Childminder in Croydon

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY364020 Inspection date 06/11/2008 Inspector Jane Elizabeth Chappell

p.1

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

p.1

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.2

Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

p.2

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.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2007. She works with another registered childminder from her co-childminder's house. The co-childminder lives with her two children aged 10 and 11 years old in West Croydon. Both childminder's have joint responsibility for the childminding practice. When working alone, the childminder is registered to care for five children, three of whom may be in the early years age range. When working with another childminder, they are registered to care for a maximum of eight children, six of whom may be in the early years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently two children in the early years age range on roll.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The whole ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder takes the children to local parks, Sure Start Centres and other places of interest on a regular basis. The co- childminder has two pet rabbits.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes most aspects of children’s welfare ensuring that they are safe and secure. The childminder's knowledge of all children’s individual needs ensures that she is able to promote each child’s learning successfully and they are happy and enjoy exploring the stimulating play environment that the childminder provides. The partnership with parents and other agencies is a key strength and contributes significantly to ensuring that the needs of all children are met well, and they get any additional support needed. The childminder strives to improve her provision and has devised parent questionnaires so that she can include their views in the evaluation of her service.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 extend resources that reflect positive images that challenge children's thinking and help them embrace differences in gender, ethnicity, culture, special educational needs and disabilities  ensure observations of children are clearly matched to the early learning goals and improve the link between the next steps identified for children and weekly activity plans.

p.3

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.3

further?

 keep a record of all risk assessments, clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Documentation) 13/11/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

Good partnerships between parents and the childminder are established and ensure each child's needs are met. The childminder shares her comprehensive polices and procedures with parents and ensures they each receive a copy. The childminder obtains the appropriate written consents from parents for different aspects of children's care to ensure their wishes are respected. There is a good two way flow of communication, with communication books 'All about me book' completed daily, this helps children experience consistent care between home and the setting. The childminder also uses photographs to share children's developmental progress, supporting parents who have English as an additional language. The setting also liaises with external agencies for example; the speech therapist to ensure each child gets the support they require.

p.4

provision

The childminder continually reflects on her practice. For instance, she makes good use of local training opportunities to update and develop her knowledge and understanding. She is currently working towards a diploma in Home Based Childcare. Parents' views are also sought by way of questionnaires when looking at ways to continually improve her service.

p.4

provision

Children's welfare is of high priority to the childminder. She has attended a safeguarding course, which helps ensure children are well protected and that she can respond appropriately if she has any concerns about their welfare. She organises paperwork and documentation to a high standard and most required policies and procedures are in place, although her risk assessment for outings is not recorded as required.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The setting supports children to make good progress. Resources are easily accessible to children, as toys and equipment are mostly stored on open shelves at low level enabling children to self select. The outdoor environment is stimulating and inviting, with opportunities to play with the ride on toys, play in the sand and have a turn on the fixed play equipment or trampoline. Children are confident and settled in the setting and they have warm and caring relationships with the childminder. They enjoy daily outings as part of the well planned routine, such as visits to the Sure start centres to socialise with other children, and join in the vast amount of creative play on offer there.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder gently repeats words to support the children's early literacy skills, through the day to day activities. Children spontaneously learn about the environment around us as they stop play to watch a cat playing in the garden. They start to learn about numbers and solve simple problems as they work out how many chairs they need and how to fit both of their papers on the drawing table. Children begin to learn about the wider world through activities and discussion around a variety of celebrations. However, they do not currently have access to a broad range of materials to help them develop a positive attitude towards diversity. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 This well planned environment and good adult support enhances children's learning and development. The childminder observes children and has begun to record key aspects of their progress. She uses this to plan activities to encourage further

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

development. However, plans and progress records have yet to cover all areas of learning to ensure all aspects of children's development are monitored and planned for.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Clear procedures are in place to promote the well being of sick children, dealing with accidents and for the administration of medication. A wealth of written policies are shared and agreed with parents.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages healthy eating, including the drinking of water and eating of fresh fruit. Children are safe in the childminder's care as all adults are suitably checked and she assesses potential risks and takes appropriate action to remove any hazards. However, the risk assessments are not recorded for outside the home as required. The childminder talks to the children about keeping safe, for example they are encouraged to pick up the toys from the floor once they have finished playing with them, otherwise they may trip over them. Children are beginning to learn good social skills because the childminder is a good role model and reinforces this by offering lots of praise and encouragement for good behaviour. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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.6

of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

p.8

Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

p.8