Childminder in Southampton

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 19/03/2014 Not Applicable

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early years provision

This inspection: 3 Previous inspection: Not Applicable How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 3 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 3

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This provision requires improvement

 Children are settled and relate well to the childminder who follows their individual routines during the day so they feel comfortable and secure.  The childminder has assessed the risks to her premises well and has minimised these so children are able to move around the areas freely and safely.  Children enjoy regular outings away from the childminder's home which provides them with a broader range of play and learning experiences.

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It is not yet good because

 Written parental consent is not always obtained by the childminder to administer medicines. This is a legal requirement.  Systems of observation, assessment and planning are still evolving, but the childminder does not use the information to help her plan for children's individual learning effectively.  At times, the play activities offered are too difficult for the young children's individual stage of development; as a result children lose interest.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are:  scheduled at least once in every inspection cycle – the current cycle ends on 31 July

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  scheduled at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities indoors and outdoors and the interaction between the childminder and the children during play.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at documents relating to Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage provided by the childminder, including children's learning journals.

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Information about the setting

The childminder registered in 2013. She lives with her husband and three children. They live on the outskirts of Southampton, in Hampshire. Childminding is mainly carried out in one room with toilet facilities easily accessible. There is a communal garden for outside play but the childminder generally takes children on outings away from the home. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register as well as the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently four children on roll and one child is in the early years age group.

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must:

 obtain written permission from children's parents and/or carers to administer each particular medicine (both prescription and non-prescription)

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must:

 improve the systems of observation, assessment and planning, and use this information to plan individual play experiences to help children move on to the next steps in their learning.

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must:

 improve the quality of teaching to ensure that children are provided with purposeful play activities that are geared to their level of understanding and stage of development.

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who attend

The childminder has a developing knowledge of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements. When children first start, she gains information from parents about the children's routines and abilities. This helps her to support children so they settle quickly. Children have access to a sufficient range of play activities and experiences that cover all areas of learning and keep children satisfactorily occupied. The childminder takes an interest in children's play and gets involved. However, she tends to take over and do things for the children. For example, during a planned activity to make daffodil pictures the childminder puts glue on the paper for the children then holds children's hands so they sticks petals in a particular place. This reduces the opportunities for children to follow their own ideas and do things independently. This affects how well children are able to achieve in their learning in

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who attend

readiness for school. The childminder has begun to carry out some observational assessments to help her monitor children's progress. These systems are continuing to develop but the childminder is not using the information effectively to help her tailor activities to the children's levels of understanding. For example, the childminder sets out a matching game with high numbers that are too difficult for younger children. As a result, children lose interest in the activity as they are not engaged in purposeful play. This means that children are currently making satisfactory, rather than good, progress. Parents are aware of the systems used by the childminder to record children's achievements and that they are able to view the information at any time. The childminder works together with parents to support children's development, such as helping children's growing independence with toileting. Informal daily discussion at handover means that she keeps parents suitably informed about their

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who attend

Children's communication skills are developing satisfactorily as the childminder talks with children during the activities to encourage conversation appropriately. The children enjoy cuddling up on the sofa to listen to a favourite story. The childminder makes sure that all children can see the pictures and that they have a turn to lift the various flaps. This helps foster children's listening skills. She helps children to learn through a variety of mediums and materials, such as paint, chalks, and model making resources. They also take part in baking activities. This enables children to explore and experiment using their senses. Children benefit from going on regular outings around their local community, including visits to parent and toddler groups, a soft play centre and trips to a local farm. This offers children a greater range of play and learning experiences and encourages them to socialise with others. A favourite activity with the children is their weekly visit to a local

