Childminder in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY432751 Inspection date 23/01/2012 Inspector Marilyn Joy

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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 registered in 2011. He lives with his wife, who is also a registered childminder, and two school age children in a house in Canford Heath, Poole. All areas of the house are available for childminding. There is a garden for outdoor play. Shops, parks, schools and pre-schools are nearby. The family have a cat. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register for a maximum of six children when working on his own. When working with his co-childminder he may care for 12 children with a maximum of six in the early years age group. He is currently caring for five children in the early years age group.

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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 settled, safe and secure because the childminder is extremely vigilant and supportive in his care of the children. Strong partnerships developed with parents contribute towards secure foundations from which children make good progress overall in their learning. Generally, parents are involved in their child's learning and sharing records. Children flourish in an environment that is conducive to learning and mostly resourced well. The childminder is keen to provide high quality care. He demonstrates a clear capacity to secure continuous improvement through ongoing evaluation processes and training.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the garden further to create a rich and varied environment with flexible resources that can be used in many different ways to facilitate children's play and exploration  review systems for tracking children's progression so that records reflect what children can do and encourage parents to be involved in this process and contribute to their child's learning and development record

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the early years provision

Children are safe and protected from harm because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues. He knows what to do if he has concerns about a child in his care and informs parents of his responsibilities. Comprehensive policies and procedures, as well as effective routines, underpin the childminder's daily practice. Thorough risk assessments identify potential hazards and appropriate safety equipment minimises or eliminates risks to children. All the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 required documentation is in place and maintained to a high standard. Alongside discussions with parents, records provide the childminder with all the information required to help him respond to children's individual needs. The childminder is aware of the need to work in partnership with other agencies or settings children attend should the need arise. Currently, there are no children attending who need

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the early years provision

High quality resources are effectively organised indoors and used well to support children's learning and development. There is a garden for outdoor play with plenty of equipment to promote children's physical skills. However, the childminder does not use the garden effectively in the winter months to extend opportunities fully for play and learning. Age-appropriate equipment enables children of all ages to participate in activities and manage tasks for themselves. For example, low-level tables and chairs mean they can sit comfortably for meals and activities. Step stools help them manage their own personal care. The childminder values each child's uniqueness and actively promotes equality and diversity.

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the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and has high expectations for children and the service he offers. He recognises where his practice is strong and areas where he wants to extend his skills. He is developing systems to monitor his practice. He has started a quality improvement programme with the local authority to assist him with this process.

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the early years provision

Highly positive relationships with parents provide a secure foundation for children and contribute towards how confident they are with the childminder. He gets to know children well. This means he can tailor activities and routines for each child. Parents are generally well informed through a range of written materials and daily discussions. They have some opportunities to view their child's progress records. However, this is not often and does not include how they can work together to support learning in different ways. Overall, parents are extremely happy. Feedback forms are very complimentary and signify how much parents value the care their children receive.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They respond excitedly when the childminder suggests looking in the topic basket. Children eagerly take out the objects and recall last week's topic of the three bears. The childminder suggests they read the story of the 'Three Little Pigs' first and they quickly settle on the sofa. The childminder is particularly carefully to involve all ages in looking at the pictures, choosing which finger puppet they would like and counting how many they have. He easily encourages children's communication skills for speaking and listening, as well as their vocabulary, as they become more involved in acting out the story. Children choose to follow this with a craft activity. The youngest children experiment with handling crayons and attempting to use a glue stick while older children use scissors. The childminder is mindful of children's safety and helps them to understand how to use tools and equipment safely. The childminder

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 effectively uses simple activities that engage children's interest and develop their skills.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder successfully encourages children's learning and development through a broad range of activities. Each child has their own learning journal that provides a colourful record of their experiences. Clear and measurable observations identify achievements and interests. The childminder links them to the areas of learning to track progression against the expectations of the early learning goals. However, he is not always using his knowledge and written records effectively to help monitor progression in all aspects of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Activities are exciting and varied. Children regularly attend local pre-school groups and childminder events where they develop their social skills and find out about their community. For example, they meet a local paramedic and explore the ambulance. They develop their physical skills when visiting the park, meet different animals when visiting the farm and take a trip on a train. When the weather is warmer children play in the garden and move freely between inside and outside. They explore sand and water, grow their own vegetables and ride on the wheeled toys. The childminder recognises the importance of fresh air and exercise and makes sure children spend some time outside each day. However, he is not utilising the garden throughout the year to create a rich and varied environment with challenging and flexible resources. Indoors there is an excellent variety of toys and equipment. Clear boxes and labels serve a dual purpose. They help children

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and outcomes for children

become familiar with words and letters as well as enabling them to make choices about what they want to play. Children help themselves to toys or seek the support of the childminder when a puzzle is too high for them to reach. The childminder is very attentive. He recognises when children need assistance and when encouragement helps them to manage independently.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well. The childminder explains simple rules and routines, which help them to understand what to do, such as, helping to tidy up and get ready for snack. Even the youngest children know where the bin is for their rubbish. The childminder helps children develop good hygiene routines and a positive attitude to healthy eating. Good quality interaction and well-organised routines help all children to feel safe and secure. They demonstrate a strong sense of belonging in an easy and confident manner in which they respond to the childminder. They develop confidence and good levels of self-esteem because they receive plenty of praise and encouragement. Children thrive in the nurturing atmosphere offered and they are well equipped with the skills they need to secure future learning. 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 3 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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