Childminder in Bristol

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 EY219750 Inspection date 04/06/2009 Inspector Timothy Butcher

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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 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 lives with her husband and two children aged seven months and 12 years in Bedminster, Bristol. The whole of the property is used for childminding except for a first floor bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for five children under-eight years of age of these two may be with in the early years age range and of these none may be under one year. The setting is also registered on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently minding three children of these two are over five years. The property is within walking distance of the local primary school, children’s groups, park and shops. The childminder has use of a car.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children make good progress in their learning. They enjoy their time with the childminder as she places strong emphasis on the provision of activities and learning opportunities that follow their interests and that meet their individual needs well. Their welfare is strongly promoted because the childminder has carried out a thorough risk assessment of the premises and has minimised potential risks to children. There are no breaches of specific requirements and the setting's documentation supports the provision of a suitably inclusive service. The provider has begun to evaluate some aspects of the provision and demonstrates a clear capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop assessment systems in order to match the observations of children to the expectations of the learning goals and to identify learning priorities for each child, for example, for children to use a range of information technology that supports their learning  review the childrens's safeguarding procedure to be explicit about the timescales involved in contacting Ofsted

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provision

The childminder manages daily routines effectively to accommodate the individual needs of the children that attend. She ensures that children go out each day and makes discerning use of a good number of toddler groups and other community resources. Children enjoy a safe and secure environment in which to play. The childminder is well-organised and has policies and procedures in place that support the safe and smooth running of the setting. These are comprehensive, unique to the setting and reflect the childminder's inclusive approach. Children are treated with respect and as individuals. Time, space and resources are used well to create This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 an enabling environment that meets the needs of each child. Children sit at a comfortable height on child-sized furniture to follow creative activities. Safety measures such as stair-gates prevent children from straying into areas

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provision

unsupervised and visual checks are routinely carried out. The childminder has a sound understanding of how to safeguard children should she have a concern. She has a clear awareness of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse. As a result children are safeguarded. The safeguarding policy itself does not sufficiently identify the timescales involved should a child protection allegation be made against her.

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provision

The childminder establishes a strong partnership with parents and carers. Effective links with parents ensure that there is a good exchange of information on a day-to- day basis. The care arrangements are thoroughly discussed and agreed. There is a good two-way flow of information. A daily diary provides useful information about a child's naps, nappy changes and feeds. This contributes to the good continuity of care for children. Their individual care needs are identified and closely met. Parents and carers are asked to share what they know about their child initially and asked to give ongoing feedback on the quality of care that is provided, for example, through the questionnaire. They report very positively on the care provided, the range of activities and outings, and the flexible service that the childminder provides. Information about children's progress in learning is not yet comprehensively shared with parents. The learning profiles, although a record of

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provision

children's achievements, lack organisation. The childminder has yet to liaise with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a good range of activities and play opportunities for children to meet their general developmental needs across each area of learning. Children make good progress in their learning and development given their starting points. The childminder has a good understanding of child development. She confidently supports their learning through play. She has a clear awareness of each child's abilities and makes reference to the practice guidance cards when planning activities for them. Children receive suitable challenge. However, the process that tracks children's progress within the Early Years Foundation Stage is not yet systematic. As a consequence, planning is not focused on what children need to learn next and so their learning is not always maximised. Children enjoy warm interactions with the childminder who creates a welcoming and homely environment. They are relaxed and at ease with her. She helps them feel secure

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

through her careful and skilful support. As a result, they grow in confidence and have positive experiences that support their sense of worth and belonging. They are happy and settle quickly upon arrival.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of each child's background and uses this knowledge to support their play, for example, she makes imaginative play with small world figures more meaningful to children by reference to the people who are familiar to them. They exercise choice throughout the day and a good balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities is achieved. The childminder is responsive to the interests of children for example, by finding other resources when a child This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 shows extended interest in an activity. The childminder enhances the range of learning opportunities for children further through a range of trips out such as to the beach where children make sand castles and to soft play areas where they enjoy physical activity. Children enjoy many creative activities both within the home and at the regular visits to toddler groups. The childminder uses some open-

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

ended questions to extend children's thinking and introduces key words such as 'bigger' and 'smaller' to develop language.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Good arrangements exist to ensure children's health and safety. They learn about road safety on the many trips out with the childminder and at home she offers explanation and discussion to teach them about potential hazards, such as to be aware of the space around them when there are young babies present. Children's good health is generally promoted well. They enjoy regular, nutritious meals which take account of their particular dietary requirements. They have their drinking bottles kept readily at hand so that they have independent access. They learn about the importance of good hygiene such as they wash their hands carefully after using play dough and before eating. Those in nappies have their nappies regularly checked or changed to ensure that they are kept comfortable. 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? 3 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? 3

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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? 2 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

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