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

p.1

Unique reference number EY101011 Inspection date 18/06/2009 Inspector Alison Large

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and two children in the Bitterne Park area of Southampton. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The ground floor is easily accessible to adults and children. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding seven children in the early years age group and two older children before and after school. The childminder is able to walk to the local schools to take and collect children. The family have a pet hamster. The childminder attends various groups on a regular basis and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of provision is good. Children are confident and enjoy their time with the childminder. Children take part in a wide range of activities and play experiences both inside and outside of the home that supports their learning well. The children are welcomed into a warm, friendly home where they are valued and included to ensure none are disadvantaged. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to continuing to improve her provision, and has started to use a self- evaluation system to identify areas to develop further. This helps the children enjoy a good experience of the Early Years Foundation Stage and make steady progress.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 update policies and procedures and develop administering medication procedures in line with current legislation  continue to develop systems of observation, assessment and planning to fully support children's learning and development

p.3

provision

The children are extremely secure and happy in the childminder's care because she has a professional approach to her childminding. Parents' opinions about the service provided are sought from verbal discussions and written questionnaires and the information used to implement any suggestions for improvement. The childminder is fully committed to continual improvement and she identifies areas of her practice to develop further, through her self-evaluation system. Parents are provided with a range of information about the provision provided by the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder. Information about the children’s time with the childminder and the local pre-school is shared verbally with parents at the end of every day, thus ensuring that parents remain informed. Effective systems are in place and fully understood by the childminder to ensure that children remain safeguarded

p.3

provision

throughout their time with the childminder. For example, the childminder has an excellent understanding of child protection and the procedures to identify children at risk of harm. Written risk assessments are in place and used to ensure that all areas accessible to children remain safe and free from hazards. Children learn to keep themselves safe and know that they need to take care on the patio and on the steps in the garden. Good systems are in place to store all documentation effectively. The well organised system ensures that at all times, the childminder is fully able to access the documentation she requires. A range of policies and procedures are effectively implemented to ensure that the welfare and learning needs of all children are fully supported. However, some policies and the medication records are in need of updating in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder offers a warm and welcoming environment to children and parents. Children benefit from the childminders experience of caring for children, and the wrap-around service provided between pre-school and the childminder's care means that children’s learning in both settings is continuous and complements one another. Children’s learning is extended well by the childminder, who skilfully questions and talks to the children, encouraging them to make decisions and solve problems. For instance, when using their imaginations whilst playing with the cooked pasta, children are able to use tools and other objects to add to their play. They add dried pasta and talk with the childminder about the feel of the hard and the soft textures. Children learn to count during everyday activities, they gain an understanding of colour and talk about the pink pasta and how it is the same colour as their shoes. Toys and materials are presented well to ensure that

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

children are able to play freely in the space available and to allow them to easily make choices, either independently or with support from the childminder as needed. Observations of children’s progress are recorded within the children’s individual 'learning stories' and are shared with parents on a regular basis and the childminder has started to identify the children's next steps in their learning. This has been accurately identified by the childminder as an area she can further develop in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, although she already has a good knowledge of each child's learning needs. Children’s overall good health is promoted extremely well by the childminder. The children know when and how to wash their hands and do so with minimal guidance needed from the childminder. Children's behaviour is good, they are kind to each other and are learning to share and take turns. Children's social skills are developing well and are

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

promoted by the childminder, who regularly praises the children for their achievements, they help tidy up and are confident in their daily routines. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.5

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

p.5

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.

p.5

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

p.5

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?

p.5

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

p.5

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.6