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 EY387648 Inspection date 29/06/2009 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 was registered in 2008. She lives with her partner and their two children aged five years and two years in the Sholing area of Southampton, close to shops, schools and parks. The premises are easily accessible to all adults and children. All areas of the ground floor are used for minding and the upstairs is used for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

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 four children in this age range on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five year to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from the local school and attends a toddler group regularly.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are busy and well occupied as they help themselves to toys and learn through their play. The childminder ensures she is fully aware of, and meets, their individual needs. The childminder carries out self-evaluation of her provision, which includes gathering comments from parents, and plans ongoing improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure all medication documentation is signed by parents following administration of medicine

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provision

Children benefit from the ongoing evaluation of the provision as the childminder continues to develop her knowledge and skills, and obtain new equipment The childminder involves parents in evaluating her provision and values their contribution. She borrows toys and equipment from a local pre-school, as well as the toy library, to enhance children's experiences. The childminder plans further training to gain knowledge and develop her understanding of the requirements of the Early years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

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provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a number of policies and procedures in place and shares them with parents. These include safeguarding, health and safety, and complaints policies. The childminder also carries out This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 thorough risk assessments around her home as well as daily checks. She ensures children's safety with suitable equipment in place including safety gates and window film. Children learn good hygiene routines and use individual hand drying towels. The childminder employs appropriate nappy changing procedures and protects children from cross-infection. All necessary paperwork in in place to keep children safe, however parents do not always sign the medication book after medicine has been administered by the childminder.

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provision

The childminder builds sound relationships with parents and ensures she finds out about the children and their family before they start. The 'Unique child' booklet is completed to find out the starting points for children's learning. The childminder shares her recording keeping with parents and they discuss next steps and future learning targets. Parents complete evaluation forms to inform the childminder about their opinions. They also fill compliment forms telling the childminder how valuable she is and how pleased they are with her provision.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's development is monitored and observed regularly. The childminder carries out regular observations and sets next steps for the children's development. These are included in the future planning for each child. She shares information with parents and they sign documentation, including their own comments. Parents are very pleased with their children's progress. The learning environment effectively helps children to make progress because children help themselves to toys and equipment from storage boxes. A number of posters are displayed including a multi-cultural welcome sign. Children's photographs and art work are displayed which helps to build their self-esteem. The childminder strikes a suitable balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities. She knows children’s individual interests and plans for simple activities such as imaginative play with dolls and buggies and then adds further resources,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

including baby wipes and a nappy, to extend children's learning. This means that children are fully engaged in activities because they are interested. Children enjoy working together to re-build some vehicles which have been dismantled. The children work out which pieces go together and ask the childminder for support when needed. Children fix the pieces together with toy screw drivers. They have a real sense of achievement when they succeed in making the vehicle. Children are praised for sharing the toys and tools.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder praises children for sharing and being kind. Children are asked to apologise when they hurt anther child. Good manner are valued and encouraged. The behaviour management policy states that the childminder will discuss issues and concerns with parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is well aware of safety issues and takes all appropriate steps to keep children safe. She uses safety gates at the bottom and top of the stairs and low level glass in the dining area and front room are covered with safety film. Access to garden is through the kitchen and there are latches on cupboards with cleaning equipment and drawers with sharp knives inside. The childminder keeps gates locked in the garden and the rear storage shed is also locked at all times. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children learn how to keep themselves safe by taking part in fire evacuation drills as well as learning how to cross roads. 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? 2

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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? 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?

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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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