Childminder in DorsetOfsted inspection, 25 Feb 2009

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY304885 Inspection date 25/02/2009 Inspector Carol Johnstone

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 11 in Weymouth, Dorset. The childminder works jointly with another childminder and an assistant. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years, three being in the early years age group when working alone and up to nine children when working with her co childminder and assistant. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently 11 children on roll aged from five months to seven years. Six children are in the early years age group and five are in the older age group. The childminder holds accreditation and takes funding for early education. She holds a level five qualification in childcare. The childminder is a member of the

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are settled and happy and are making good progress in their learning. Their welfare needs are met and regular risk assessments are carried out. All children are able to take part in all of the activities as they are adapted to meet their individual needs. The provision is well structured and organised with regular routines which helps the children to feel secure.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 further develop the processes for self-evaluation to include all areas of practice  continue to develop the assessment records to enable children's next steps to be clearly identified

p.3

provision

The childminder makes sure that her assistants are suitable to work with the children by carrying out full reference and police checks. They are deployed appropriately to the activities and are clear of their role. Regular risk assessments for the environment and also any outings are comprehensive and promote children's safety. The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding children and would be able to identify a child at risk from abuse. Policies and procedures are in place for all aspects of care, however, some need updating. Recommendations made at the last inspection have been implemented. In addition, the childminder has begun to evaluate the provision in some areas such as looking at healthy food choices with the children. However, the evaluation This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 process has not yet been developed to cover all aspects of the provision provided.

p.3

provision

There is a wide range of resources available, but not all of them are within easy reach of the children throughout the day. There are strong partnerships with parents and they are offered a daily diary if they wish to have one. There are also details of children's assessment records sent home regularly and daily discussion on arrival and collection of the children. Good attempts have been made to develop links with other childcare providers in the area who share the care of the children. There is a positive regard to inclusion within the practice and all children are encouraged to try all activities. Support is given for children who have additional needs and there are working relationships with parents and external agencies in order to provide the appropriate care required.

p.4

provision

The childminder is committed to her personal development and training in childcare as a way to continually improve outcomes for children. She has recently completed a degree and is currently working towards early years professional status.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very relaxed in the provision and there are good relationships between them, the childminder and her co-workers. Lots of cuddles are given to the very young children and babies and they are settled and content. Children are able to enjoy a good range of themed activities each day. Currently, they are looking at different countries of the world. Children examine maps and pictures of the Arctic Circle, they discuss the snow and are encouraged to think about what animals might live there. They read about igloos and then have an activity with a bucket of ice cubes to see if they can build one. They also enjoy finding the animals that are hidden in there and discuss what they might eat. One of the very young children present, examines an ice cube and rubs it on her hand and face to see what it feels like. Interaction from the childminder and co-workers is warm and stimulating and they encourage the children to think about what they are doing

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Regular observations are made of the children to record what they can do and many photos are taken. The next steps for children's learning are known informally and highlighted on pre-printed forms, but not always clearly identified in a user- friendly way so that co-workers are able to see them and facilitate them within the activities offered. Children have good opportunities to learn about the world around them and to explore different cultures and religions. There are celebrations during all religious festivals and the children make objects in relation to this such as candle holders and religious hats. Children are clearly motivated and enjoy their learning. There are very positive relationships between the children despite big age variations. They behave extremely well, sharing spontaneously and helping each other without being asked. Children are encouraged to use good manners and say please and thank you and staff are good role models in this, demonstrating respect

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

and politeness. Children learn about their own safety through contributing to house rules and there is also topic work about people that help in the community such as police, fire officers and paramedics. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are learning how to be healthy. There are topics about the body and there is a strong emphasis on learning about healthy food and exercise. Recently, parents were also involved in a project to examine the content of packed lunches to see how many of the food groups and 'five a day' choices they contained. This also involved the children painting pictures and making collages. Children have daily opportunities for exercise. When the weather is bad, children dance to music tapes and 'sticky kids' where they practise a range of movements such as hopping, jumping and balancing. In the garden, there is a range of play equipment and

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

there are also regular trips to local parks, play gyms and activity centres. In the summer, children visit the beach to build pyramids and sandcastles. This is also linked in when the children have a topic about Egypt and they visit a museum in a nearby town specialising in Egyptian artefacts. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.8

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.

p.8