Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY261260 Inspection date 07/12/2010 Inspector Samantha Powis

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since March 2003. She lives with her husband and their eleven-year-old daughter, in the Northbourne area of Bournemouth. The whole of the house is used for childminding, although care is primarily offered on the ground floor. There is a garden to the rear of the house for outdoor play. Access to the property is via several small steps.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to care for up to six children under the age of eight years. There are currently 12 children on roll, five of these are in the early years age range. The childminder attends local toddler groups and play areas and is able to collect children from some local schools. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled as the childminder builds excellent relationships with parents to ensure she understands and respects the individual needs of each child. Children benefit greatly from accessing a family home environment where they feel welcome, safe and included. Children are provided with a good range of activities and resources which are generally used well to support their learning and development. They enjoy many outings to activity groups and local places of interest. The childminder is committed to improving her own practice and attends frequent training and workshops to enable her to develop her own skills and knowledge to better support children's needs.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to explore the use of the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance to help provide a range of activities that challenge and support children's learning and development through their play  review the organisation of equipment and resources to allow children increased independent choice.

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the early years provision

Children's safety is promoted exceptionally well. The childminder has excellent procedures for assessing risks and ensures immediate steps are taken to minimise any hazards to children when in the home or on outings. The childminder has a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 clear understanding of her role and responsibilities with regards to safeguarding and has recently updated her training. Records and documentation are used very well to support children's ongoing safety and welfare; this includes the use of a visitor book to identify all those entering the home. Children's health is supported extremely well. The childminder reminds children to use a tissue for their nose and then encourages them to wash their hands afterwards to minimise the risk of germs being spread. Children are provided with healthy snacks, meals and drinks throughout the day in line with their individual dietary needs.

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the early years provision

Areas within the childminder's home are used well to support children's enjoyment and development. The childminder understands children's preferences and interests and ensures a good range of equipment and resources are available. Children are able to make choices, although sometimes due to the organisation and storage of toys and equipment, this requires the childminder to help them to access a particular item restricting their independence. The childminder provides children with activities out of doors, particularly during warmer weather, to enhance their enjoyment. Children benefit from regular outings to farms, beaches, forests and parks and also attend toddler group sessions where they have opportunities to mix with other children of a similar age.

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the early years provision

The childminder has started to implement systems to help her review her own practice, and identify areas for improvement. She is pro-active in seeking advice and support from other professionals and is committed to attending training and workshops to increase her own skills to benefit the children attending. The childminder has a positive attitude towards implementing changes to improve the outcomes for children and has addressed the recommendation raised at her last inspection by updating her written policies and obtaining further consents from parents to ensure that individual preferences are respected.

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the early years provision

Relationships established with parents are excellent, which means that all those involved work well together to ensure consistency and continuity for the children. For example, discussions about toilet training have enabled a child to progress easily through this developmental stage. Parents are provided with detailed information about the service the childminder provides and about the Early Years Foundation Stage. They receive verbal feedback about events in their child's day, backed up by a written diary. The development records and observations which the childminder maintains for each child are regularly shared with parents. This gives them an insight into their child's progress and encourages them to share what they know to help the childminder to plan the next step. Parents state that they are very happy with the service the childminder provides. The childminder has set up a three way diary with other settings children attend, to help promote

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled and form a strong bond with the childminder. She dedicates her time to supporting them as they play, involving herself in their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 conversations to support their learning and development. Children are very confident and explore the resources available to them and ask for others to play with as they wish. Children are encouraged to participate in a range of activities, which are based on the childminder's understanding of children's preferences. However, at times, some of these activities are not of an appropriate level to ensure children are supported and challenged appropriately. For example, children enjoy making their own Christmas pictures, however, some of the resources available are difficult for the children to handle, which means they are unable to participate independently. They play well together and join in enthusiastically.

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and outcomes for children

Musical toys are enjoyed by all the children. They take turns to use the drum and bells and try repeatedly to blow on the trumpet showing real determination. They enjoy sharing a book which they have chosen from the book shelf, they all sit comfortably on the sofa together, listening and watching with interest. Children learn to share and take turns as they play and receive regular praise and encouragement from the childminder. They understand boundaries and expectations with regards to their behaviour as the childminder is consistent in her approach. Children play imaginatively with the role play resources which are identified as a particular favourite and are therefore, always accessible.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder makes regular observations of the children as they play. This helps her to record children's progress and plan activities that will interest the children in the future. This ensures children are keen to become involved and are making good progress in all areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children start to learn about safety as they take part in practising the emergency evacuation procedures. The childminder discusses safety with the children, helping them to learn how to keep themselves safe. Children are learning positive routines to promote their own health. They learn about how to maintain a healthy heart and with the help of the crocodile puppet, learn the importance of brushing their teeth well. Children are encouraged to be active and engage in physical activities to support their health and regularly have opportunities to use a range of equipment when attending activity groups, going to the park or using the garden. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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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 1 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

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Stage

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

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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

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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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