Childminder in Hampshire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY369574 Inspection date 29/01/2009 Inspector Mandy Gannon

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Type of setting Childminder 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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. 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 2008 and lives with her husband and two children, one of whom attends school. The family live in a house in Basingstoke, which is within walking distance of Winklebury Infant School, local parks and shops. The whole of the property is registered for childminding, with toilet facilities on the first floor. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children, two of whom may be in the early years age group. There are currently four children on roll, two of whom are in the early years age group. The family have a pet goldfish.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children flourish in the setting where they make excellent progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage. This is due to the knowledge, experience and commitment of a skilled practitioner, who has a thorough understanding of child development and the individual needs of the children in her care. The partnership with parents and the local pre-school is a key strength and contributes to ensuring the needs of all children are met exceptionally well. The childminder completes a highly effective evaluation of the service she provides, which enables her to develop her setting and provide excellent levels of care and education.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continue to develop systems to use observations to plan the next steps in their learning

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provision

The childminder works effectively with parents and other professionals. Excellent communication is in place verbally, and through a notice board, daily sheets and diaries. This ensures that the childminder is well informed and meets the needs of each child, enabling her to have a comprehensive understanding of their individual needs. Links are forged with the local pre-school and they work together developing ideas and planning, promoting positive outcomes for children. All children are exceptionally well cared for and make significant progress.

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provision

The childminder has clear written policies and procedures in place. These are shared with parents, promoting a clear view of her practices and meeting the individual needs of the children in her care. She is well organised and provides an effective and stimulating environment where children thrive. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is enthusiastic about her role, she is well informed and knowledgeable about current practices and ensures she keeps up-to-date. Her experience and knowledge promote a highly professional attitude where children remain her top priority.

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provision

Children's safety is paramount. The children receive excellent levels of supervision. Effective risk assessments throughout the property are completed to ensure that children can explore safely and independently. The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection and how to ensure children in her care are effectively safeguarded.

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provision

The childminder has an accurate view of the service she provides and how this impacts on the children in her care. A comprehensive and detailed self-evaluation is in place that successfully identifies her skills, strengths and weaknesses and has clearly identified areas for further improvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from a warm, caring environment where they build positive relationships with the childminder and others. This is a setting where the needs of the child are top priority and routines are adapted to meet individual needs. Children receive cuddles and reassurance, promoting their confidence and building their self-esteem. This enables them to explore, promoting their independence as they make choices and play an active role in the setting. Children are involved and contribute to planning. For example, sisters are excited about the forthcoming wedding anniversary of their parents and planning is adapted to incorporate their interests. They make wedding invitations, make a wedding cake and decide who is to be the groom. Children make choices and decisions as they select toys, which they can independently access from low level shelving.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit as they have regular opportunities for accessing the outside, promoting their understanding of fresh air and exercise and contributing to a healthy lifestyle. They have access to a large garden where they have opportunities to explore an extensive variety of resources. For example, they plant and grow vegetables and participate in sack and egg and spoon races in their planned sports day. They regularly participate in walks in the local community, developing their social skills and interaction with others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is highly promoted as they develop a comprehensive understanding of safe practices and successful hygiene routines are in place. For example, children regularly practise evacuation procedures and at one practice children were slower in responding. After the drill the childminder spoke to them about the importance and reason for the evacuation practice, promoting and developing their understanding for supporting themselves and others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop an extensive knowledge of the wider world around them as they access resources and activities that encourage a positive attitude and non- stereotypical view of society. For example, children have been learning about This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Chinese New Year, they have identified the year they were born and the animal relating to the year which they have drawn. They have borrowed books from the library, identified numbers and the alphabet in Chinese and participated in food tasting.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of the different stages of development and the individual needs of the children in her care. This enables her to plan a range of suitable, stimulating and interesting activities. Effective planning is in place that is adapted to ensure that children receive high levels of support, challenge and extension in order to meet their full potential. Written observations, scrap books and diaries show the achievements and progress children are making. The skilled childminder confidently identifies the next steps in their learning, which ensures that children make excellent progress through each of the six areas of 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 1 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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