Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY401900 Inspection date 27/05/2010 Inspector Sylvia Shane

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 has been registered since 2009. She lives in central Andover with her partner and child who is within the early years age range. Childminding predominantly takes place on the ground floor. There is a communal garden to facilitate outdoor play. The bathroom is on the first floor and a bedroom is available on the first floor to accommodate a sleeping child.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for no more than two children under eight years; of these, not more than two may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than one may be under one year at any one time. She is currently caring for one child in the early year’s age group.

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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

The childminder understands and implements the Early Years Foundation Stage overall with success. All documentation required by regulation is in place to ensure children's welfare, learning, and development needs are appropriately met. Individual needs are identified and met through working effectively with parents. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement, she has begun to review the service she offers and takes action to improve the service she offers. Ensuring that it is of a good standard.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the range of creative activities to further encourage children to communicate their thoughts, for example, through art  improve the self evaluation process and set in place secure systems to ensure that the views of parents are reflected

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the early years provision

Children are fully safeguarded as the childminder has a clear understanding of the procedure to follow should she have a concern regarding child protection. All adults in the household have been suitably vetted. Risk assessments are thorough and effective because steps are taken to minimise hazards both when at home or on outings. For example, the childminder checks sleeping children regularly, to ensure that they sleep safely. She shows a good awareness of thinking ahead for example, she has a safety gate ready to place across door ways, when they become more mobile. All hazardous materials are kept out of reach of children including hot drinks. On outings, the childminder ensures that children are safely This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 harnessed into double buggies. Fire evacuation is practised on a regular basis to ensure that children can quickly and safely be evacuated in an emergency. She

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the early years provision

buys good quality toys and equipment, suitable for the children's age and stage of development and ensures these are well maintained through regular checking.

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the early years provision

Space is well thought out and children are able to freely explore this child centred, safe and stimulating environment. Children make choices as the toys are kept at a low level. These cover all the areas of learning including those that reflect diversity. Toys are rotated and added to so that children do not become bored. A good range of written polices and procedures underpin her good practice and she has an appropriate system in place to log any complaints and concerns she receives. Accurate written records and parental consents are in place to promote children's health.

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the early years provision

The childminder works effectively with parents from the outset and has devised an in depth questionnaire which enables parents to contribute what they already know about their children, this includes any specific cultural religious and specific needs. Together, the childminder and the parents, discuss the children's starting points and next stages of development. This is then built on as the childminder has developed an effective system to record and share children's ongoing progress with parents. Regular observations provide a detailed written account of their achievements showing the progress children make since starting with her. She uses the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance with good effect, when making plans for the next steps in children's progress. She has a good understanding of what she needs to provide and do to help them achieve the targets. This contributes to the children making good progress.

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the early years provision

The children in her care do not currently attend other settings, however the childminder is aware of the need to liaise with other professionals when the need arises. In addition she is aware of the support networks available and is able to signpost the parents when they need help or advice. Parents are asked to comment on the service she offers however, she understand she now needs to set up secure systems to collate this information and reflect it in the self evaluation of the setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder is already showing she strives to improve the care she provides by reflecting on her practice and evaluating her provision. She understands the importance of broadening her own knowledge of child development and does this through researching the internet; attending courses and having discussion with other professionals. This ensures that she keeps up to date with current best practice and in line with regulation.

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and outcomes for children

Babies are well supported and are provided with time, reassurance, and lots of praise and cuddles as a result they feel safe and secure and are confident in their surroundings. Individual routines and activities are carefully thought out to ensure their unique needs are met. They have developed good relationships with the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder and each other and learning to take turn and share. Babies receive consistent messages about what is expected of them, for example when exploring each others face an hair the childminder talks to them about being gentle and kind. They further develop good social skills as they regularly mix with other children and the wider community.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder plans well for their individual stages of development. Providing them with play opportunities to cover and develop their skills in the six area of learning. She recognise that these now can be built upon, in particular by providing more opportunities for babies to explore a wider range of creative materials through art. The childminder is very aware of what interests them so ensures that they have their favourite toys and comforters around them whilst introducing new activities keeping the babies well stimulated and interested. As a result children are learning and making progress.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder encourages them to move and explore their environment, by placing toys of interest just out of reach, as a result they are developing the strength and coordination they need to crawl. Babies explore their refection in mirrors as the childminder uses positive and encouraging tones and talks to them about what they can see, as a result they are developing a positive image of themselves. She ensures that they feel safe and well supported as they sit. Consequently, babies show confidence and real concentration as they explore and manipulate the many touch and respond toys. They particularly like the large bright flash cards. The childminder purposely leaves the cards in the box and babies explore the flaps and calculate work out how to get them out. The childminder talks to them with enthusiasm about what they are doing, so children understand it’s a worth while activity and has purpose. They childminder is alert

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and outcomes for children

and understands they have found their favourite animal as they excitedly kick their legs and show their preferences. Further activities are provided to increase their strength and mobility, for example, the babies enjoy sitting in the baby walker and bouncer, feeling their feet and bouncing. She adds music and they listen and respond moving their bodies to the familiar nursery rhymes and are developing a sense of rhythm. She encourages them to clap their hands and they respond well, pleased with the praise they receive, they repeat what they are doing and learning is re-enforced. Babies are showing a developing confidence in communicating, they practise making sounds, and the childminder acknowledges their efforts and echoes back the sounds that they making so that they feel acknowledged. They enjoy a cuddle whilst looking at the wide range of picture and story books.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is promoted through well-planned daily routines, for example nappy changing routines are robust as the childminder washes her hands and routinely wipes down the changing mat with antibacterial spray in between changing babies. In addition regular cleaning of the environment toys and equipment limits the spread of infection. Babies have easy access to water and are encouraged to drink water regularly. Different coloured and designed cups are used, so that babies learn to recognise which one is theirs and discourage them from sharing. When they accidentally do this the childminder reminds them which one belongs to them and ensures that these are replaced with clean ones. All food is stored appropriately to ensure its freshness. Records show that the childminder has discussed and identified with parents any cultural and religious requirements This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

as well as allergies. Daily visits to the local parks and planned play activities provide babies with, regular opportunities to develop their physical skills, exercise their bodies, and get out in the fresh air. 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 2 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: 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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