Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY217335 Inspection date 08/07/2010 Inspector Judith Reed

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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 2003. She lives with her partner and child in the Locks Heath area of Fareham, Hampshire. All areas of the property are registered for childminding. The childminder mainly uses the ground floor and the first floor bathroom for childcare. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet guinea pig and some fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, no more than two of which may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group on a part time basis. She also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from the local school.

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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 knows the children in her care very well and is aware of their individual needs. Equality and diversity is effectively promoted. The childminder completes self-evaluation of her childminding provision. She successfully identifies aspects of her provision to be developed further and her commitment to ongoing training provides a sound basis for her capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop partnership working with other professionals to help improve outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder is well organised and ensures she has all necessary paperwork in place. The adults in the property are suitability checked, as required. An appropriate safeguarding policy is in place and the childminder ensures parents are fully aware of these guidelines. Full risk assessments are carried out around the home and garden, as well as for a number of different outings. Children remain on the ground floor of the home unless using the bathroom upstairs. The childminder ensures all areas of her home are safe and suitable for the children attending. Fire evacuation drill is practised each month. Partnership with parents is important to the childminder. She builds good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relationships with the parents and keeps them fully informed about their children. Parents complete documentation giving the necessary contact information and

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the early years provision

consents for using outdoor equipment or going on outings. They also give written permission for emergency medical advice or treatment. Children's developmental stage is discussed when they start and the childminder is aware of their starting points for learning. The childminder communicates through a daily diary, as well as verbally, each day. Parents complete questionnaires regarding the childminding service and state that they are very happy and their children love going to the childminder's home. Children say the childminder is happy, firm, and also provides healthy food. Parents are aware that they may see their children's records at any time and they feel well informed about their children's learning and development. Parents are pleased with their child's progress. The childminder receives information from school teachers about the children's day. However, more formal communication has yet to be established to exchange information about children's

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the early years provision

learning and development to ensure their individual needs are met.

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the early years provision

The childminder promotes equality through offering a range of books which reflect diversity. Children enjoy observing the pictures in the books and discussing them with the childminder. Posters and signs show children from other cultures and the languages of various nationalities. An equal opportunities policy is in place. The childminder works closely with parents to support all children and discusses their individual needs. The learning environment helps children make progress and learn as they choose from a wide selection of toys, books and activities. The childminder stores toys around the spacious living room in clear boxes and storage bags, as well as on the book stand. She plans her routine around the needs of the children and fits outings around nap times whenever possible.

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the early years provision

The childminder carries out self-evaluation of her childminding and makes continual improvements. She is aware of the importance of keeping up to date and uses the internet, local childminding meetings and training to ensure her ongoing development. The childminder plans future training to ensure her qualifications remain up to date.

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and outcomes for children

Children are relaxed and settled in the care of the childminder because they are familiar with the home environment and they make choices about their own activities. They move around freely and communicate with the childminder. Children are active learners. The childminder is well aware of their individual needs and makes every effort to meet those needs. She sits on the floor with the children and is fully involved in their play. Children particularly enjoy the large bricks. They stack the bricks up and build a tower. They are excited by this activity and play for some time. The childminder praises children's efforts and talks to them about the tall tower and the blocks, introducing a range of different words. Children are intrigued by the different shapes, including a flower. The childminder demonstrates how to make it into a construction with the bricks. Children copy this and the childminder gives further praise and encouragement, helping to develop their

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and outcomes for children

confidence and self-esteem. The childminder makes regular, brief, observations This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and sets next steps for development. She uses these next steps to plan future learning and activities for children. The observation records, photographs and examples of work are regularly shared with parents. Children also enjoy books and help themselves from the book stand. They choose to share a 'Postman Pat' book. They take it to the settee and sit cosily next to the childminder to look at the book. The childminder reads some of the book and the children turn the pages to look at the pictures. They are aware of how books work and their communication, language and literacy skills are enhanced.

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and outcomes for children

Children's good health and hygiene are promoted and the childminder helps children learn how to remain healthy. They develop a healthy lifestyle through walking to and from school and regular opportunities for outside play. Children follow suitable hygiene routines and use individual paper towels when drying their hands in the bathroom. The childminder employs suitable nappy changing procedures and protects children from cross infection. Parents currently provide lunch for their children and the childminder provides snacks and evening meals. She ensures fruit is always available and a range of vegetables are included with the nutritious meals.

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and outcomes for children

Children show that they feel safe as they are happy and secure. They have their familiar cuddly toys and dummies available when required. The childminder talks calmly to children when they become upset and she settles them for a nap to meet their individual needs. A pictorial notice shows the rules of the home for everyone to understand. Children have a positive attitude towards learning and participation. They learn about sharing toys and taking turns with the other children. The childminder praises the children throughout their activities to encourage positive behaviour. Children are also encouraged to recognise their own unique qualities and the characteristics they share with others when looking at books and discussing the pictures. They develop skills for the future when making their independent choices as well as applying their skills in communication and understanding. Children are encouraged to use crayons and do painting to begin

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and outcomes for children

early writing development. They complete puzzles and count bricks to enhance their problem solving, reasoning and numeracy skills. Children also learn about keeping safe when crossing roads and playing in the park. 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: 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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