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 EY315694 Inspection date 15/06/2009 Inspector Catherine Hill

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children, aged six and two years, in Farnborough, Hampshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Local parks, shops and schools are within easy walking distance. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five children in this age group at various times during the week. 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. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group. The family keep sandhill lizards, fish and a hamster as pets. The childminder is a member of the local National Childminding Association network and is chair of the

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder has excellent relationships with children and they thrive within the exceptionally well organised and stimulating environment of the childminder's home. Inclusive practice is positively promoted and the childminder works with both parents and outside agencies, as appropriate, to ensure all children's individual needs are respected and catered for. The childminder is enthusiastic, dedicated, and professional and continually assesses her practice, taking into account the views of both parents and children, to continually improve her childminding service.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance children's records by recording their developmental starting points as shared by parents.

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provision

The childminder effectively organises her time and resources to provide children with a welcoming, family environment where they have daily opportunities to develop in all skill areas. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to support children's learning and regularly attends training to further her own knowledge and skills, using information learnt to further improve her delivery of the learning and development requirements. She has completed a detailed self- evaluation form critically reflecting on her own practice and has identified areas for further development. She listens to children and shows she values their opinions, for example, the main playroom base was moved within the home following their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 comments. An extensive range of play resources are available to children and they eagerly and independently choose what they play with. A comprehensively detailed

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provision

range of documentation is maintained by the childminder and all her policies and procedures are shared with parents. Parents are kept very well informed about their children through a daily exchange of both verbal and written information. Some information, such as Ofsted's poster for parents and information about the Early Years Foundation Stage is displayed on a notice board for them to see. The childminder also has a resource folder accessible to parents with information in relating to early years care and education. Parents are effusive in their praise of the childminder whose service they find is 'excellent'. Children's welfare is effectively safeguarded by the childminder who has attended specific training relating to child protection. She keeps a record of visitors to her home, has a detailed safeguarding policy and displays child protection information for parents and all visitors to clearly see.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have a fantastic time learning through sensitively supported and unhurried play and are making excellent progress with their learning. Their behaviour is exemplary as they amicably share resources and they demonstrate good manners as they politely ask to get down from the table after a healthy snack including fruit. They understand routine hygiene procedures as they automatically wash their hands after using the toilet and before they eat. Individual towels in the cloakroom ensure the risk of any cross infection is minimised. Children are totally relaxed and smile and chat easily with each other and the childminder. They move freely between the rooms used for childminding and enjoy the benefits of being able to freely play outside in the fresh air. The childminder is vigilant to children's safety and written risk assessments ensure any hazards within the home are identified and minimised. She ensures children wear hats and have sun cream on

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

when playing outside in hot weather. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they take part in regular recorded fire drills and they are also taught road safety, with posters displayed in the home reminding them of safety procedures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident and enthusiastic learners and show a strong motivation to learn as they actively occupy themselves at all times. The childminder gains an insight into children's abilities through initial discussions with parents and maintains photographic learning journey records for children. Observation records show links to the different areas of learning and the next steps to be taken to support progression in skills. The childminder skilfully leads children to further their knowledge and skills as she asks them questions during play to make them think. Children also ask the childminder questions taking responsibility for extending their own knowledge. They are proud of their achievements and the childminder praises their efforts, for example, as they inform her excitedly that they have written their name. They order their thoughts well as they recall a visit to the doctors and the print rich childminding environment develops their awareness of print carrying

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

meaning. Word labels are displayed both indoors and out with effective use made of the outdoors for learning. Children absorb themselves in water play and show good coordination as they operate pumps to make water flow. The childminder helps reinforce letter/sound links as she uses water to paint letters on the fence This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and encourages children to link the letter sound with names familiar to them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy puzzles and complete alphabet and animal puzzles. They use the pictures on the box as an aid to which puzzle piece they need to connect to the next. The childminder plans different themes as a focus to learning and children have recently learnt about the life cycle of a butterfly. The childminder makes a display linked to the theme being covered and children's artwork butterflies are currently displayed showing their work is valued. A trip to a farm has given children an insight into the natural world where they have been able to pick and dig up produce. They have learnt about differences within society and different cultures through activities linked to Diwali and the Chinese New Year. 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

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