Childminder in Bristol

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY356023 Inspection date 13/12/2010 Inspector Debbie Starr

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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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her child, aged four years old, in a Victorian end terraced property in Knowle, Bristol. Childminding takes place predominantly on the ground floor and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is currently caring for four children within the age range of the Early Years Register and two children within the age range of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder takes children to and collects from local schools and takes children to local parks, farms, groups and places of interest. The childminder receives support from the local authority.

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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

The childminder effectively identifies, plans and meets the individual needs of each child in her care, enabling her to promote their welfare and development effectively well overall. The childminder's good knowledge and understanding of how children learn through activities that reflect their interests support children to make good progress in their learning and development. Effective partnerships with most parents ensure continuity in most children's care, learning and development. Partnerships with other early years providers are well established. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment towards developing her practice and targeting future plans for continuous improvement. Effective use of self-evaluation enables the childminder to identify her strengths and most areas for development, thus ensuring the outcomes for children are good.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the two-way flow of information with all parents to ensure continuity in children's care learning and development  update the record of risk assessment to include any assessment of risks for outings and trips. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded well because the childminder has a good knowledge of child protection issues and understands the procedures she should follow if she has a concern about a child. Appropriate arrangements ensure all adults in the household have undergone suitable vetting procedures. All required records relating to children are appropriate and shared with parents. Daily visual checks ensure children are cared for in a hygienic, safe and secure environment. Appropriate documentation is kept for the assessment of risk for all areas of the home but has not been extended to include outings. Children's well-being is, however, safeguarded well overall. Children easily access an interesting range of good quality toys and resources that support their play and reflect their interests. Visits to a wide variety of local places of interest on a regular basis, such as museums, the zoo, community farm and animal centres, promote children's

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the early years provision

awareness of their local community. The childminder has a good knowledge of individual children's backgrounds and needs overall, and reflects this through activities and experiences that promote an understanding of the wider world.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to her continuous improvement through effective self-evaluation that is well targeted in most areas of her practice. She is committed to developing her understanding of early years through training. She recently commenced a Foundation Degree in Early Years and has consolidated her understanding of safeguarding. She seeks the views of parents and incorporates their suggestions such as extending her menu. Regular meetings with the local early years advisor promote her understanding of how to develop challenging activities for all children. Recommendations from the last inspection have been addressed fully. Consequently the outcomes for children are good.

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the early years provision

The childminder builds good relationships with parents overall. They are well informed about her practice through discussion, written policies and procedures and the clear display of information. She regularly exchanges information about children's interests and achievements. She gives regular feedback about her focus for each individual child's next steps in learning and encourages parents to share information from home. This two way flow of information is not yet fully effective for all children. The childminder develops effective links with other early years providers that children attend and other caring agencies. This regular exchange of information ensures that children's achievements and well-being are promoted well.

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and outcomes for children

Children are at ease, secure and settle quickly with the childminder because she takes account of their individual needs and ensures that activities and resources reflect their age and stage of development.. Children make good progress because This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the childminder uses her observations of what children know and do to identify and individually plan for their next steps in learning through their interests. Discussion and information gained when children first start contribute effectively to this process of assessment. The thoughtful layout of her home invites children to be curious. Children make themselves comfortable on large cushions positioned next to a wide range of books on shelves and baskets at floor level. They are eager to sit with the childminder who ensures that all children can participate. Thoughtful open-ended questions encourage children to develop their own ideas.

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and outcomes for children

They are encouraged to recognise expression on faces, make links between what they see and their past experiences, such as what to wear in cold weather and to recall living things they have seen, for example, goslings at a wildfowl trust. Children look at pictures and talk about washing their teeth. They develop an understanding of rhythm as they repeat familiar words and their language is extended. Younger children are fascinated by books offering interesting textured pictures and are offered descriptive words to reflect what they are touching. Young children's communication is supported effectively through the use of sign language throughout the day. Children's interests in boats and pirates are developed through visits to the harbourside, books, imaginative play and trips to local attractions. Young children develop problem solving skills when showing interest in placing pegs in holes. They mirror the childminder and are intrigued as to where the pegs

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and outcomes for children

have gone. Young children persevere manipulating the pegs until they fit and are pushed through to the underside. Children use mathematical language and are intrigued by comparison of height, recalling a favourite character in a book when building a tower of connecting blocks. Frequent visits to a science and technology centre provide excellent opportunities for children to develop an understanding of the world around them.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop an understanding of healthy lifestyles through daily opportunities to be in the fresh air when walking to and from school and on local outings. Visits to local parks, toddler groups and an indoor play barn extend opportunities for physical play. Children enjoy home-prepared nutritious balanced meals and healthy snacks. They access drinks throughout the day from their own drinking cups and are developing an awareness of hand washing at appropriate times. The good organisation of space within the home enables young children with emerging mobility to keep safe when coasting along low level surfaces.

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and outcomes for children

Children's awareness of how to keep themselves safe both outside and in the home is promoted well; for example, when coming into contact with dogs and through regular practise of emergency evacuation procedures. Children's confidence and self-esteem increase due to frequent praise and encouragement and a consistent and clear approach from the childminder. Young children are supported well to understand what is expected of them and to learn respect for others and objects. Children's behaviour is good. They listen, follow instructions and respond well to direct questions and suggestions. They are encouraged to share and take turns and as a result, develop skills for the future. 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 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

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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 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

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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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