Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY225798 Inspection date 23/03/2009 Inspector Dinah Round

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder registered to care for children in 2002. She lives with her husband who is also a registered childminder, and her daughter aged 11 years. They live in a house in Poole, in Dorset, close to local shops and a park. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Toilet and sleeping facilities are provided on the first floor. The family has one dog, two guinea pigs and two chickens to which the children have supervised access.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. When working with a co-childminder, together they may care for a maximum of nine children. They are currently caring for eight children in the early years age between them, and provide overnight care for one child in the early years age group. The childminder has a Level 3 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and is currently studying towards a Foundation Degree in early years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder and her co- childminder provide a happy, welcoming environment in which children's welfare is successfully promoted. Children are valued, their individual needs are met effectively and they are making good progress in their learning and development. The strong partnerships with parents and other providers means that the continuity of care and learning for children is extremely well promoted. The childminder and her co-childminder continue to review their provision and take effective steps to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 further promote children's development by reviewing play opportunties to ensure they provide a balance of learning experiences and activities  provide opportunities for children to get involved in identifying risks to help further their understanding of how to stay safe.

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provision

The provision is very well organised with all necessary records maintained which helps to ensure children's safety and welfare. The childminder has developed clear policies and procedures to inform parents of her practice, which she follows to promote children's care and learning. Detailed risk assessments are completed by her co-childminder for all areas children use, the activities they take part in and for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 any outings. This ensures that risks to children are identified and minimised and allows children to keep safe in their play. The childminder has a secure understanding of her responsibilities to protect children and is confident to follow the necessary procedures in the event of concerns about a child.

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provision

The childminder knows the children well and ongoing communication with her co- childminder ensures routines are flexible and that children are well supported. For example, plans to have lunch as soon as children arrive home from pre-school are delayed as the children want to play outside for a while. The childminder is committed to attending training and workshops to develop her practice, such as introduction to special education needs and inclusion. The childminder has a positive attitude to the ongoing development of her provision and links closely with her co-childminder to help build on children's learning and development.

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provision

Children benefit from the excellent partnerships established with parents and others. The effective key worker systems in place means each childminder has responsibility for particular children, carrying out observations and assessments, and liaising with parents to actively involve them in their child's development. There is a continual exchange of information about children's welfare and learning including communication with other early years settings the children attend. This is through the use of the home-link diary for all children which helps to promote continuity of care and learning. Parents are kept well informed about the provision through the comprehensive information provided, including the prospectus, notices, newsletters and a website. Parent questionnaires are sent out to seek parents' views to help improve the service offered to children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy, settled and secure in the warm, child-orientated environment provided. The well-organised play space ensures that all children can move about freely and safely between rooms and choose from a good range of age appropriate play provision. Children communicate well through listening and answering questions, and talking freely. They benefit from the positive interaction by the childminder who offers good levels of support and encouragement to help children make progress in their learning. For example, children concentrate carefully and show good control as they cut up their fruit at snack time and the childminder supports them in counting the pieces of banana. The childminder has a secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage which she uses to record observations of children's progress and plan for their next steps. Children are provided with a wide range of interesting play experiences and activities which

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

include regular outings. Children have good opportunities to be creative and explore sensory play materials, such as paint, gloop and cooking activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children show curiosity as they observe the egg being collected from the hen's cage and eagerly tell their friends who arrive back from pre-school. Children's independence is fostered well, as resources are easily accessible and children confidently make choices in their play. They enjoy both indoor and outdoor play experiences, although, at times, full consideration is not given to the balance of activities and children can spend most of the morning on one particular activity, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 such as the computer. Children gain an understanding of their local community and the wider world through the many outings, and planned activities around different festivals and celebrations. Children are polite, and are learning to share and play together. They receive regular praise from the childminder which builds their confidence and self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and well-being are extremely well supported. Their physical development is promoted very well as they enjoy good opportunities to be active and play outside, and have use of large play equipment through regular visit to parks and indoor soft play environments. Children learn about the importance of keeping healthy through ongoing discussion with the childminder and confidently tell others 'I've got healthy yoghurt'. Effective hygiene routines are followed which successfully minimises the risks of cross-infection and protects children. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure her home is safe and secure. Children are taught about road safety when on outings and take part in evacuation practices which helps keep them safe. Opportunities to further develop children's understanding and involve them in risk assessing are not explored. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted.

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Detail of the complaint/s

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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