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 EY269271 Inspection date 04/02/2009 Inspector Patricia Mary Champion

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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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her partner and child aged six years. They live in a house in a residential area within walking distance of schools, shops and the railway station in South Ockendon, Essex. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. Access is via one small step into the house. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding five children in the early years age group on a part- time basis. The childminder's partner occasionally acts as an assistant. The family has one cat and keep fish in an aquarium as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. She drives to local schools to take and collect children. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and takes children regularly to the local park. She is a member of the National Childminding Association, the Thurrock Childminding Network and is accredited to take funding for early education .

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children are cared for by a reflective practitioner who is constantly striving for excellence. Every child is treated as an individual and their care and learning is promoted exceedingly well with their progression closely monitored. Highly effective self-evaluation systems lead to continuous and very successful improvements. Effective use of the safe home environment and links with the wider community provide a wealth of experiences for all ages of children.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend, review and evaluate the risk assessment to ensure that it covers everything with which a child may come into contact (this refers to the areas of the home not used regularly by the children). This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children are superbly cared for by a caring, considerate and professional childminder who is very eager to learn about new approaches. Her enthusiasm, reflective practice and commitment to further training ensure that there is continual progress regarding improving outcomes for children. A wealth of training courses and workshops has already been attended. The childminder works closely with network development workers and other childminders to discuss how to improve practice, to identify what is done well and the scope for improvement. Written policies and procedures have been updated to reflect the requirements of the EYFS and promote children’s welfare and safety. Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder has an excellent understanding of her responsibility towards protecting children from abuse and neglect. Effective steps are taken to ensure the home is secure at all times and that collection

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provision

arrangements for children are agreed with parents in advance.

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provision

Children benefit greatly from the outstanding partnership with parents and carers. Children's individual needs and requirements are discussed carefully and in detail with parents prior to placement and on an ongoing basis as they develop new skills and achieve milestones in their development. Parents and carers have access to information on what the childminder has to offer and are regularly consulted and involved in the evaluation process. Parents are extremely pleased with the service they receive from the childminder. They value the wide range of exciting experiences offered to children and the careful account made of differing ages and abilities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children access an exciting range of stimulating activities and experiences, both within and away from the setting, which support the growth of children’s development across all areas. The childminder has high expectations for children. Thorough initial and ongoing assessment identifies children’s capabilities, interests and what they need to do to progress. The childminder uses her observations and her excellent understanding of child development to plan effectively the next challenges to stretch each child’s learning play and exploration. All areas of children's development are significantly enhanced by the outstanding quality of the childminder's interactions. The childminder listens and responds to children sensitively and this enables them to feel accepted and to make rapid progress in all areas of learning. Very positive language is used to actively encourage children’s enjoyment and confidence in their achievements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children feel very comfortable and secure they are able to select toys with ease and confidence as they are impressively organised and accessible. Toy boxes have all been labelled and play materials are stored on low-level shelving units. Equipment is stimulating and fun. It attracts and holds children's interest and supports their development. First class play materials include games, natural materials and household objects which inspire and extend children's knowledge, imagination and learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has a committed approach to including all children, taking into account their differing needs. Activities are adapted to ensure all children can contribute; they then feel welcomed and valued. Routines such as sleep and mealtimes are flexible to accommodate children's individual and changing needs. There are positive images around the home which reflect diversity, with resources

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

in place which children readily access. Therefore, children develop a better understanding of their world around them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have superb opportunities to develop their social skills and enhance their knowledge and understanding of the world when the childminder regularly takes the children on trips and outings. For example they regularly visit toddler groups, play centres, network meetings and go to interesting venues such as the farm and a French market.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in an environment where their safety is given a high priority as the childminder completes risk assessments, identifying possible risks or hazards and actively taking prompt action with utmost importance. Since the last inspection the childminder has moved home and is currently only using the ground floor for childminding. She is well aware of the need to extend, review and evaluate her risk assessment in relation to her plans to expand her provision. 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? 2 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 the last inspection.

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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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