Childminder in Merton

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 EY262131 Inspection date 14/05/2009 Inspector Patricia Ann Edward

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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 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 three children, only one of whom is a dependent, in the London borough of Merton. The areas used for childminding include the ground floor playroom/conservatory, the front room and the first floor bathroom. There is a fully enclosed secure garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and also the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for up to six children at any one time and currently has four children on roll, all of which are aged between one year and 13 years and all are cared for on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides an extremely warm, welcoming and child-orientated environment, enabling all children to settle quickly, develop good relationships and feel part of the family. The children's safety is paramount to the childminder as she ensures all areas of her home and garden are fully safe and secure at all times. The childminder knows the children well and children enjoy a balanced range of interesting activities each day, enabling them to develop and learn appropriately.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure clear written consent is obtained from parents prior to medication administration  further develop understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, to ensure next steps for children's individual learning inform planning across the six areas of learning.

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provision

The childminder has taken clear steps to address the weaknesses made at the last inspection, which has a positive impact on children's welfare. She has devised and implemented a good portfolio of information readily available to parents, incorporating all the relevant policies and procedures that underpin her childminding services. She has a good knowledge of safeguarding and is aware of her responsibility to protect children's well-being. Children are appropriately safeguarded as suitable safety equipment is in place and this is supplemented by close supervision by the childminder. She ensures that children are kept safe in the home by completing risk assessments. However, risk assessments are not completed on all the places of interests that the children visit on a regular basis, to further ensure their safety. The childminder has an understanding of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

importance of providing a healthy and balanced diet.

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provision

The childminder has some understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of her role as a childminder and the service she offers. She is aware of the areas she needs to extend to improve her childcare service. Although the childminder has begun to familiarise herself with the Early Years Foundation Stage she has not completed formal training and is not fully confident at using it to effectively plan children's next steps across the six areas of learning. She has booked herself on a number of training courses to develop her activity planning and to update her childcare knowledge and practices. The childminder has developed good relationships with the children's parents. They receive good written and verbal feedback on a regular basis. This ensures both parties share information about the children, enabling the childminder to provide effective individual care. Parents are kept updated about their child's progress and development through access to

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provision

children's observation files. The childminder is proactive in responding to the needs of the children whilst ensuring there is a good balance between indoor and outdoor play. For example, outdoors they have access to a wide range of equipment, such as trampolines, sit and ride on toys, space hoppers and a play tent.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children spend their day in a clean, bright, warm and welcoming environment, enabling the children to feel at home. They freely access the well organised toys, activities and opportunities, both in and outside of the home daily. Children are developing good self-help skills as they are encouraged to be as independent as possible, promoting their confidence and self-esteem. For example, older children are able to use the first floor bathroom unsupervised and are given time to dress themselves prior to walking to the school. The childminder has devised and implemented a large range of comprehensive documentation that she shares with the parents. Information regarding children's health and welfare are detailed in the children's weekly observation records. However, detailed evaluation of the children's learning has not yet been effectively developed. The childminder has booked to attend a range of courses including the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This will further increase her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how to assess the children's learning and plan effectively for individual learning across the six areas of learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play freely in the playroom and have good access to a wide range of age appropriate, stimulating toys and resources all of which are stored well to encourage independence and to promote child-initiated play. She considers her minded children's interest, their individual needs and abilities before deciding where to place the activities. Children fully engage themselves in interesting activities, such as free painting with paint rollers and flamingo dancing. They enjoy creative activities, some skilfully draw images and when accessing colouring sheets keep within the lines. Younger children are just beginning to become confident in holding the paint brush and other one handed tools. The childminder talks to children in both Spanish and English during play, extending their vocabulary and developing their language skills. Children have opportunities to promote their social This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

skills as they visit the toddler groups and all children play well together and share resources. 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

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