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 EY320739 Inspection date 06/08/2009 Inspector Tonia Chilcott

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and five children one of whom is aged under eight years, in the Purbrook area of Hampshire. All areas of the property are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, of whom two may be in the early years age range. Currently the childminder is caring for seven children of whom two are in the early years age range. All children currently attend on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family have pet chinchillas. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children are happy and settled within the childminder's care where they thoroughly enjoy their time, taking part in a vast range of exciting and stimulating activities. Their learning is extended exceptionally well by the childminder who effortlessly questions and challenges the children throughout the day. The childminder has an excellent awareness and understanding of the needs of each child in her care, thus ensuring that she is fully able to meet their unique needs well. The childminder is fully committed to continually improving the provision she offers and as such seeks and takes part in relevant training events to extend her knowledge. An effective system is in place to evaluate and assess the provision she provides and is used to identify further areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 improving the availability of written permission to seek emergency treatment or advice

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provision

Children are very well protected by the childminder who has a secure understanding of safeguarding procedures and how to identify a child at risk of harm. Comprehensive risk assessments are completed on all areas accessible to children, both within the childminder's home and any outings that the children take part in. Children learn to keep themselves safe when taking part in regular planned fire drills, the details of which are clearly recorded and evaluated by the childminder. Excellent written records are in place that document clearly any hazards identified and the action taken to minimise risk. The childminder is highly This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 motivated and keen to improve the provision she offers further. To this end she completes a thorough and comprehensive self evaluation system that allows her to identify areas for further improvement. She regularly seeks alternative and new

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provision

training to enhance her skills and knowledge. The views of parents and children are sought when looking at self evaluation through questionnaires and verbal discussions. A wide range of informative and well written policies and procedures are shared with parents to ensure that they remain fully aware of all procedures followed by the childminder. Good procedures are in place to share knowledge about children's learning and development with both parents and other providers to enable children to make good progress in their learning in a consistent manner.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave exceptionally well whilst in the care of the childminder. They learn to share and take turns whilst taking part in a range of activities both inside and outside of the home. For example, whilst playing on the trampoline, children take turns to bounce and do somersaults laughing and clapping as they each manage a different task and waiting patiently for their turn. All children access a wide range of stimulating activities throughout the day and play freely and confidently within the warm and welcoming environment. The childminder uses the available space exceptionally well to ensure that children have defined areas for play. Toys and materials are presented exceptionally well to children with many being available in low level storage that enables the children to make free choices. Clearly labelled drawers enables the children to confidently and independently make informed decisions as to what they wish to play with. Outside play is available to children on

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

a daily basis. The childminder's effective use of space enables children to free flow between the garden and the home as they choose, whilst being supervised at all times. Commercial posters and examples of children’s arts and crafts are displayed around the home, as is a wide range of written information for parents and this contributes to the warm and welcoming environment. Children benefit from the skilful way that the childminder effortlessly extends their learning with effective questioning and guidance during planned and everyday activities. For example, whilst playing snakes and ladders in the garden using the over sized dice and game board, children learn to count the numbers on the dice and work out what number they need next to progress in the game. When making cards, children enjoy experimenting with the glue as they spread it across the card. They learn about colour when talking to the childminder about the choices they are making

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

with the glitters available to them and then confidently tell the childminder all about their parent’s favourite colours, enjoying the conversations as they complete their cards. Observations of children’s learning are recorded within their individual, bright learning journey folders, alongside photographs of children taking part in activities. The information gained is used to identify and plan children’s next steps in learning, providing an accurate indication of children’s progress. Children’s overall good health is promoted well by the childminder. They learn to wash their hands before eating and after playing in the garden. Drinks are readily available to children throughout the day and are set out for them on a low level table. Jugs of juice, individual cups and snacks are all laid out allowing children to freely choose when to drink or eat, recognising themselves when they are hungry or thirsty. All

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

required documentation is in place and used well to support the welfare needs of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children. Occasionally the written records relating to emergency medical treatment or advice are not as readily available at all times as some other records. 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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