Childminder in Hampshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY442212 Inspection date 17/08/2012 Inspector Janet Thouless

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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 2012. She works from the home of another childminder in Ash Vale, Surrey. All areas of the home are used for childminding with toilet facilities available on the first floor. There is a garden for outdoor play. The setting has two dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time, of these not more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for one child in the early years age group. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. When working with another childminder, they may care for a maximum of eight children under eight years at any one time, of these, no more than four may be in the early years age group. The childminder and her co- minders operate Monday to Friday, all year round. Their normal operational hours are from 7am to 7pm. However, they will consider working outside these hours to meet parents' requirements.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is happy to take and collect children from local schools and attends childcare groups, parks and the library on a regular basis. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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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 and her co-minders offer a welcoming and stimulating home environment, where children feel safe and secure in her care. They make good progress overall in their learning and development as their welfare needs are met well by an enthusiastic and caring childminder. She develops strong relationships with parents to help support and extend children's learning. The childminder has a good awareness of her strengths and weakness and demonstrates a good capacity to maintain continuous improvement in partnership with her co-minders.

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further?

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

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further?

 strengthen opportunities for all children to explore the resources and make choices and decisions in order to develop greater independence in their learning, for example, by labelling the resources in pictures and print. 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 safeguarded because the childminder and her co-minder have a good awareness of safeguarding issues. The childminder understands her responsibility to protect children. She is confident about those issues that would cause her concerns and knows what action to take if necessary. Detailed risk assessments are completed, recorded and regularly updated by the childminder, in partnership with her co-minders, so any potential hazards are identified and eliminated to minimise risks to children. As a result, children are confident to explore and learn in a safe and secure indoor and outdoor environment. The childminder shares the comprehensive portfolio of policies and procedures with parents which demonstrate the operation of the setting. Information regarding children's individual needs is gathered from parents by the use of an 'All about me form'. This enables the childminder to get to know the uniqueness of each child to meet

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the early years provision

their needs appropriately. The childminder, in partnership with her co-minders, demonstrates a good capacity for future improvement through the effective use of evaluation systems to target plans for future development.

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the early years provision

Children play in a well organised home environment, where the toys and resources are of good quality and are easily accessible, which enhances children's independence. They show a strong sense of security within the home, confidently approaching the childminder when they require her support. The childminder deploys herself effectively to provide children with immediate guidance and support in their play and learning. She demonstrates a positive approach towards equality and provides inclusive practice for all children as she recognises and acknowledges them as individuals. The childminder talks to parents about special events, such as family birthdays and provides opportunities through planning for children to make birthday cards. These measures help children to feel included and promote a sense of belonging. Children access a good range of toys and resources that reflect diversity and disability, which support children's developing

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the early years provision

understanding of differing cultures and abilities.

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the early years provision

Relationships with parents are well established. They are fully informed as to their child's day through discussion and the use of a daily diary. Parents can access a secure online blogger to view their children observations and progress. In addition, the childminder has added lots of photographs, so parents can see children participating in the many activities provided. Parents are encouraged to share their views and add comments to the blog. This enables them to be fully involved in their children's learning and development. Parents show good levels of satisfaction for the childminding service, as they have written complimentary references. They state their children 'rush in on arrival' and they are happy with the 'home from home environment'. There are currently no children on roll who attend other settings or need support from other agencies. However, the childminder is aware of the need to work in partnership with any other settings if the need arises.

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the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has developed close and trusting relationships with the children. Children know they are special through the warm response they receive from her and the good support she provides. This helps develop children's personal, social and emotional wellbeing. There is a great emphasis on children learning through play and having fun. Daily activities are thoughtfully planned, taking into account children's individual interests and needs. The childminder observes and records the children's progress and achievements, collating the information to identify their next steps in learning. The childminder plans a range of activities so all children of different ages and abilities can to join in. Children's behaviour is good. Consistent words of praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements build confidence and self-esteem. They gain an understanding of how to share toys and show kindness to each other through gentle reminders from the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop good levels of independence as they initiate their own play experiences and select resources. They happily explore new experiences and demonstrate good levels of interest and involvement. However, the storage of resources is not always organised effectively to fully support children in identifying the contents to promote their independence further when selecting and returning toys.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing good skills to support their future learning. For example, they have many opportunities to complete complex jigsaw puzzles and enjoy completing quite a wide range repeatedly. The childminder is nurturing children's love of books and readily reads to them throughout the day or when requested, sounding out letters in their name or familiar words. Children have many opportunities to explore the range of musical instruments on offer. The childminder sings nursery rhymes to support children's understanding of tone, pitch and rhythm. In addition, children enjoy action rhymes; they happily join in by stamping their feet, clapping their hands, twirl around and listen intently to what they must do next. They can be heard singing these rhymes as they play throughout the day. Children enjoy an array of art and craft activities. For example, they paint at the easel using colours to create a rainbow, confidently naming each colour. Samples

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and outcomes for children

of their creative work are on display around on the walls, creating a bright environment and instilling a sense of pride into each child.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder prepares healthy and nutritious snacks and meals and children are encouraged to make healthy choices. Older children make their own sandwiches, choosing from a range of healthy options the childminder provides. In addition, children learn how to use knives safely and place them to one side when finished, helping to keep themselves and others safe. The good range of outdoor play experiences supports children's physical development and allows them to take acceptable risks in a safe environment. They enjoy regular outings to the local park to play on larger physical play equipment. Children benefit greatly from the many visits within the community to help them learn about their immediate environment. They attend children's stay and play groups, visit the library and places of interest. Overall, children are developing good skills for the future success. 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 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 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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