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 EY299342 Inspection date 12/01/2009 Inspector Catherine Greenwood

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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 has been registered since 2005. She lives with her husband and their two children aged seven and four years. They live in a mid-terraced townhouse in Ash Vale near Aldershot. The ground floor and first floor of the house are used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The premises are near to local schools and parks, and are accessed via a level pathway. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. There are four children on roll within the early years age range. The childminder also looks after an older child aged ten years. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association, and attends the local carer and toddler group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's learning and development are impressive in relation to their starting points. Provision for their emotional well-being is exemplary. The childminder's immense knowledge of children's individual needs, and her extremely positive approach to working in partnership with parents are key strengths of the provision. All children are fully included through learning to share the available space and resources with others. Comprehensive self-evaluation reflects a true picture of what it is like for a child in this setting, and includes detailed plans for further improvement, such as including children in planning activities.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensuring observations and assessments of children's progress are shared with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage

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provision

Children's individual achievements are fully embraced by the childminder, and she is extremely committed to ensuring they make excellent developmental progress. She has attended additional training on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) that has lead to the introduction of high quality written observations and assessments of children's progress. The childminder makes regular use of these records to help children flourish and reach their full potential, although she has not yet shared them with other providers delivering the EYFS. Each child is treated as unique, and activities are planned that are appropriate to their interests, age and ability. Consequently, they are exceptionally happy, purposeful and independent This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with their play. For example, they delight in using the imaginary play people, and say ' I love a story' as the childminder suggests looking at books together before

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provision

lunch. All recommendations made at the last inspection have been met.

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provision

Excellent communication and the use of questionnaires mean that parents are fully consulted about the care of their children, such as their health needs. Questionnaires and leaving cards include extremely positive comments, such as ' my child gets involved in lots of different activities, and the daily diary and chats at pick-up time mean I am constantly up to date with what is happening'. Children's welfare is fully safeguarded due to the childminders secure knowledge of what to do if she has any concerns.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes good use of her Montessori teaching qualification to incorporate many of the philosophies of this approach to learning. This is evident in relation to children's exceptional ability to make their own choices and their self- help skills. They always put the toys away before taking new ones out, can put on their coats and shoes, and help to lay the table and clear away dishes at mealtimes. Opportunities for children to learn are enhanced by the interest the childminder shows in everything they say and do. She gives them space to play freely, joins them within their play when appropriate, and asks questions that encourages them to think and recall past events, such as what they did at the weekend. Consequently, children are becoming confident communicators.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are exceptionally well behaved, play together cooperatively and are extremely at ease in each others company. The childminder is observant of what children choose to do, and ensures they know not to take toys from each other. Children use the play equipment with great enthusiasm, and have favourite resources, for example, they laugh and dance after switching on a musical bell on a toy church. The childminder helps younger children to make independent choices within their play by suggesting they point to the box of toys they want, and then helping them to take it out. All children are included in activities, such as making snowmen from cotton wool. They show excellent concentration as they ask to continue with sticking activities. Children draw and make marks and are beginning to learn the sounds of letters and write their name. The childminder asks questions that relate to stories she reads, such as 'who is the baby that is coming to the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

house next week', which encourages children to think about the future and be prepared for new children starting.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with an excellent range of experiences, such as visits to different soft play facilities, toddler groups, and walks to woodland areas and ponds. During the school holidays they go on visits to the beach, and to shallow paddling pools in a local park. Activities at home include frequent creative activities, for example, sticking, different types of painting, and playdough. Children learn about the features of living things as they grow cress seeds, and plant bulbs in pots for Mother's Day. The childminder ensures that children complete activities independently so that it is all their own work and they feel proud of their achievements. Samples of children's work are displayed on the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 playroom walls and they are encouraged to keep a record of special work within their folders. The childminder makes exceptional use of a 'learning journey' for

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

each child to record their individual progress, including what children could already achieve prior to the introduction of the EYFS. Consequently, children make significant developmental progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

If children go on holiday they share their experiences with the rest of the group, and talk about their likes and dislikes. Children improve the range of healthy food they eat because the childminder slowly introduces fruit and vegetables they do not usually like. Parent questionnaires identify that children now eat a wider range of food. Children are kept safe and secure within the childminders home and on outings, due to the effective use of a written risk assessment and the childminders knowledge of hazards. They learn about their own safety through discussion, such as the dangers of cars on the road, bicycles, train lines, and water. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. 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 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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