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 EY279242 Inspection date 13/05/2009 Inspector Jacqueline Munden

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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 2004. She lives with her two children in Basingstoke. All areas of the home are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. All areas of the home are registered for use although children do not use the master bedroom. The toilet is accessible on the first floor. The family have a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five 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 10 children in this age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision of the setting is good. Children are welcomed into a warm and generally safe environment where their welfare is promoted well. The childminder has a very clear understanding of all children's needs, which helps her to provide good quality learning and development opportunities. The childminder is committed to inclusive practice and works effectively with parents and others which enables her to ensure all children are valued and fully included. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude making continuous improvements to benefit children.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop risk assessments in the home making sure that cleaning materials in the kitchen and the storage heaters are inaccessible, and that the fire blanket is fitted as intended enabling it to be used appropriately.

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provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and committed to ensuring all children are fully included. She forges extremely strong partnerships with parents and they regularly share information to ensure children are happy, well cared for and involved in their child's learning. Parents receive newsletters about plans of activities and topics and reminding them to provide appropriate clothes for the season. The childminder is fully involved in supporting children's health and welfare. She develops effective links with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and professionals linked to children's care to ensure any additional needs are met exceptionally well. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder's good organisation ensures all the required documentation and parental consents are in place to promote children's health and welfare. A wide

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provision

range of policies that underpin her good practice are shared with parents. Since the last inspection she has, and continues to increase her knowledge and skills through ongoing training. She informally evaluates and assesses her provision and identifies some areas she wishes to develop further. For example, she has made a significant improvement in how she manages children's behaviour who benefit greatly and develop high self-esteem as a result. Her focus on the positive and the reward system used encourages them to consider others, be independent and eat healthily.

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provision

Risk assessments are conducted within the home and for outings, and generally effective measures are taken to protect and safeguard children. However, some areas of safety have not been accurately identified which means children are not always appropriately protected from the risks posed by the storage heaters and some cleaning materials and the fire blanket is not appropriately fitted and ready for use.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very happy and settled in the enabling environment the childminder provides. They access a wide range of varying resources that stimulate their interests and meet their ongoing needs in all areas of learning. For example, young children develop small muscles and dexterity as they use dough and tools to cut and mould it; older children use more precise movements as they create designs using very fine beads. Children use a wide range of play equipment and books which help them to understand and embrace diversity. The childminder places a high emphasis on ensuring children feel valued and develop a sense of belonging. She interacts very well with them allowing time for them to respond and then listens closely to what they say. Their independence increases as they have time to learn new skills such as putting their shoes on and off. Children have fun and respond very well to her lively and caring approach; they relish being able to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

colour a shape in their 'passport' and enjoy a treat from the healthy snack box when the card is full. The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of children's ongoing needs and provides a good balance of child-initiated and adult- directed activities; good use is made of everyday opportunities to help children learn such as counting the plant pots outside the back door. These are complemented by out-of-doors activities, and trips to toddler groups and a soft play centre to develop physical skills. The childminder makes observations and identifies each child's next stage in learning. Children make good progress in all areas of learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn about staying healthy through effective daily routines, such as hand washing and eating foods that are good for them. They learn to have a healthy lifestyle as the childminder promotes lots of physical activities. Very effective methods of learning how to keep safe are introduced with all children at a level that is appropriate to their age and level of development. All take part in regular fire drills and learn safe procedures when walking and travelling in the car. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 'Stranger danger' is discussed when appropriate in a way children understand as they are reminded to stay with the 'caring person'. 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? 2

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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? 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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