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 EY381643 Inspection date 15/01/2009 Inspector Helen Mary Ball

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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 to care for children since 2008. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her partner and three school-aged children in a house in the Romsey area of Hampshire which is close to local schools and shops. The ground floor of the property is primarily used for childminding and access to the premises is good. Toilet facilities are on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight years. There are currently seven children on roll who attend for a variety of sessions. Five of these children are in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are very relaxed with this childminder and she provides a warm, caring environment for children. She treats children with equal concern and ensures that activities are accessible to all. The childminder works hard to foster good relationships with parents/carers and as a result, children are happy, settled, safe and secure during their time at the setting. The childminder has a professional approach to childcare and is committed to updating her knowledge through ongoing training; she informally evaluates the provision and successfully identifies areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems to liaise with other settings that children attend so that children receive continuity of care, learning and development  continue to develop systems for observing children and planning their next steps in learning so that children's learning is fully promoted

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provision

The childminder is very well organised and children’s health and welfare are effectively underpinned because all required policies, procedures and consents are in place. The childminder conducts written risk assessments within the home and for outings. She has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the childminder understands her responsibility to safeguard children. She is committed to extending her knowledge in this area and has booked to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attend advanced child protection training.

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provision

Children develop independence as they select their activities from a wide range of accessible resources. Daily routines ensure that children have ample opportunities to play and learn indoors, outdoors and on a variety of outings. The childminder is developing systems to observe and assess children's development and is looking at the best ways to use these observations to plan children’s next steps in learning. Parents and carers are kept informed about children's progress through informal discussions and through the sharing of daily diaries. The childminder now plans to forge links with other settings that the children attend so that she can offer continuity of care, learning and development.

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provision

The childminder is keen to develop her practice and is very open to new ways of working. She checks all available courses and is willing to attend any course that will further develop her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children relax quickly in this home and the childminder offers plenty of emotional support to enable new children to settle in her care. She gently plays on the floor alongside babies so that they feel secure and offers plenty of cuddles when children are tired. The childminder knows each child well and she knows what activities they enjoy. She ensures that all children take part in activities at their own level. For example, babies enjoy hand printing while other children are painting. The playroom is bright and welcoming and the childminder displays children’s art work on the walls. This enables them to develop a sense of belonging and raises their self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has developed simple systems for planning and assessment and has identified that this is an area for further improvement so that children's next steps in learning can be easily identified. The childminder strikes an effective balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities. For example, children enjoy creative play where they make collage pictures and paintings for their underwater theme. She does not restrict children and they enjoy moving freely between activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop a healthy lifestyle through daily physical exercise. They enjoy playing in the garden, climbing at local parks and visiting indoor soft-play centres. The childminder extends children's learning by encouraging them to try new activities. For example, she regularly changes the role play area so that it is a doctor's surgery or a vet surgery. She talks to children about their similarities and differences and challenges children’s assumptions about the roles of adults in society. This helps children to have a balanced view of the world and to develop sound relationships with each other.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are safeguarded within the home. They play safely indoors because the childminder has carried out a detailed risk assessment. The childminder safeguards children by ensuring they are supervised in their play at all times, and she carries out regular checks on sleeping babies. The childminder helps the children to learn This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 about keeping themselves safe through activities based around road safety, and to stay healthy by following careful hygiene routines. She provides individual hand towels to prevent the spread of infection. 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? 2 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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