Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY258305 Inspection date 19/10/2010 Inspector Anne Mitchell

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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 assesses 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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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 husband and adult daughter aged 18, and two younger children aged three and 20 months in New Milton. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding although minding mostly takes place downstairs. Toileting facilities are downstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register as well as the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She works with her co-childminders together they are registered to care for a maximum of 12 children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than six may be in the early years age range. There are currently 14 children on roll. Of these, 13 are in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends toddler groups on a regular basis. She 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 satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The children enjoy a warm and affectionate relationship with the childminder and are secure in her care. They engage in a range of activities which promote their development and they make sound progress towards the early learning goals, although older children are not always sufficiently challenged. Children are treated with equal respect, and liaison with parents and other early years' providers ensures a consistent approach to their care and education. The childminder works with her co-childminders to informally assess the provision and make improvements as required.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the systems to make observations and assessments on each child to identify their unique achievements and to inform the next steps for their development  provide a range of activities that enable children to explore colour and texture and use their imagination in art and design  ensure that the organisation of resources enables children to choose from a broad selection of age appropriate activities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are kept safe as the childminder ensures that appropriate safety equipment is in place and that risks on outings are suitably assessed. The childminder has attended training in safeguarding and has a secure knowledge of signs and symptoms of possible abuse and is aware of the procedures to follow in the event of concerns being noted.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed written policies and procedures that support her practice and all required documentation is in place for the early years age group. Resources are suitably deployed. The childminders support each other well, and ensure children are well supervised and generally well occupied. Children are beginning to learn about sustainability and encouraged to recycle. There are some resources that provide positive images of cultural diversity and disability, such as miniature figures, books and dolls. The use of Makaton signing supports children's comprehension and helps them learn to communicate through signing.

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the early years provision

Systems to monitor and assess the provision are informal. The three childminders regularly discuss their practice and possible improvements. They include the children in discussions about what they enjoy. Plans to re-new the playroom have been discussed. Although future plans are limited there is a sound capacity to improve.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with other early years provision is developing. The childminder talks to pre-school staff informally about each child's session. The recent introduction of communication books by the local pre-school has provided an additional system to share information. Partnership with parents and carers is sound. Parents are kept informed of planned activities, such as outings through newsletters. Policies and procedures are provided for all parents from the outset. The childminder talks informally to parents each day about their children's progress and routines. The child's developmental checklists are available to see at any time.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a happy and relaxed environment. The childminder interacts well with the children and this supports their self esteem. Children are developing close relationships with the childminder and with each other. They happily turn to her for cuddles and reassurance. Children enjoy remembering the Makaton signs for animals. Together they find the toy animals with the childminder and sign 'pig' and 'crocodile', 'duck' and 'bird'.

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and outcomes for children

A suitable range of age appropriate toys are available at floor level for the youngest children to choose. They play safely in the dedicated playroom that has direct access to the outdoor play area. There is an appropriate balance of indoor This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 play and planned outings to the beach, forest, local parks and shopping. Children over two are happy and settle quickly. However, the organisation of resources limits opportunities to easily access activities that challenge them effectively. All areas of learning are covered through popular toys. However, opportunities for children to express their imaginations by exploring colour, and texture are limited, as activities such as free painting are available infrequently.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a basic knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Observations on children are used to complete a developmental checklist. However, this does not fully identify children's uniqueness and does not effectively identify next steps for their individual progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about appropriate hygiene routines, as they wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals, and understand why this is important. They have regular opportunities to play in the fresh air, either in the well resourced garden, with large play equipment, balls and bikes, or on regular outings. Outings to the town enable children to explore the local community and develop an understanding of the wider world as they help with shopping and selecting foods-. Snacks and foods are generally healthy. Mealtimes are sociable with children sitting together as the childminder instigates conversation. Written policies regarding medication and health issues are shared with parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe. Visual daily risk assessments ensure all areas of the home and outdoor areas are safe. Children can access the toilet facilities independently as the stairs and front door area are excluded by a stair gate. Age appropriate car seats are used in the mini-bus. Children are reminded to tidy up toys so they don't hurt themselves. Road safety is reinforced on local outings. Children understand the importance of looking and listening for traffic, and not to run into the road.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is good. There is a friendly and happy atmosphere in this setting providing a positive environment for children. The childminder works with her co-workers to ensure a consistent approach. She is a good role model for children?s behaviour using praise and encouragement effectively to promote good behaviour. A positive behaviour management policy is in place and shared with parents. Any issues are discussed with parents to keep them fully informed and to ensure strategies are positive and consistent. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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

 make copies of the written statements of safeguarding procedures available to parents (Providing information to parents). 03/11/2010

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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 for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Providing information to parents). 03/11/2010

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