Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY300197 Inspection date 10/09/2010 Inspector Lorraine Sparey

p.1

Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

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.3

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.3

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.

p.3

Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in January 2005. She lives with her husband, adult son and 2 children in Charminster, a suburb of Bournemouth. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding. One of the bedrooms is used for sleeping and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the voluntary and compulsory Childcare Register. A maximum of five children may attend any one time, of these three may be in the early years age group. There are currently 17 children on roll, of whom four are in the early years age group. The childminder is also registered to provide overnight care for two children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She walks to a local school and preschool to take and collect children and visits the local parks.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are very content and secure in the childminder's welcoming and homely environment. They participate in a broad range of activities and play opportunities linked to their individual interests, enabling them to make good progress in their development and learning. The childminder clearly knows children's individual needs and has effective procedures in place to liaise with parents and other early years professionals to ensure children's requirements are well met. The childminder has devised secure systems to ensure continual improvement. The recommendation from the previous inspection has been addressed supporting positive outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure that the information gathered from observations and assessments is used effectively to plan the next steps in children's learning in all areas of their development

p.4

the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder has clear understanding of child protection procedures. She has attended training and is able to demonstrate a clear knowledge of possible signs and symptoms and effective procedures to follow in the event of a concern being raised. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 completes detailed risk assessments to ensure the environment is safe and secure, enabling children to freely move between the various play areas, including the outdoor area. In addition, risk assessments are completed before going on any outings to promote children's safety. The childminder employs assistants and ensures all adults coming into contact with children are suitable to do so.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has developed successful systems to monitor and evaluate the provision. She is very committed to training and has recently attended health and safety and food hygiene courses to update her knowledge. Regular meetings with other early years providers enables the childminder to share good practice and discuss relevant issues. For example, the childminder is reviewing her observations after discussion with other childminders. The childminder involves parents and children in reviewing her practices. She has recently completed the Bournemouth Quality Standards scheme which examines her practice in depth.

p.5

the early years provision

The space and resources are used effectively to enable children to freely move around the environment depending on their preferences. A wide range of age appropriate resources are available for all children, toys and play opportunities to support children's understanding about valuing differences. Children explore various festivals in Eid and Chinese New Year. Photographs of the children and their work are in the playroom, enabling them to gain a strong sense of belonging.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder fosters excellent relationships with parents and carers. A comprehensive parent and policy pack ensures they are provided with good quality information. A written daily diary provides opportunities for the childminder to share the child's progress with the parents and for them to make comments as they wish. Parents report that their children are happy with the childminder, making good progress and particularly benefit from the childminder's warm, loving and caring approach. They feel that the childminder is good at communicating with them enabling them to feel involved. The childminder has implemented good systems to share information with other early years settings that the children attend to ensure a consistent approach.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are confident and relaxed in the childminder's care. Their individual needs are effectively met as the childminder tailors activities and play opportunities to meet their specific requirements. Children participate in a broad range of quality play and learning opportunities. They benefit from the childminder knowing when to support the children and when to stand back, encouraging them to develop their own ideas using their imagination. Children are making good progress because the childminder knows their individual interests and their emotional development is particularly well supported. Children are confident to go to the childminder for cuddles and often choose to sit on her lap when she is playing with them on the floor. Children enjoy putting balls into various holes, recognising that each one makes a different sound. The childminder suggests putting on some music and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

children use the variety of instruments to explore different sounds. Children eagerly join in and are good at sharing, taking turns well. Children benefit from regular stories, singing and rhymes to increase their language development. They also visit the library to choose their own books. They receive good levels of support and at different times throughout the day the childminder ensures each child has some individual time to concentrate on developing particular skills. Children benefit from regular outings to local places of interest, such as Avon country Park where they follow the nature trail and are encouraged to build dens.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder plans and provides a range of learning opportunities exploring different textures, colours and tools.For example, using rice with a variety of utensils. She ensures that all children are included and effectively challenged. For example, during a dough activity younger children can explore the dough with simple cutters while the older children are encouraged to roll and mould it. The childminder completes regular observations that do not fully link to the various areas of learning and therefore the next steps are not always effectively planned for.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children have good opportunities to learn about healthy lifestyles, they follow good hygiene practices and benefit from healthy nutritious snacks. The childminder sits with the children at mealtimes to promote good manners and socialising at mealtimes. Children are well behaved and show consideration to their peers, often sharing without being prompted. Older children are encouraged to be positive role models along with the childminder to help the younger children understand the boundaries and expectations. Children learn about safety issues through discussion. Older children understand that when the younger children are playing with them they have to consider if the toys are safe for them. Children are familiar with evacuation procedures because they practice them on a regular basis, ensuring they know how to exit the building quickly and safely. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

Stage

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8