Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY420913 Inspection date 14/07/2011 Inspector Melissa Cox

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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 registered in 2011. She lives with her husband and young toddler in a modern town house on a new estate in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Local schools, shops and parks are within walking distance. Children have use of the whole of the property which is over three floors. The kitchen and living room are situated on the first floor and there is a dedicated playroom on the ground floor. Children go upstairs to the second floor to use the bathroom and for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden area available for outside play. The family have a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for no more than five children under eight years, of whom no more than two may be in the early years group at any one time. The childminder attends the local toddler group with minded children. She is also able to offer before and after school care to older children. 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a safe and welcoming environment, where children are making good progress in their learning and development. They are settled and cared for in an inclusive environment where their individual needs are fully met. Developing systems are in place for assessing children's progress. The childminder builds good positive partnerships with parents, which effectively help her to meet the children's needs. The positive use of self-evaluation and reflective practice ensures that the childminder is successfully building on her own professional development and the development of her provision for the benefit of the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 further evaluate the planning to ensure that children are supported equally in all areas of their learning

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the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded in the childminder's care. She has a clear safeguarding policy is in place which includes all the relevant referral numbers to enable the childminder to refer any concerns she may have about a child's welfare. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 She has completed thorough risk assessments on the premises, equipment and for outings, which assures children's overall safety. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to keep children safe as she has identified and addressed potential hazards to children within the home. The childminder maintains the legally required records to protect children's welfare.

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the early years provision

The childminder creates a welcoming and enabling setting for the children. She places a strong emphasis on providing an inclusive environment where children feel valued as individuals regardless of background or ability. She adapts activities and the support needed to meet the children's individual needs in relation to their ages and stages of development. The childminder has a positive attitude towards promoting equality of opportunity. Her written policy reflects the practice to support children in nurturing respect towards people who are different to themselves. This is achieved through discussion, providing resources which reflect positive images of the diversity of people within the community and planning activities to raise children's awareness of different religious and cultural celebrations.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established exceptionally strong relationships with parents and carers based on mutual respect and understanding. Information is gathered from parents when children start to ensure individual children's welfare and care needs are fully met. She ensures that parents are kept informed about every aspect of their child's care and completes a daily diary to facilitate this. Feedback from parents reflects their appreciation of the high standard of care provided by the childminder. The links with other child care providers who also provide the Early Years Foundation Stage are in place although the childminder does not currently care for children who attend multiple settings.

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the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and motivated to continually improve the quality of her child care service. She is able to critically analyse her strengths and weaknesses, and clearly identify areas for further development through reflecting on and self-evaluating her practice. She is beginning to extend this to encompass the children's learning and development journals to ensure that she is supporting their progress to a high level.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy, confident and well settled in the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere of the childminder's home. The childminder's nurturing approach ensures children feel well cared for and are happy to learn. They are able to make good progress towards the early learning goals with the kindness, support and care of the childminder. She places children's individual needs as a high priority and they delight in the high levels of support and attention they receive from her. Children behave very well and develop a positive attitude to learning as the childminder takes an interest in everything they do. She is always nearby giving praise for their achievements and as a result children know what is expected of them and have good levels of self-esteem. Children spend their time engaged in a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 varied range of age-appropriate activities and the childminder engages children's

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and outcomes for children

interest and supports their learning by playing closely with them. By undertaking and recording detailed daily observations of children''s learning, and keeping photographic evidence of their achievements and progress, the childminder is able to effectively plan activities to support children's 'next stages' in their development, to ensure they reach their full potential.

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and outcomes for children

Significant events in children's lives, such as birthdays, are recognised and the childminder celebrates these occasions so that the children feel special. Children are eager to explore their surroundings. They take an active interest in everything around them and smile with delight as they watch pop-up toys or play with the musical instruments. Children freely make decisions about their play and these choices are then well supported by the childminder's who is uses open questions and praise to help extend their learning and develop their speaking and listening skills. Children's language skills are developing effectively and children are becoming confident communicators. For example, the childminder takes the children to 'Mumbaba' classes which encourage singing and rhythm as a way to promote early language skills. These visits also benefit the children by allowing them to socialise with a variety of other children, which enhances their

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and outcomes for children

understanding of the wider world. Mathematical awareness is well promoted. Children explore pattern when using the interactive toys and show curiosity when handling different shapes. The childminder uses mathematical language such 'bigger' and 'smallest' to extend their learning.

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and outcomes for children

Effective safety practises, such as regular fire drills, locking external doors and undertaking detailed risk assessments, create an environment where children's safety is of paramount importance. Alongside this, close supervision from the childminder, coupled with clear explanations about keeping safe both inside and outside the house, minimises potential hazards and protects the welfare of the children in her care. Children have daily access to fresh air and exercise, which develops their understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Children are well nourished and enjoy a range of healthy snacks and meals in the childminder's care. 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 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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