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 131341 Inspection date 05/05/2009 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 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 1997. She lives alone in a house in the Shirley area of Southampton. The childminder is able to walk to local schools to take and collect children. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The ground floor of the home is accessible and a downstairs toilet is available. The childminder works with her daughter who is also a registered childminder. Her daughter has a pet dog.

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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 three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder. Children's welfare and learning are promoted as the childminder has sound knowledge of the individual needs of the children in her care. Children have some experience of diversity through toys, books and posters displayed in the home. Children benefit from the ongoing development of the provision as the childminder keeps her training up to date through short courses.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure appropriate written permission is obtained from parents before administering any medication or cream  continue to develop recording and label photgraphs to help parents understand children's learning

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provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a clear safeguarding policy in place and ensures required information is up to date. The childminder is fully aware of her duty to protect children. Ensuring children's safety is important to the childminder and regular risk assessments are carried out to ensure necessary steps are taken to keep children safe. The front door is kept locked at all times when children are present. The childminder holds written permission to administer emergency medical treatment, however, she applies cream to children's skin when she does not hold the necessary written permission to apply the cream.

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provision

The childminder makes a brief evaluation of her service and endeavours to keep up to date through ongoing short training courses. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Parents are provided with copies of all policies and procedures and these are discussed before children come to the childminder. The childminder gains information from parents about the children's individual needs and starting points for their learning journeys. The childminder gives verbal feedback to parents at the end of the day and more formal written information regarding children's learning and development each term. Parents sign the documentation and make their own comments about the service provided.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder prepares good, clear records of children's learning and development. Records include many photographs, however these are not always labelled, and parents may not be aware what learning is shown in each photograph. Parents complete the Unique Child booklet when their children start with the childminder to help set starting points for their child's learning journey. The childminder is aware of all the children's developmental stages and differentiates the planned activities as appropriate. The childminder follows the plans prepared by her co-childminder. Children benefit as the two childminders work very closely together and support one another whenever possible. They know their own responsibilities and keep their own documentation, however if either childminder sees learning taking place she records it for the children's individual records.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are helped to wash their hands after using the toilet and before having their snacks and meals. They use individual hand drying towels and dispose of them in a waste bin. Children are also encouraged to use tissues to blow their noses and dispose of them in the bin, learning to prevent cross infection. The childminder provides healthy snacks of fruit and bread sticks. She serves nutritious, hot, home-cooked meals at lunch time and in the evening.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make choices and help themselves to toys and equipment from storage boxes. They particularly enjoy construction with stickle bricks and use their imagination to build a car. Children work together, sharing toys and learn to take turns when playing games. They play outside regularly and appreciate the covered play area where they may play in bad weather, or protect themselves from the sun. Children also make choices about their play while outside as they choose from a selection of toys stored in the garden. They like to ride around the garden on sit and ride toys. 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? 3

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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? 3 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

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