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 EY330158 Inspection date 25/08/2009 Inspector Helen Mary Ball

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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 her children aged six years and three years in Romsey, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. Access to the premises is good. The whole of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, of which two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in the early years age range. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis. She 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's practice is exemplary. She is exceptionally patient with children who are motivated by her enthusiastic approach. She is highly competent in assessing children’s individual abilities and offers sensitive support to enable all children to achieve and experience a sense of achievement. As a result, children make excellent progress towards the early learning goals. This is a vibrant and fun setting where the childminder critically reviews her provision so that she can effectively plan for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, so that outcomes for every child continue to improve through high aspiration and effective practice

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provision

The childminder is very well organised. This means that thorough records are maintained and children’s health and welfare are very efficiently underpinned because all required policies, procedures and consents are in place to underpin her successful practice. The childminder is very well qualified to care for children and is totally committed to continuous improvement through critical self-evaluation and ongoing training. She actively seeks a diverse range of training courses so that she This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 can fully support all children in her care.

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provision

The childminder continually strives to improve the outcomes for children; she demonstrates a clear understanding of inclusive practice and encourages all children to be fully involved in all aspects of their play and learning, regardless of age and ability. As a result, children are extremely well motivated, happy and they have high levels of self-esteem. Children are exceedingly well safeguarded at this setting; the childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse because she has attended training in safeguarding children.

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provision

Partnership with parents is outstanding. Parents show their appreciation of this highly skilled childminder through letters of commendation. Parents state that the childminder is flexible to their needs and exceptionally caring towards their children. She respects parents’ opinions and liaises closely with them to plan their children’s next steps in learning. The childminder provides daily feedback to parents about what their children have been doing through a daily diary, and shares children's developmental and achievement records on a regular basis. In addition, the childminder helps parents to understand what it is like for a child at her setting through their child’s ‘learning journey’ book, using photographs that document the vast range of activities their children enjoy.

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provision

Overall, the welfare of the children is promoted extremely well in all aspects; they are at the heart of everything the childminder does. Her love of working with children shines through.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The careful organisation of the educational programme means that children make excellent progress in their learning. The childminder has embraced the Early Years Foundation Stage. She successfully identifies children’s next steps in learning and provides enjoyable and relevant activities to enable them to achieve.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are enthused and challenged by the childminder’s animated approach and the range of learning experiences provided. Based upon detailed and accurate observations, activities are extremely well matched to the children’s needs, so that all can succeed to the best of their ability. The childminder very successfully supports children's learning; she provides sensitive support to children so that they experience a sense of accomplishment. For example, a toddler shows a developing independence when completing a jigsaw puzzle; the childminder gently offers advice but does not compromise the child’s sense of achievement. The child, with encouragement and support, perseveres and is thrilled to complete the puzzle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is extremely skilled at concurrently giving children equal amounts of attention. She simultaneously reads to one toddler, helps another complete a puzzle and supports a three-year-old to take part in a board game with older children. Her loving approach means that all children are exceedingly relaxed and settled in her care. Children are very well behaved and show a genuine desire to help both the childminder and each other. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children greatly benefit from attending a provision where the childminder attends ongoing training. She is inspired by new ideas and continually re-evaluates the provision and resources. As a result, children are always stimulated and excited by what she offers. They particularly enjoy outings and outdoor play. As a result, the childminder takes children to a wide variety of venues such as Hilliers Arboretum

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

for nature walks, Serendipity Sams for indoor soft play, and story time at the library. The childminder encourages children to have a voice in what she does, and she finds out what they think of the setting through discussion and evaluation. Children report that they are very happy at the setting and that they know when they have done something well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very effectively protected both in the home and on outings, because the childminder carries out thorough risk assessments and takes every possible step to assure children's safety. Children learn about keeping healthy through daily routines; they are encouraged to be active in the outdoors every day, and the childminder ensures they rest according to their individual routines so they are refreshed and ready to play. The childminder is vigilant when supervising children but she does not compromise their independence. 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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