Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY406469 Inspection date 15/09/2010 Inspector Bridget Copson

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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 2010. She lives with her husband, who is an assistant, with her daughter, who is also a registered childminder at the same address and her adult son. The family are registered foster carers. The property is located in Poole, Dorset. The accommodation available for childminding includes a lounge, dedicated playroom, family room and kitchen on the ground floor as well as six bedrooms, three on each floor. There are toilet and sleep facilities on both floors. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a dog and ducks on the outdoor pond.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, three of whom may be in the early years age group when working alone. This ratio is extended to 12 children, six of whom may be in the early years age group when working with her assistant or co-childminder. She is currently minding three children in the early years age group as well as children over five years to six years and delivers and collects children as required. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She holds a level three qualification in health and social care, caring for children and young people.

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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's individual care and learning needs are met well by the childminder who has established excellent working relationships with their parent. Great importance is placed on individuality, positive attitudes and inclusion. Each child's individuality is reflected throughout the setting to promote their sense of belonging. Their learning is promoted and monitored well. As a result, children are making good progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder values the importance of continuous development and strives to improve her knowledge and skills to further promote the Every Child Matters outcomes for children. This includes a self-evaluation form, although this is not sufficiently established to secure improvements in all aspects of her provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the self-evaluation to identify more areas for improvement which will benefit all children  develop the system of planning children's learning and development to ensure all areas of learning are promoted well. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded by the childminder who has effective systems in place to assure their safety and well-being. She has a secure understanding of her child protection responsibilities and the procedures to follow in the event of any concerns to further safeguard children. Policies, procedures and records are well organised and risk assessments ensure good standards of health and safety are maintained at all times. The childminder has successful systems to monitor and improve the quality of her provision. These include completing the Dorset Quality Improvement Scheme and maintaining close links with the local authority. She is also completing a Sign-along course to improve communication for children with English as an additional language. The childminder creates an extremely positive environment. She places great emphasis on the importance of inclusion and promoting the uniqueness of each

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the early years provision

child. She researches the cultures, languages and any additional needs of those in her care to ensure she can meet their needs fully. She also organises interesting activities to support all children in learning about and respecting the diversity of those within the setting as well as in the wider world. The childminder works in close and successful partnership with her daughter in preparing the environment, supporting and supervising children and interacting. As a result, children are settling in well, their routines are met consistently and their play is unhindered. The childminder has established excellent partnerships with parents who are provided with comprehensive information to support them in making an informed choice. The childminder obtains a wealth of information from parents to ensure children's needs are met consistently. Parents are kept very well informed through daily communication, two-way home books, displays and questionnaires to share

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the early years provision

their views. The childminder is aware of the needs to established links with the other providers involved in children's care and has considered how this will be managed should the need arise.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a good range of well maintained and age appropriate activities which are easily accessible to promote independent play. They benefit from a balance of child-initiated and organised activities indoors and outside to support all aspects of their learning. Their development is promoted well through regular observations which the childminder uses to assess children's interests and next steps of learning. This system is not sufficiently developed to ensure all areas of learning are planned to encourage children to develop to their full potential. The childminder is getting to know the children well and ensures their interests are supported to help them settle in. Children are happy and settling well into the childminder's care. They explore freely and with curiosity with the close re-assurance and encouragement of the childminder. They play and socialise alongside others and are well supported in

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and outcomes for children

developing an understanding of the needs and feelings of others, such as sharing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and taking turns. They express themselves well through gesture and some early words spoken, which the childminder extends through asking questions and encouraging their communications. They mark make in foam, sand, water and paint and have access to a good range of books. Children learn about shape, size and position through exploring objects, using physical play equipment and can recognise when things change or disappear from view. They solve simple problems in activity games and with puzzles. Children are involved within the local community. For example, they attend sessions at the Children's Centre, visit the library, parks, nature reserve and pick-your-own farms. They have valuable opportunities to learn about life cycles and change through observing the ducks

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and outcomes for children

and growing ducklings as well as nature walks locally. Children use their imaginations well in exploring different media and materials, such as paint, water, sand and foam. They also explore the sounds and rhythms of different musical instruments and role play with home corner and small world resources. Children feel safe and secure within the childminder's care which they demonstrate through the trusting relationships being established and their confident exploration. They learn about safety through safe play guidance, road safety, managing steps and practising the fire evacuation procedure. Children are cared for within a clean and hygienic environment in which healthy lifestyles are supported well. They are involved in shopping, picking fruit and joining in cookery activities to develop an interest in food and healthy eating. They make good use of the physical play resources inside, in the garden and in local parks, as well as

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and outcomes for children

going for local walks to promote their fitness and physical development. 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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