Childminder, Out-of school day care in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 112416 Inspection date 17/05/2011 Inspector Carol Willett

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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and their two children, one is high school age and the other is preschool age. They live in Church Crookham, Fleet in Hampshire. She is an accredited network childminder. The whole of the ground floor of the childminders house is used for childminding which includes three dedicated playrooms. Children have use of the sleeping facilities on the first floor. The childminder provides access to an all weather outdoor play area. The family have a small dog. The childminder walks to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. She also takes children to toddler groups, parks and the local library and access children centres.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Year Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children, three of whom may be in the early years age range at any one time. This registration is increased when working with her husband who is also a registered childminder or when working with an assistant. She is currently jointly minding 45 children, 17 of these children are within the early years age range. Children attend on a part- time basis and some only attend on an occasional basis as the childminder offers flexible sessions. The childminder is also registered to provide overnight care for two children.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She has a BA (Hons) in Education (PCET) and Early Years Professional Status. Her husband has a level three childcare qualification.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides high quality care and learning and she has an extremely strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage so children make outstanding progress. She is extremely caring and friendly and provides an inclusive, child-friendly home where children happily play and explore. The childminder is highly committed to working in partnership with parents and others involved in children's care in order to meets their diverse needs very effectively. The childminder has a very professional attitude and is committed to updating her knowledge and skills through ongoing training and effective networking. Overall, she provides an extremely safe environment and sustains high standards by continually reflecting on her practice to continuously improve outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

p.5

further?

 reviewing and evaluating the systems for planning and assessment in order to strengthen children's capabilities in all six areas.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder provides high quality care, working very effectively with her co- childminder to provide a safe welcoming childminding service. She is highly committed to promoting children's safety and well-being as she has a clear understanding of her role and responsibility this brings. She has an in-depth knowledge of child protection issues and regularly updates her safeguarding training. She has a comprehensive range of policies which are regularly reviewed and updated and shared with parents to keep them fully informed. All adults in the household have been vetted to ensure their suitability to work with children. The childminder conducts and records a thorough risk assessment for her home and all outings and places visited. Overall, safety is a high priority and daily checks of the premises ensure that potential hazards are minimised. Inspection by the environmental health office awarded the childminders an 'Excellent' in their 'Safe

p.5

the early years provision

To Eat' scheme. All required documentation is in place and very effectively maintained. The childminder is totally committed to childminding which is demonstrated through her ambitious plans for the future development of her service. She continually improves outcomes for children identifying areas for development through effective self-evaluation processes that involve children and parents through questionnaires. She is highly committed to her own professional development completing a degree and obtaining Early Years Professional Status.

p.5

the early years provision

Children benefit enormously from the well-organised and stimulating environment which promotes their learning and development to a very high level overall. The childminder is further developing systems to promote children's excellent progress by ensuring that their learning needs are consistently identified and included in future planning. She effectively organises her home so that children have ample space and opportunity to enjoy meaningful activities both inside the house and in the garden. She creates a stimulating, child-friendly environment through the provision of extremely good quality furniture, equipment and resources both in the house and in the garden. Attractive displays of children's photographs and art work develop children's sense of belonging. Resources are stored on low level shelves which enables children to make choices, promote their independence and initiate their own learning. The childminder forms close caring relationships with the

p.5

the early years provision

children and understands their individual needs and personalities exceptionally well. She has a positive attitude towards promoting an inclusive environment in order to meet the individual requirements of all the children in her care. The childminder promotes equality and diversity practices exceptionally well. For example, she has an excellent understanding of non-verbal communication strategies to support young children's emerging language, treats all children as individuals and knows them extremely well. Therefore, she is highly effective in meeting their specific needs. The childminder plans activities and provides a wide This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 selection of resources which reflect positive images of diversity, which clearly promote the children's understanding of the differences between people in society.

