Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY362285 Inspection date 13/07/2010 Inspector Alison Large

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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 was registered in 2008. She lives with her husband who works as her assistant and two children in the Hedge End area of Southampton. All areas of the flat are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed communal garden available for outside play. The flat is situated on the first floor and is accessed via a staircase. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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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. She is currently minding five children in the early years age group on a part time basis and six older children before and after school. The childminder is able to walk to the local schools to take and collect children. The family have three cats, guinea pigs, fish and a hamster. The childminder attends various groups on a regular basis and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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, friendly home where they are valued and included to ensure none are disadvantaged. As a result, they demonstrate good levels of confidence and enjoy a worthwhile experience of the Early Years Foundation Stage. They enjoy their time with the childminder as she has a good understanding of child development and provides an environment for children where they can feel happy and secure. Although a reflective childminder there is no structured system of self-evaluation of her childminding, to identify any strengths and areas for development to ensure ongoing improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the system for seeking information from parents about the children's development as a starting point for their learning journey  update policies and procedures in line with current guidance  develop the system of self-evaluation to help improve outcomes for children

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the early years provision

The children are secure and happy in the childminder's care. The childminder and her husband who works as her assistant are suitably vetted, and the childminder ensures that children are fully safeguarded and always supervised by an appropriate adult. She has a good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and is committed to taking any necessary action to protect children from harm. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is enthusiastic about promoting children's welfare and supporting their learning and development. The childminder and her assistant are proactive in updating their skills, and both are working towards a level 3 qualification in childcare, which benefits the children they care for. There is a range of policies and procedures in place to protect the children and the childminder carries out thorough risk assessments throughout the home and for outings. However, policies

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the early years provision

concerning safeguarding and equal opportunities require more detail in line with current guidance, to fully support practice. There is a range of resources and activities provided for the children both inside and outside, which motivates them to learn and make choices.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good partnership with parents, good communication systems have been developed and she shares a variety of information with them including daily diaries and her policies and procedures. She shares the children's assessment records with parents and together they discuss the way forward in their child's progress. This ensures children's experiences in the setting are enhanced and parents are involved in their child's learning. However, the childminder has not yet put any systems in place to find out about children's starting points in their development when they join the setting. She has made links with the pre-schools the minded children attend to ensure information is shared. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of inclusive practice and encourages children to be fully involved in all aspects of their play and learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children of all ages are happy and settled with the childminder and her assistant and make steady progress in their learning. Young children are able to make choices and develop a good sense of belonging as they move around freely and with increasing confidence. Children enjoy their learning because the childminder provides a daily routine which includes indoor activities such as musical instruments or construction, and outdoor activities where they are encouraged to develop their physical skills and they enjoy a variety of outings. All children have access to a range of resources, both inside and outside the home. The learning environment is bright and well organised, allowing children to play freely. Observations and assessments are made by the childminder to ensure children are consistently moving on to the next steps in their development and learning. Children’s communication skills are very well supported; the childminder and her

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and outcomes for children

assistant chat to children continually and this positive interaction encourages children to try new vocabulary. They enjoy looking at books and singing songs. All children make good progress in all areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are well behaved and learning to share with others. The childminder praises their achievements and they develop warm and secure relationships with both her and her assistant. Children's safety is promoted effectively, good systems are in place to ensure the home remains secure at all times and effective risk assessments are used to ensure all areas both in the home, and activities outside the home are safe. Children understand the need to keep safe as they regularly practise the emergency evacuation procedure and talk about road safety. Healthy This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 meals and snacks are provided in accordance with parents wishes and the childminder encourages healthy eating. Children are learning about keeping healthy as they are encouraged to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. They access the outdoors in all weathers to have regular fresh air and

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time with the childminder and have good experiences. All children make steady progress in every area of learning because the childminder is committed to providing good quality care and education for all children. They take part in some planned activities and also have many opportunities to initiate their own play. The childminder has a sound knowledge of each child, and those who require additional support are well catered for and their progress is monitored effectively. The good relationships developed with parents and other carers ensure that all children succeed. Children's progress records also include many photographs of the children engaged in activities, and provide an excellent record for parents. Parents are well informed about their children’s learning and development, via daily discussion and folders of their children's work. Parents are consulted about their children’s needs and interests on a regular basis.

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and outcomes for children

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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