Childminder in HampshireOfsted inspection, 23 Feb 2012

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY435854 Inspection date 23/02/2012 Inspector Jacqueline Munden

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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 children, aged 10 and 11 years in Fleet, Hampshire. The childminder and her husband are foster carers and are presently caring for a 14 year old child. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding activities. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a hamster, a cat and two dogs. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom, three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for eight children, two of whom are in the early years age group.

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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

Children are cared for in a safe, family environment where they are valued and included. Children's learning and development are generally promoted successfully. Overall, strong relationships are forged with parents to help meet children's individual needs. Since registration, the childminder has begun to evaluate her practice effectively. This enables her to identify areas to further develop demonstrating a strong commitment to drive improvements for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop arrangements for tracking the activities children are involved in to monitor and fully promote all aspects of their progression  increase opportunities for parents to contribute to their children's learning to fully complement children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder gives high regard to promoting children's safety. Members of her household are suitably vetted. She is clear and confident in following appropriate procedures if concerned about a child. Thorough risk assessments are conducted within the home and for outings, with effective measures taken to minimise possible risks. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures support the childminder's good practice and are shared with parents. All appropriate records and parental consents are in place to help ensure children's good health and welfare are promoted.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises her home and time very well. She provides a clean and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 stimulating learning environment for children to play both indoors and in the garden. The childminder evaluates her practice effectively seeking the views of parents and children to help identify areas for development. As a result, she is planning to take children on outings over the holiday periods as requested by parents. A table football game has been provided to meet the interests and requests of the children. She is keen to continue to drive improvements through further developing the outdoor area by providing water and sand resources. She recognises this will help her to promote all aspects of learning and development to all children.

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the early years provision

Equality and diversity are promoted well. A wide range of resources is accessible and there are plenty that promote diversity. The childminder is trained in supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. As a result, she is sensitive to the needs of each family and meets children's individual needs well. The childminder forms strong partnerships with parents from the outset. Parents report they are very happy with their children's care and feel they make good progress. Overall, effective systems are used to share information on a regular basis. Although, parents are not invited to contribute to the planned next steps to fully complement their children's learning and development. The childminder liaises effectively with other early years providers that children attend to maintain continuity in children's care and learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and settled. They feel safe and secure and their individual care routines are met well. Children form strong bonds with the childminder, who gives them lots of attention. Children generally enjoy and achieve well as their individual needs and interests are considered. The childminder makes observations of children's achievements and plans for their ongoing development. Although arrangements do not allow for children's development to be tracked to fully promote all aspects of their progression. The childminder plans a range of activities both in and outside the home to help develop the different areas of learning. For example, children make modelling dough, counting the number cups used to measure the ingredients. They develop an understanding of size as they use different lengths of cardboard tubes to construct a rocket. This helps children explore and use their imaginations while developing creative and maths skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop social skills as they meet with other children. The childminder focuses well on encouraging children's speech development. She engages them in purposeful discussion during play which increases their vocabulary. For example, she explains the vehicle they are placing the small world people in a 'carriage'. Children speak with confidence and excitedly explain the crocodile they have seen goes 'snap', using their hands to mimic a jaw closing quickly.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn good skills for the future with the use of various electronic toys. They develop skill in using the computer mouse to navigate around appropriate computer programmes. Children make marks and increase their skills and confidence through using different materials and tools. Resources, such as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 sponges and brushes are carefully provided so that all children can take part in painting activities. Children learn about different cultures, for example, they try different types of bread eaten in different countries. Children make a very positive contribution; they respond well to the childminder's calm and consistent approach, which encourages them to be kind and share. Children aged three years develop good levels of independence. For example, they whisk the eggs and cook them in the microwave for their lunch. They learn to keep safe as they use kitchen

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and outcomes for children

appliances under supervision, such as, the toaster. Children are learning healthy lifestyles; for example, they follow effective hygiene routines and find out which foods are good for them. They spend lots of time outdoors enjoying fresh air and exercise using the exciting and challenging garden equipment provided. Their confidence increases and they develop their large muscles as they learn to climb and swing. Children show great pride and delight as they clamber to the top of the climbing wall and shout, 'I love that even more'. 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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