Childminder in Brent

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

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Unique reference number EY236434 Inspection date 19/12/2008 Inspector Jennifer Devine

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Type of setting Childminder 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 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.

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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. 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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her adult daughter in Harlesden in the London borough of Brent. The living room on the ground floor is mainly used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding three children in the early years age range and one child in the later years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children benefit from the warm and affectionate care the childminder provides. This enables them make progress in their early development as they explore their surroundings and have fun playing with a variety of play materials. The childminder has good relationships with parents and always makes herself available to discuss children's progress. Overall, she provides an inclusive and welcoming environment to children and families. Although the childminders self evaluation processes are in their infancy, she is able to identify areas for improvements to benefit outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum to ensure children's learning journeys are based on their individual interests and experiences as they grow and develop  develop ways to include parents in the ongoing observation and assessment process to enable them to be involved in their child's individual learning journeys  continue to develop methods for self evalution so that it clearly identifies areas for continuous improvement

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provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of promoting children's welfare and learning. As a result, children are happy, settled and making steady progress in their developmental milestones. The childminder maintains all the record keeping documentation as required. Both adults within the home have been vetted so that children are appropriately safeguarded. Children's safety is important to the childminder. She has conducted risk assessments on all areas of her home to ensure she identifies any hazards and eliminates these as necessary. Risk assessments are also carried out for outings to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensure children remain safe at all times. The childminder is secure in her knowledge of child protection and understands the procedures to follow if she was concerned about a child. Although the childminders self evaluation processes are in their early stages, she

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provision

understands the importance of regularly reviewing her provision for the benefit of children. She has made significant improvement in her practices since the last inspection and is keen to continue to develop her knowledge by attending relevant training courses.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a loving and warm environment and develop in their confidence as they explore their surroundings. As the children sleep in the main room the childminder has travel cots which can be folded away when not required and this ensures there is an adequate space available in this area for children to move around freely. Children are able to make independent choices about their play as toys are stored in toy boxes on the floor. The childminder spends time playing with the children encouraging their development all the time. Young children show an interest in books and enjoy sharing the pictures and features of a book with the childminder. They are particularly interested in 'feely' books learning about different textures and materials. Children thoroughly enjoy singing, dancing and playing musical instruments. One child excitedly joins in with 'row, row, row your boat' song and the childminder invites the younger baby to sit with her to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

take part together. Children have good opportunities to take part in outdoor activities, either playing outdoors in the garden or visiting the local park. The childminder makes good use of the local children's centres and regularly visits a number of centres during the week. This enables children to have access to other resources and activities to encourage their all round development. The childminder has developed a generally good system for observing and recording children's progress in individual portfolios. However, this system is in its early stages and does not clearly link to how the childminder plans for individual children's needs and interests. The childminder has good relationships with parents and keeps them well informed every day about how their child's day has been. Although parents can look through their child's portfolios the childminder has not involved parents fully in their child's learning journeys. For example, the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder has 'all about me' forms for parents to complete when children first start but she has not implemented this yet to enable her to gain valuable information on children's starting points. The childminder promotes healthy eating. Snacks of fruit are made available throughout the morning for children to help themselves too. A jug of fresh drinking water is available and young children have learnt to confidently pour a drink as required. Currently parents provide their children's food but the childminder would also provide home-cooked meals if required. Children's behaviour is good and appropriate for their ages. The childminder uses positive steps to manage any unwanted behaviour and talks and encourages young children to share and be kind to each other, which is helping their understanding of respecting and developing positive relationships. 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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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.

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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

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 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?

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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

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

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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.

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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.

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Detail of the complaint/s

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted. 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.

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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.

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