Childminder in Dorset

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 13/12/2012 14/01/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 3 Previous inspection: 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 3 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 3

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This provision is satisfactory

 The childminder has a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements. She has effective systems in place to help her assess and plan for children's learning and to help them move onto the next steps in their learning.  Children are settled and content. The childminder successfully promotes their independence by encouraging children to learn to do things for themselves.  The programme for Expressive Arts and Design is good. Children benefit from an extensive range of creative play activities and experiences.

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It is not yet good because

 The childminder does not always follow through the correct procedures to check the suitability of persons living on the premises.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are:  scheduled at least once in every inspection cycle – the current cycle ends on 31 July

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  scheduled at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities and interaction between the childminder and children during play, and the daily routines.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at documents relating to Early years Foundation Stage provided by the childminder, including children's assessments.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2008. She lives with her husband and two young children in Verwood, Dorset. The family also has a lodger. There is a dedicated playroom and children have free access to all areas downstairs. There are facilities upstairs for overnight care. There is a secure enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has two small dogs. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She currently cares for six children of whom five children in the early years age group.

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must:

 make sure that any person likely to have regular contact with children has had checks completed and is suitable.

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who attend

Children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements. She links closely with parents to gain information about children's starting points and uses this, alongside her knowledge, to plan for children's individual learning. The childminder makes effective use of guidance documents, such as 'Development Matters', to help her identify the next steps in children's development. She knows children well,and plans play activities and experiences to help children move onto the next stage in their learning. Robust systems are in place to monitor children's progress and help the childminder identify any gaps in children's learning. The childminder has yet to implement the progress check at age two, but through discussion demonstrates she is clear of her responsibility. Children enjoy playing and exploring in the stimulating environment

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who attend

provided by the childminder, which engages them in purposeful play activities. The childminder successfully adapts activities so that all children can take part and be included.

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who attend

Children's independence is fostered well, helping them to develop good skills for the future. They move around the play space with confidence, showing curiosity, and are keen to try new activities. The childminder offers sensitive support to encourage children to learn to do things by themselves. For example, younger children learn to use a spoon to feed themselves at meal times and others make use of the step to access the basin to wash their hands independently.

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who attend

The childminder promotes children's language and communication well. She encourages conversation to develop children's thinking and highlight words around the room, successfully introducing older children to letters and sounds. Children have access to an extensive range of books which are easily accessible at child-height. This helps to foster a love of books. The childminder makes good use of spontaneous opportunities through the day to raise children's understanding of mathematical concepts. For example, at lunchtime, children confidently count their sandwich is in four pieces and that they have six grapes on their plate. The programme for expressive arts and design is good. It allows children of all ages to regularly use their senses to explore and investigate a wide range of mediums and materials. Children feel the gloop with their fingers, use brushes and rollers in the paint and enjoy playing with playdough. The childminder introduces planned topics,

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who attend

such as Halloween, where children create spiders in cobwebs, and play pass the pumpkin balloon and musical statues. This provides children with fun and enjoyable play and learning experiences.

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who attend

The childminder works well with parents to help children's settling-in when they first start. The informal discussion at handover, alongside a daily record sheet detailing food eaten and sleep times, provides an effective two-way exchange of information about children's well-being. Parents are actively encouraged to get involved in their children's learning and development and can view their children's progress folders at any time. The childminder provides parents with a termly summative assessment report of children's progress. Parents are encouraged to contribute to share details of children's achievements at home. This close partnership between the childminder and parents benefits children's ongoing care, learning and development.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children are happy and settled. Parents supply useful information about children's individual needs when children first start and the childminder uses this to help the children form secure relationships with her. This helps to ease children's transition from home to the childminder's setting. Children benefit from the childminder's warm and friendly interaction, and feel comfortable and secure. The childminder has a good understanding of appropriate behaviour management strategies to deal with any specific behaviour issues. She helps children learn the importance of sharing and taking turns through their play. Children share the easel and happily play alongside side each other talking about their pictures. Children are encouraged to learn to do things for themselves and the regular praise received from the childminder helps to build their confidence and self- esteem.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder completes an annual risk assessment and daily visual checks to help her identify and minimise potential risks to children. For example, she makes sure that any toys with small pieces are stored in higher containers out of young children's reach. She maintains appropriate levels of supervision so children can move around freely and safely. When on outings, the childminder teaches children about stranger danger and keeps a list of items to take with her to support children's health and safety. Children are familiar with the daily routines for their personal care. They confidently remind others as they wash their hands 'to wash between their fingers' and ' not to forget their thumbs', and make sure all the bubbles are washed off. The childminder talks to children and they know that they wash hands to get rid of the germs before eating. Children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals and the childminder liaises closely with parents to take account of

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder provides a welcoming environment, with an inviting playroom displaying examples of children's artwork. Children have access to a wide range of age appropriate toys and resources which are stored on low units so children make independent choices about their play. Children have regular opportunities to be outdoors and go on local outings to get fresh air and exercise.

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provision

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her responsibilities in meeting the Early Years Foundation Stage safeguarding and welfare requirements. She has developed clear policies and procedures, which are shared with parents to inform them of her practices. The childminder has a sufficient knowledge of child protection issues and procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care. However, she has not made sure that all household members have had checks completed by Ofsted to ascertain their suitability. This is a breach in the welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. All required documentation is appropriately maintained, such as a clear record of children's attendance.

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provision

The childminder continues to attend regular training events to update her knowledge and skills, recently achieving a certificate in Early Years Practice. She has a good understanding of the learning and development requirements. Overall, the recommendations from her last inspection have been met. Effective assessment arrangements are now in place to help the childminder monitor children's progress; this contributes towards children's ongoing development. The childminder has put systems in place to help her review some aspects of her provision, such as the success of play activities. The childminder links well with other childminders to help her reflect on ways she can continue to make improvements.

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provision

The childminder has established strong partnerships with parents and other early years settings that children attend. She shares the children's summative assessment with early years settings so they can work in partnership to support children's on-going development. This helps provide continuity of care and learning for children. Parents receive clear information about the childminder's provision, which helps keep them informed of her practices. Parents have opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas through informal chats at handover times.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY375347 Local authority Dorset Inspection number 895831 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 5 Number of children on roll 6

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises, which are usually the childminder’s own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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