Childminder in Portsmouth

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY409455 Inspection date 01/12/2010 Inspector Michele Beasley

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2010. She lives with her fiancé and their two children, one pre-school age and an older school aged child, in a house in Portsmouth. The house is accessible from the road. Minded children have access to the ground floor of the property that includes a lounge, snug and playroom. There is a rear garden for outdoor play. The family have a hamster.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

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 may be in the early years age range. She has two children currently on roll in the early years age range attending. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides children with a welcoming family environment. Their individual care needs are met because the childminder knows the children very well and generally shares information effectively with parents. She minimises hazards and records risk assessments, which she reviews regularly. Children are provided with a varied range of resources and interesting activities, which are evaluated to support them to develop in all areas of their learning; this is still in its infancy. The childminder is starting to reflect on her practice and is aware of the strengths of her provision and the areas she needs to continue to develop.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve further the two-way flow of information with parents in relation to children's learning and development to help plan more effectively and rigorously for future learning.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a sound knowledge about child protection procedures and knows where to make referrals. She has ensured all adults living within her household are vetted and suitable to be around the children. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 keeps a record of risk assessments for her home. The childminder assesses risks thoroughly on the premises and records aspects that require daily checking. She takes effective steps to reduce hazards, such as having socket covers and stair gates in place to ensure children's safety. This ensures any potential hazards are promptly identified and minimised. The childminder has ensured required written parental permissions are in place and on site for all the children in her care. These include permissions to go on outings and to obtain emergency medical advice or treatment. Risk assessments for outings are also in place. Consequently, this

p.4

the early years provision

ensures all children are cared for if an emergency occurred.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a designated play room and snug area for the children to play in. She has arranged the resources in the environment at the children's level, enabling them to access them independently. She has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is keen to improve her childminding practice through further development of her systems for self evaluation.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder establishes strong relationships with parents and generally shares information with them. Feedback from parents reflects how highly they regard and trust her and how much their children enjoy attending. The childminder involves parents in their children's development. She shares information about children's progress and interests, which parents also contribute to. The childminder values the role of parents and continually encourages them to share what they know about their child. The childminder does not currently care for children attending other early years settings. Through discussion she states she is happy to work in partnership with other professionals to ensure consistency is obtained for the children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder shows a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements . She seeks information from parents about children's starting points during introductory and settling-in visits. This helps her provide appropriate activities and resources that meet children's needs and promote all areas of learning. She observes and records children's progress in learning journals in order to monitor their progress. Evaluations and next steps for children to work towards are in place and generally shared with parents but these are not always used to maximise learning and future planning. However, the systems for recording and planning future development need further development to fully meet the needs of every child.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Babies are very settled and enjoy the involvement of the childminder in their activities. They know how to attract her prompt attention with gestures and sounds and the childminder shows she values their interaction by promptly responding to them. This helps build their confidence and self-esteem. They participate well during activities and are at all times busily engaged in play, both with the childminder's support and independently. With help and encouragement they pull themselves up to explore and bang together bricks to make sounds. They This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are encouraged to hold onto furniture and a push along a baby walker to steady themselves whilst trying to walk. The childminder organises activities that encourage babies to explore and extend their interests, such as providing role play food that they can identify with. The childminder sits on the floor with the children

p.5

and outcomes for children

and speaks clearly to them., She is there to helps the children if they need it, for example, by helping them to operate a toy; this helps develop independence skills.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's work is displayed in the playroom. Books about other cultures, festivals and non-stereotypical roles are accessible to children, promoting an understanding of the world we live in. Children have frequent outings to help them develop awareness of their local community. They visit the library for story time, a local soft play venue and a park that has domestic animals. While on walks the childminder talks to the children about road safety and identifies objects of interest, promoting children's social and physical skills. The childminder promotes health and safety. She liaises closely with parents to support children's development of healthy appetites; presently, she is introducing new finger foods to a child. Children develop an understanding of how to stay safe as the childminder reminds them to hold on to furniture in case they fall over. Children show confidence and a sense of security in the childminder's company as they reach up

p.6

and outcomes for children

to her for cuddles. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

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

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8