Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY393831 Inspection date 10/11/2009 Inspector Jacqueline Munden

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2009. She lives with her husband and four children, of whom, three are of school age in Totton, Hampshire. All areas of the home are used for childminding. A toilet is accessible on the lower floor. 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 caring for two early years children on a part time basis. The childminder is also registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are welcomed into a warm, family environment where they are all valued and included. Their welfare and learning are promoted successfully because the childminder quickly gets to know each child and works closely with parents, enabling her to meet their individual needs. The childminder provides a safe environment and generally maintains appropriate records to underpin her good practice. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to developing her practice and accurately identifies areas to further enhance outcomes for children.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 improve the record or risk assessment so that it includes information on who conducted it, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident and include any assessments of risks for outings and trips. (Suitable premises, environment & equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 10/12/2009

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the system used for observation, assessment and planning to ensure all areas of learning are covered and to show the next steps planned for children's learning and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

In the short time since registering, the childminder has organised her provision well. All the required documentation and parental consents are in place to fully promote children's health and welfare. A suitable range of written policies that underpin her good practice are shared with parents. Children are well safeguarded due to the childminder's sound knowledge of child protection issues; she has written her own procedure to follow should she have a concern. Risk assessments are conducted within the home, garden and for outings; hazards are identified and dealt with effectively to protect children. For example, low level glass in the outhouse has been made safe using protective film and children are constantly closely supervised when using the garden. Indoors, a safety gate is used to prevent children's access to the stairs and resources with small parts are stored separately from those being used by younger children. However, only a partially

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the early years provision

written record is maintained of the risk assessment, it therefore does not fully meet regulation. The childminder follows effective hygiene routines to prevent the risk of cross infection and ensures children's health is fully promoted by finding out about any particular health or cultural needs.

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the early years provision

The environment is homely and welcoming with a wide range of resources readily accessible to all children in low level storage units both in the house and in the annex. Equality and diversity is promoted well as all children are included and can take part as play equipment suits their development level and ability. For example, outdoors, large physical play equipment is provided to suit all abilities. These include two and three wheeled bikes and non pedal wheeled vehicles. Wellington boots and wet weather clothes are kept in case children don't bring them with them to ensure they can all take part in activities in all weathers. The childminder forges strong links with parents. This enables her to quickly get to know each child well and meet their individual needs regarding their sleep patterns and mealtimes as preferred by parents. They share information through discussion at delivery and collection times and by the use of a daily diary. Parents report they are very happy

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the early years provision

with the care their children receive. The childminder plans to liaise with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) if children attend other settings.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to improving her practice. She has begun evaluating the quality of her provision through self assessment and by seeking the views of parents, and has identified ways to improve the care she provides. For example, she has introduced a system to record observations of children's achievements and in order to assist her in developing this system and to broaden her knowledge of the EYFS she has enrolled on a level 3 childcare course.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the nurturing environment the childminder provides. Children feel safe and secure due to their individual needs being catered This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 for as the childminder organises her time well to be on hand offering sensitive support. Children under the age of one are cuddled and settled off to sleep, their personal comforters being provided. Close bonds are formed with the childminder, children reach for a cuddle and settle quickly when dropped off by parents. The childminder helps develop language as she gets down to child level and brightly talks and encourages them. The childminder names animals children play with and she makes the animal sound to 'here's the piggy, oink oink'. Children are confident and chat freely with adults and peers. The childminder consistently talks to the children about what they are doing and offering them choices. She uses

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and outcomes for children

explanation effectively, at their level to encourage good behaviour and develop their understanding. They are beginning to respond well to her clear boundaries and high expectation of kindness and good manners. The childminder knows the children well and promotes their learning in a natural and challenging way building on their current knowledge, skills and interests. For example, two year olds are developing an interest in books as they sit for extended periods looking at the wide range offered; the touch and feel ones being favourites. The childminder recognises that children learn differently and has read publications regarding boys learning styles. This helps her provide appropriate resources and understand their preferences. She provides resources and activities to encourage learning in areas of learning for the children she cares for and adapts activities where needed. For example, younger children use water based pens with wipe clean mats or magnetic

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and outcomes for children

drawing boards whilst older, more able children use pencils and pens. Two year olds enjoy baking cakes when the younger ones are sleeping. Children use a range of appropriate electronic resources such as computerised alphabet and number toys. Two year olds are beginning to count, pressing the keys whilst saying 1, 2, 3. Physical development is promoted well as children access a wide range of resources outdoors and use it in all weathers. They particularly enjoy the well equipped play house as they role play cooking. They use swings and a sand pit as well as ball games. Children benefit from the good use made of local places of interest including parks, the New Forest and a farm. Children develop independence as they manage the toilet, washing their hands afterwards. They learn about the wider world through the positive attitude of the childminder and using a good range of resources that promote positive images of all people in society. These include multi cultural dolls,

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and outcomes for children

small world toys and books. At an early age children learn to recycle using the 'green bin'. Children find out about keeping safe as they are gently reminded to sit on the chairs to eat and to be careful of younger children playing on the floor. They learn about healthy lifestyles as they have many opportunities to be outdoors and eat nutritious foods.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder knows the children well and ensures she provides a suitable range of resources and activities to meet their growing needs. She speaks knowledgably about them and explains the progress they have made since starting with her in most areas of learning. Therefore children generally make good progress. She has begun to keep records of observations of what the children can do which are recorded in their individual 'progress books'. She knows what she plans to do to help them to progress further but is yet to include this information in the written record to ensure all areas are included and to monitor their development. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability of premises and equipment) 10/12/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability of premises and equipment) 10/12/2009

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