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 EY233163 Inspection date 22/07/2009 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. She lives with her husband and five children, of whom three are older children, one is a pre-school school aged child and one is a toddler. They live in a house in Southsea in Portsmouth. The house is accessible from the road. Minded children have access to the ground floor and an upstairs bedroom for sleeping. There is an enclosed rear decked and grassed garden to the rear of the property for outdoor 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 one may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding one child in this age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder has a NVQ level 3 qualification in Childcare and 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. Children thrive in this setting as the childminder is exemplary in meeting the needs of the children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through her work practice. The childminder continually attends training events and courses to update her own knowledge, enabling her to effectively monitor her practice, driving improvement for the benefit of all the children who attend. The childminder fosters very strong relationships, consequently, children are recognised as unique individuals and are extremely happy, settled, safe and secure during their time at the setting. Through discussion and use of a wide range of resources the childminder ensures an inclusive environment is provided for all children. Self-evaluation systems enable the childminder to build on her strengths and provide children with an excellent level of care and education.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems of self evaluation to identify and maintain continuous improvement

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provision

The childminder is extremely well organised and professional in her practice. She has made improvements since her last inspection. Up-to-date, clearly detailed, written policies and procedures are in place, which are shared with parents to ensure they are aware of her practices and able to work with her in promoting positive outcomes for their children. The childminder is continually improving in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 line with new legislation, which has an extremely positive impact on how children are supported and make very good progress.

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provision

The childminder takes her role very seriously and prioritises her own professional development. She continually attends training and workshops to update her knowledge and skills for the benefit of the children and ensure their learning journey is enjoyable and fun. Consultation with parents and children by means of general discussion and questionnaires ensure their views are sought.

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provision

The childminder establishes an excellent and highly effective working relationship with parents. The detailed information she obtains from them when children initially start at the setting ensures all their welfare needs are known and their learning is continuously supported. Parents have access to their children's records at any time and are able to contribute their own views about their children's achievements and progress. This information is then incorporated in the planning for their children's next steps. Parents sign to acknowledge their agreement to the policies and procedures the childminder works to, so they are aware of the care they can expect their children to receive. All required documentation is in place and systems for storing children's records ensure confidentiality.

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provision

The childminder has procedures in place whereby she liaises with other EYFS providers about children who share her provision. Children are cared for in a safe, secure environment. Procedures and work practice to safeguard children are exemplary. The childminder has a very clear understanding of the procedures to be followed should she have any concerns regarding individual children's well-being. Risk assessments carried out for the premises indoors, outdoors and for outings children are taken on, are robust, regularly reviewed and ensure children are kept safe and free from harm at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is exceptionally skilled at observing the children while they are engaged in activities, enabling her to assess what they can do and plan for their next steps. Comprehensive records are used effectively to plan an extensive range of activities and experiences for children, promoting all areas of their development and learning successfully. Activities are short and changed frequently, reflecting the age of the children. Children laugh and play throughout the day. For example, children love putting on finger puppet shows for one another using a child sized theatre and props. They listen intently to one another act out well known fairy stories until they have their turn.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children relish at having water play outside, they occupy themselves by pouring and transferring water from cups and teapots from a child sized tea set. They have many opportunities to investigate and explore with the resources and their surroundings. The childminder provides a range of equipment promoting curiosity, such as magnifying glasses. Children use these to look at mini beasts in the garden and spider webs. The children's learning journeys are full of examples of their work and play. They provide an extremely informative collection of pictures and events for the parents and the childminder to see the children's progress as their skills This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 develop and improve in all areas.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's awareness of the diverse society in which they live is raised through activities, resources and books, such as making celebration cards for Eid. All children have equal access to the wide range of activities and experiences provided. Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe. They are introduced to road safety when on outings whereby they become familiar with road signs and their meanings. Children have compiled their own road safety book which comprises of pictures they have drawn of emergency vehicles, when to dial 999 and safety posters such as a picture depicting not to swim to far out into deep water. The childminder discusses with them the importance of knowing their home address and not talking to strangers. They practise the procedures for evacuating the premises in an emergency, these are recorded so the childminder can evaluate their effectiveness.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder’s warm, calm manner is an important factor in her ability to manage behaviour in a highly positive way. Children learn acceptable behaviour through discussion, and lots of explanation, whereby they become aware of the effect their behaviour has on others and how to be a positive member of society. A feelings book has been compiled by the children. This includes examples of pictures drawn by them of their emotions. Children are offered an abundance of praise and encouragement which has an extremely positive effect on their confidence and self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children experience a variety of daily outings, which supports their physical development and ensures they get plenty of fresh air. For example, they visit local parks, the library and adventure playgrounds, Canoe lake and the beach. In addition, they have regular access to a range of equipment including a climbing frame with slide, and sit and ride toys, pop up tent and large paddling pool which are all available in the rear garden.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are fully protected from germs and infection. The childminder ensures children wash their hands prior to eating and after toileting, and that the premises, equipment and resources are regularly cleaned. Children have regular access to drinks throughout the day and are beginning to develop their awareness of healthy eating through activities they engage in and discussions they have with the childminder. Children count at every opportunity, they count how many pieces of fruit they have for their snack, then count the carrot sticks and cucumber. 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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