interest and stimulate them. Children learn about diversity through some play provision which reflects positive images of different cultures and through meeting many different people within their local community. The childminder is aware of the need to ensure she has the appropriate resources and information to care for children with any additional

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Helping children make a positive contribution

needs. Children behave well and are learning what is expected of them. For example, they are learning to say 'please' and 'thank you' well, to share and to help tidy up when asked. Their behaviour is managed consistently and appropriately by the childminder. She creates a positive environment within which children are happy, settled and show a good sense of belonging. Children are cared for appropriately and according to parents' wishes in most areas. For example, parents complete child record forms and consent sheets for outings and emergency care. The childminder discusses the care she provides and children's needs, but does not have written agreements in place with most parents. As a result, this system is not effective in ensuring children are cared for consistently and according to parents' wishes in all areas. Parents are kept informed of their child's progress and well-being through daily communication and home books for younger

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are cared for appropriately by the childminder who attends training courses to update her knowledge and skills and to support her in meeting children's needs. For example, first aid, child protection, Birth to three matters-an introduction and Birth to three matters-planning play. Children are cared for within a suitable environment which is organised effectively to meet their needs. For example, open space in the sitting room for large scale play and physical activities, sofas for cuddles and quiet play and the dining room for meals and messy play. There is also a children's bed in the corner of the sitting room for rest times. The provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend. The childminder has some systems in place for monitoring the quality of care she offers. For example, checking safety measures are in place before children arrive, ensuring only suitable toys are available if younger children are present and planning

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Organisation

activities each week. However, this system is not effective in ensuring all aspects of the provision are monitored. For example, some areas of health and safety, agreements with parents and ensuring all regulations are met.

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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 childminder keeps all documentation relating to children in separate sleeves within a folder to maintain confidentiality. Her documentation is suitably organised to allow her to access information easily. However, the childminder does not always inform Ofsted of significant changes to her provision. She has had an extension built to the exterior of her home and had the garden re-landscaped. As a result, the changes have not been approved and outdoor area does potentially put minded children at risk.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to improve children's safety by ensuring the rear garden area is secure. She also agreed to request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, and ensure that a first aid kit is available at all times. The childminder has erected new fence panels in the garden to keep children secure within the area. However, following the recent re-landscaping of the garden, other potential safety issues are present. The childminder has obtained written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. She also keeps a first aid kit which is available at all times. This all supports her in meeting children's health and medical needs.

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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 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): • obtain written permission from parents for each medication to be administered to children, including details of the times and doses required

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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 • ensure the raised garden is made safe and secure • develop written agreements with parents to ensure children are cared for consistently and according to their wishes in all areas of the provision • inform Ofsted of any significant changes to the premises at the earliest opportunity

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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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