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who attend

dancing session where they sing and move to nursery rhymes. The childminder follows the children's interests and introduces the same activities at her setting. This introduces children to sounds and rhythms while encouraging them to move their bodies through fun activities.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children have a trusting relationship with the childminder and they benefit from her warm and friendly interaction. This means that children feel settled and secure. The childminder makes sure that all children can be included in the activities and play opportunities. For example, she provides some additional tools and resources for the craft activity so that each child can easily access the glue. This helps to prevent any squabbles and keeps children suitably occupied. The childminder talks to the children to help them understand about their behaviour and the importance of sharing with others. Children help to tidy away toys before their lunch and the childminder praises them which helps children to feel good about themselves. Children have access to a reasonable range of toys and equipment which are generally positioned so that children are able to make some choices about their play. Due to space restrictions in her home the childminder makes sure she

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

rotates the play equipment regularly to give children different play experiences.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder has a clear understanding of her role to provide a safe and secure environment for children. She regularly assesses the play space to help her identify any risks to children. Appropriate safety equipment is in place to enable the children to move around freely and safely. The childminder carries out checks on the play equipment to make sure that it is safe for young children and will not cause a choking hazard. She provides appropriate levels of supervision during the daily routines and activities providing gentle reminders to teach children about being safe. For example, the childminder explains to young children when they lift the lid on the small storage box that they have 'to be careful so you don't trap your fingers'. This helps children to develop a sense of personal safety. The childminder practises her emergency evacuation procedures with the children to help them understand what they need to do in an emergency situation.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Overall, the childminder supports children's health appropriately. However, there are weaknesses in her systems for administering medication which means that, at times, she does not fully promote children's well-being. Children are familiar with the routines to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. They show increasing confidence as they use the step at the sink to wash their hands independently. The childminder supervises children and explains about the importance of washing hands to get rid of germs. This helps children learn to manage their own personal hygiene. Children benefit from the provision of healthy food. The childminder actively involves children in preparing their food, such as spreading butter to make their own sandwiches. This helps to promote children's independence and develops their physical skills. As the children learn to do things for themselves they are gaining appropriate skills for the future. The childminder

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

takes children on regular trips to local parks so they have opportunities to be active and play in the fresh air. This enables children to explore larger play equipment and learn how to use equipment safely.

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provision

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage safeguarding and welfare requirements. She has developed policies and procedures that she shares with parents so they are clear of her childminding practices. This includes a safeguarding and complaints policy. The childminder keeps the parents updated about her provision through ongoing discussions and sharing relevant information. She also completes written contracts so parents are clear of her business arrangements. The childminder is clear of her role to work together with parents to prepare children for future learning, such as moving on to pre-school.

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provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of child protection issues and her role to safeguard children. She is aware of the procedures to follow if she has a concern about a child in her care. This contributes towards promoting children's safety and welfare. Overall, the childminder keeps appropriate records and documentation. She records details of any medication she gives to children, which are generally signed by parents. However, she does not always obtain written consent from parents prior to administering medication. This is requirement of both the Early Years Register and the Childcare Register. However, the childminder does gain verbal consent from parents before administering any medication to children, which reduces the impact on their well-being.

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provision

The childminder has only been childminding for a short time and has a positive attitude to the ongoing development of her provision. She has booked on a training course, as she is aware that she needs to increase her knowledge of the learning and development requirements to help develop her practice further. Currently, weaknesses in her systems for planning, observational assessment and some activities do not help children to make the best progress. The childminder has yet to implement the progress check for children aged two years, but through discussion demonstrates she is aware of this requirement. The childminder is currently doing training on using the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale. This is helping her to reflect on her practice and to identify areas where she can make improvements, such as reviewing the organisation of her resources. The childminder links with other childminders and her local authority childcare development

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provision

worker for advice and support. This helps her to improve her practice and provide better provision for the children.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are

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actions)

The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are

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To meet the requirements of the Childcare Register the provider must:

 keep a record of a parent/guardian/carer's consent for any medicines administered to a child (compulsory part of the Childcare Register)  keep a record of a parent/guardian/carer's consent for any medicines administered to a child (voluntary part of the Childcare Register)

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected within twelve months of the date of this inspection. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of

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Grade Judgement Description

the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY464143 Local authority Southampton Inspection number 938179 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 8 Total number of places 4 Number of children on roll 4

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection not applicable

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises, which are usually the childminder’s own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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