Childminder in Southampton

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 EY294152 Inspection date 23/02/2009 Inspector Judith Reed

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and adult child in the Bitterne Manor area of Southampton. Most of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a rear garden for outside play. The family have a pet dog and a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding six children in this age range, mainly on a part- time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from local schools and attends a parent and toddler group on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder ensures she finds out about the children and their individual needs when the start. This means that children are settled and busy in the familiar environment as their needs are met. They know the childminder well and make choices about their activities. The childminder continues to develop and improve her provision through ongoing training and self-evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure policies are up to date and reviewed regularly  continue to develop observation and assessments within the early years foundation stage

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provision

The childminder works hard to build good relationships with parents and ensures they are fully informed about their children's activities. She allows time to speak to parents on a daily basis. Individual notebooks are provided for babies as a method of daily communication between parents and the childminder. Parents state that they feel fully informed about their children's development. They have seen their children's records and discussed learning targets and development. Parents are aware of the learning that children have gained through coming to childminder. The childminder values the views of the parents and is pleased they have recommended her to other parents. Parents receive copies of all policies and procedures, however, information in the complaints policy is not up to date. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The process of self-evaluation is valuable to the childminder and she is enthusiastic

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provision

about continuing her training to improve her childminding service. Children have benefited from the numerous training courses already completed.

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provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has knowledge of child protection procedures and keeps parents informed of her policy. The childminder also takes all necessary steps to ensure their safety. Risk assessments are carried out regularly and children are protected from dangers within the home by the good use of safety equipment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning and development is effectively promoted as the childminder knows them very well and provides for their individual needs. She gains knowledge of the children through the 'Unique child' book which is completed by parents, as well as through talking to parents. As children learn and develop at different rates the childminder provides experiences which are appropriate to each individual child's stage of development. Through careful observations she discovers their interests and abilities. The childminder plans at the end of one day for the next day. She discusses planning with children and takes into account their individual interests. For example, one child is very interested in Bob the Builder and another has just returned from a holiday on a farm. The childminder has a wide selection of toys and equipment and sets out a choice of activities including the Bob the Builder tent and the farm set. She changes the equipment provided for the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

children regularly and uses the toy library to extend her range of activities. The childminder makes regular observations of the children's activities and is beginning to link these with the areas of learning. These records are shared with parents and targets for future learning are planned.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder helps children learn to treat each other with respect and to share equipment. Children generally behave well. They are helped to recognise and cope with their feelings, and to develop self control. Children are involved in daily routine such as preparing snacks and laying the table. They also help tidy away toys when necessary. Children are encouraged to join in and play together, and to show an interest in the wider community. The childminder supports children with English as an additional language by providing posters and signs showing different languages and books about children from around the world. All children are encouraged to talk and recount their experiences, especially when they play imaginatively with a toy telephone.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children relish the opportunity to play in the garden and ask to go outside. The childminder has a very well organised play garden area with several sit and ride cars, pedal tractors, tricycles and scooters. Children set up the road signs and put on a helmet to take a turns in a car. They steer the car around the road signs. Children learn about road safety by obeying the signs which say stop. Younger children explore the different vehicles, climbing in and out of them. Children also confidently climb up the few steps and enter the play house. They explore the kitchen area and dining room within the play house. The children love the play This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 house as it is their own little domain and they can set up their own imaginative games and activities. They spend a lots of time outside and also visit local parks frequently. 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? 2 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? 2

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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? 2 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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