p.5

the early years provision

Children significantly benefit from the excellent partnerships between parents and others involved in their care and learning. There is an excellent shared knowledge and understanding of the best ways to nurture each child and meet their welfare and learning needs. Parents are extremely comfortable in the childminder's home effectively sharing information as they collect their children. The childminder completes a detailed diary and regularly shares children's 'learning journeys' which encourages parents' involvement in promoting their child's next steps for development. The childminder provides a wealth of information for parents in the entrance hallway and they have access to an extensive range of written policies and procedures. Parents are extremely positive in their praise of the childminder. The childminder is well known locally and she develops excellent relationships with the local preschools and schools attended by some of the children in her care. She

p.6

the early years provision

works closely with the staff to provide continuity in the children's learning, development and welfare.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children make outstanding progress in their learning and development as they enjoy well-planned activities and have free access to a wide range of stimulating resources. Overall, the childminder plans and provides interesting resources and activities to support children's development across all of the six areas of learning. She is developing this system to monitor how well each of the six areas of learning are currently planned for to ensure that children develop their capabilities according to their needs in interests in all areas of learning. The childminder obtains useful information from parents on their children's stage of learning and development before they attend. She regularly observes and assesses children's progress and uses this to extremely effectively track and plan for children's progress to the early learning goals. The childminder's observations, and photographs and evidence of children's artwork are well presented in children's

p.6

and outcomes for children

individual learning journey folders. Children are extremely confident, happy and relaxed with the childminder and her co childminder. The childminder enthusiastically plays alongside the children providing fun and spontaneous interactions. She is skilled at knowing when to intervene and when to let children discover things for themselves. The childminder is warm and caring and the children go to her for cuddles when they are tired and when they wake from their sleep. The children concentrate for considerable periods of time, engrossed in making marks and exploring the shaving foam activity. For example, they freely paint and proudly show off their pictures. The childminder gives lots of praise as children play so they confidently join in with stories suggesting rhyming words in favourite books.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The children have many opportunities to explore creative and tactile materials such as sand, water and play dough. Their imaginative play is well-supported with toys and a varied range of attractive dressing-up clothes and props. The children play This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 extremely well together developing their imagination in role play scenarios with fireman outfits, dolls and large building bricks. They enjoy looking at the range of interesting and attractive books. All the children thoroughly enjoy playing outside in the sunshine as they have excellent opportunities to move freely from inside and out. The provision of an awning and artificial grass allows children to play outside most of the time. Children learn about the natural world and healthy eating as they help to plant and water the vegetables. They walk in the woods and around the

p.6

and outcomes for children

pond where they explore nature. Children's social development and knowledge of the world around them is extended extremely well. The childminder takes the children on many and varied trips into the community, where they meet up with friends and enjoy a range of alternative activities and social interaction.

p.7

and outcomes for children

The childminder effectively promotes children awareness of healthy lifestyles. Children enjoy fresh air and exercise as they regularly walk to and from preschool and school. They visit local parks where they use larger equipment to further develop physical skills. The childminder uses these times very effectively to help children learn about road safety. The childminder has excellent hygiene routines so children's health is promoted extremely well through familiar daily routines. Children wash their hands at appropriate times using individual towels. The childminder is extremely well-organised providing hot meals that are highly nutritious and freshly prepared. Children develop a very good understanding of healthy eating through choosing healthy snacks and lunches and by choosing their own plants to grow in the vegetable patch.

p.7

and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is extremely good and they play happily together. They show an excellent understanding of what standards of behaviour are expected as they are invited to help decide the rules. They know the rules and are very cooperative as they apply them and help pack away toys in order to keep themselves and others safe and happy. The childminder regularly practises emergency evacuation procedures with the children so they are aware and confident in an emergency. Children show they feel safe as they settle well to sleep. They are happy and lively and show a strong sense of belonging and contentment. Children respond very positively to the praise and encouragement given to them by the childminder. They have excellent opportunities to develop future learning skills as the childminder consistently provides children with the many interesting stimulating resources, activities and opportunities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

p.8

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

p.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9