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 EY303523 Inspection date 01/04/2009 Inspector Michelle Ann Parham

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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 2005 and lives with her partner and one child in a residential area of Crookhorn in Hampshire. The property is accessible as toileting facilities are situated on the ground floor. All areas of the home are used for childminding with the exception of the master bedroom and there is a fully enclosed rear garden area suitable for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. When working with an assistant this number may increase to a maximum of 12 children under eight years of which six may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding four children in the early years age group and three children aged from five to six years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to provide

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Description of the childminding

overnight care for one child. The childminder has an NVQ Level 3 Early Years Care and Education qualification and attends groups for children on a regular basis. There are currently no pets in the home.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children thrive in this setting as their individual care, learning and development needs are extremely well met. The childminder promotes inclusive practice, recognising the uniqueness of all the children and building warm and trusting relationships where they feel happy and secure to explore their play and learning. Having a professional, proactive approach to childminding, taking account of recommendations, undertaking additional training and achieving accreditation through the National Childminding Association reflects highly in work practice, evidencing the childminder’s excellent capacity for continual improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 investigate safety of glass in garage door leading to rear garden and, if required, put in appropriate measure to ensure safety of children.

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provision

The childminder provides an exemplary service to support children and their families as she continually strives for improvement through on going professional development and through effective delivery of all requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children benefit from stimulating and worthwhile activities as they have a well balanced curriculum and a wealth of well organised resources for use in the dedicated playroom or garden. Observations link to areas of learning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and the childminder identifies next steps, which ensure children make excellent progress in their learning. Comprehensive self-evaluation highlights strengths and planned improvements with very good procedures to evaluate and review work practice and policies.

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provision

Children benefit from the childminder forging excellent links with parents and other key persons with well established relationships. She uses documentation such as ‘interests and experience' sheets and ‘development summaries’ which encourage excellent sharing of information, achievements and planned next steps. Parents are fully informed of operational practice as the childminder provides a wealth of written information and a prominent notice board. Information is shared verbally on a daily basis and through diaries and parents are welcome for any contributions to how the service can be improved through good use of questionnaires. The childminder ensures she is fully aware of children’s individual requirements, skills and capabilities, gathering required information from parents and completing home visits to meet with the child in a familiar environment.

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provision

The childminder has experience and a very good understanding of safeguarding children as she works closely with the local social services department to also provide occasional foster care if required. Through this role she has completed additional training and is clear of her responsibility in regard to the protection of children. All hazards in the home and garden are identified and minimised using effective safety measures such as gates, cupboard locks, socket covers and safe storage of hazardous materials. However it is not clear whether glass in the garage door is safe. Risk assessments occurs for the home and for outings and children are beginning to learn how to keep safe through discussion, expected behaviour and routines such as practising road safety and emergency evacuation.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have a wonderful time at the setting as they enjoy the wealth of very good quality play resources, activities and experiences. Most play is child led, following their interests, with the childminder supporting children effectively and adapting activities to ensure all children can participate safely and receive sufficient challenge and stimulation. For example as she helps children learn to hold scissors correctly or how to use the hole punch. Excellent organisation of the dedicated playroom and equipment ensures children can make varied choices about their play and the childminder thoroughly promotes independence through daily routines such as opportunities to pour own drinks and putting on coats and shoes, therefore having a positive impact on self care skills and confidence in own abilities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder forms warm and trusting relationships with the children and they are very happy and comfortable in her care. She is highly skilled at extending learning through all natural free play and focus activities, with effective questioning and taking a genuine interest in children. The childminder has a wonderful warm, friendly manner and excellent interpersonal skills. This contributes not only to children developing very good spoken language but also to feeling important and highly valued as she gives undivided attention and responds immediately to their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 individual needs. Children enjoy interesting and stage appropriate activities. For example, babies have a heuristic box and sensory items, play gym, mats and ball pool. Older children enjoy a variety of mark making resources and lovely art and craft activities such as making collage rabbit and spring lamb masks for Easter.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Their art work is displayed prominently in the setting which contributes to children feeling proud of their achievements and thus developing good self esteem. Children have numerous opportunities to explore imagination and creativity and particularly enjoy fun role play resources such as the play shop or using props with favourite action songs such as Twinkle, Twinkle or Five Little Ducks for example. The childminder also uses highly effective behaviour management techniques and children receive an abundance of praise and encouragement for their effort and achievements and for being helpful in the setting such as helping to tidy away resources. This also contributes to children having pride in their own environment and willingness to work well with others and develop relationships. Children are very confident and feel secure in the setting evidenced as they are industrious and have a positive attitude to learning and discovery. This is a result of the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder providing excellent resources to promote learning such as magnifying glasses, pads and reference books in the discover and interest box which the children use in the garden. For example, children show absolute wonder and an element of uncertainty as they discover a bumble bee and observe it on the flowers. The childminder effectively reassures them about the insect and explains about how useful it is to help to make other flowers grow and then encourages children to look in the reference book to see if they can find the same insect. This attention to detail is given to all aspects of the childminder’s service which has a significant positive impact on the progress children make. All six areas of learning are extremely well promoted such as children having excellent opportunities to recognise their own name as they self register and have individual trays, or through learning letters and enjoying stories which develops communication

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

language and literacy. Children problem solve as they use puzzles and tracks and begin to understand mathematical concepts as they learn shapes, counting, comparing and measuring. For example as they bake banana loaf, flap jacks and fairy cakes and measure out ingredients, mixing quantities and exploring texture. A wide selection of technology and interactive toys, such as cash register, compact disc player, telephone, cameras, computer and electronic instruments helps to gain an understanding of how to follow simple instructions and explore how things work. These are important skills to aid children in their future economic well being.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Procedures to promote being healthy include children following excellent hygiene practices in regard to learning why it is important to wash hands. They also brush teeth after main meals and are provided with individual towels to effectively prevent the spread of infection. Children learn about why exercise is important for the body and benefit from the childminder operating continuous play with children making excellent use of the garden as a learning environment. They enjoy a wide variety of resources that promote physical skills such as a trampoline with enclosure, combination swing/rocker, sand pit, swing ball and wheeled toys. The garden is a wonderful environment with a large lawn area and woodland section. Children pick apples from the tree and grow a wide variety of fruit, flowers and vegetables to eat for snack time or to use in their baking activities. Consequently they learn about healthy eating and the importance of five a day and overall

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

develop important skills for a healthy lifestyle. The childminder is a lovely role This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 model and encourages good manners with the children, she helps them to learn about the feelings of others and together they have devised expected codes of behaviour. Positive images are prominent in resources and diversity is embraced for example as children learn about other cultural events such as Chinese New Year and Diwali. As a result children develop understanding and respect for others, acknowledging differences and similarities which contributes to them becoming positive members of society. The childminder provides a highly effective childcare service where all welfare and learning and development requirements are well met and children are thoroughly encouraged to enjoy and achieve. 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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