Childminder in Portsmouth

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 EY152517 Inspection date 14/05/2009 Inspector Michele, Karen Beasley

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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 2002 and is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and their three school-aged children in a house in Buckland, Portsmouth. With the exception of the first floor master bedroom and second floor attic bedroom, all rooms are registered for the purpose of childminding. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the property for outdoor play. The family keep a 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 five children in this age group. She also offers care to seven children aged over five years.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and attends children's centres on a regular basis. She has appropriate childminding qualifications and has attended various workshops to up-date her knowledge. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder promotes all aspects of children's welfare, learning and development exceptionally well to ensure they are safe and progress towards the early learning goals. She has an in- depth knowledge about the development of children, activities and resources to ensure all children are wholly involved. Records of children's progress are a key strength, which contribute highly to ensuring children's needs are met. The childminder uses self-evaluation to identify key strengths and weaknesses, which she is very proactive to address.

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further?

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

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further?

 continuing to build on the effective working partnerships with parents, carers and other agencies in relation to children's learning and development.

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provision

The childminder is totally committed to promoting children's welfare and supporting their learning and development. Children are secure and very happy in her care because she is exceptionally organised and very professional in her approach to childminding. A comprehensive and detailed range of policies and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures provide a very strong written framework for the provision and these are shared with parents so they have a very good understanding of the ethos and organisation of the setting. The childminder makes regular formal written risk assessments of the home to check there are no hazards that present a danger to children. Children know what to do in an emergency because they practise regular fire drills, which are recorded.

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provision

The childminder has successfully completed an extensive number of relevant workshops and courses to further her knowledge and childcare qualifications. She is committed to ensuring her provision is inclusive to all children and families. The childminder demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which enables her to promote all outcomes for children. She has devised and uses systems to enable her to liaise with other early years providers. However, this is still in its infancy. She recognises this as an area of improvement in order to wholly meet the needs of the children. The childminder is fully committed to improving her provision and has clearly identified areas for development on her self-evaluation form. The childminder actively obtains views from parents and children through verbal feedback and questionnaires, acting on these to make improvements to her provision which are beneficial to all.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and enjoy their time with the childminder because the vast range of activities and resources are organised exceptionally well. For example, children engage in a balance of child-initiated play and more focused adult led activities, such as completing jig-saw puzzles or threading shapes. Children have access to the labelled toys and resources stored in low level storage in the lounge area. Children show high levels of independence as they self-select games and resources, building their confidence and decision-making skills effectively. Children who are less confident choose what they want to play with by pointing to laminated photographs of toys, which the childminder gladly guides them towards. This helps builds children's confidence and self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder plans opportunities for them to explore both the natural environment, such as the beach, the farm to watch piglets being born and indoor adventure play areas. This helps to keep children fit and well before they are old enough to understand the benefits. The childminder encourages children to develop healthy eating habits and liaises with parents and children to provide nutritious planned home-cooked meals and snacks. At breakfast time children are encouraged to butter their own toast and spread on a topping of their choice such as jam. Drinking water is accessible at all times, as children help themselves from a water dispenser. Consequently, this promotes children's independence and decision making skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses age appropriate discussion, explanations, books and activities to support children in life events, such as going to a wedding and coping with a bereavement. Children learn about different media, as they take part in art and craft activities, such as painting and play dough. They have opportunities to use their imaginations well, as they role-play with each other and often invite the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder to join in. Children behave well because they know what is expected of them and receive lots of praise and encouragement, helping them to develop a clear sense of right and wrong. Children use a wide range of resources reflecting diversity, helping to develop their understanding of the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an exceptional knowledge of children's learning and development needs. She makes extensive detailed written observations and takes photographs of the children engrossed in activities to record their progress towards the early learning goals. These effective assessment systems clearly identify and record each child's steps of learning. This means that learning opportunities are not missed and parents are consistently informed of next steps, so they are involved in their child's learning and development. Children are encouraged to fill out questionnaires about their likes and dislikes in the setting. The childminder takes the children's views seriously and talks to the children about their ideas to improve her provision. 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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