Childminder in Barnet

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 EY374356 Inspection date 08/05/2009 Inspector Kanwal Sonia Lobo

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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 2008. She is registered to care for a maximum of three children, all of whom may be in the early years age group, at any one time. When working with an assistant the childminder may care for a maximum of four children at any one time, three of which may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding two children in the early years age group, aged three years and four and a half years. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently no children on roll who have learning difficulties and/or disability or for whom English is as an additional language.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her husband and their two children aged six years and 10 years. They live in a residential area of Finchley in the London borough of Barnet. The areas used for childminding purposes include the living room, kitchen, two upstairs bedrooms, bathroom and toilet. The rear garden is available for outside play. The family have a goldfish.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of provision is good. Children access an enabling environment which is organised to reflect their choices and recent interests. Children are supported in becoming confident communicators and their contributions are valued and acknowledged. Evaluation of the service is yet to incorporate fully the views of children and parents. The observations, planning and programme of learning takes account of each child's interests and next steps. Although this contributes a programme for personalised learning it is yet to ensure it is firmly based upon their starting points.

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further?

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

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further?

 refine the planning process and learning programme to include obtaining children's starting points.  consider ways to seek the views of all children and their parents in the self- evaluation process and incorporate their contributions in order to fully assess the impact the service has on its users.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure a record of risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken is in place for the premises and each specific outing. (Documentation) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 29/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is self-reflective of her practice and the standard of the overall childminding service she provides. This has led to her identifying her main strengths and areas for improvement. She prioritises and targets areas for improvement. This has had a positive impact on the children and their families because they benefit from the improvements she makes, such as to the planning of resources and the environment. Children and parents are listened to and their views are taken into account. However, this does not yet fully extend to include the self-evaluation process.

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provision

The childminder has been proactive in seeking out and acting on expressions of interest children show through their play and learning. This has supported her in working towards promoting improvement in areas, such as purchasing new resources. For example, the childminder has observed children particularly enjoy playing with Moon Sand when she takes them to the children's centre. Since making this discovery the childminder has introduced sand play at her setting thus increasing children's chances to engage in an activity they clearly enjoy.

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provision

The childminder regularly observes children in their play environment and takes note of each child’s abilities and interests. She uses this information to further strengthen her partnership with parents. For example, she uses a daily diary as a means to share details about what the child has been doing, any achievements, and issues relating to their overall health and well-being. This keeps parents well informed. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that snacks and meals are healthy and nutritious. Good hygiene practice is promoted with the children through their daily routines. Although the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of issues relating to the safeguarding of children she is in the process of updating procedures to reflect what she would do in the event that an allegation was made against her. Children's safety in the home and whilst being on outings is considered. However, a written risk assessment is not yet in place to

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provision

show, for example, the action taken to address any safety issues.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress in their learning and development. They benefit from an enabling environment which takes account of their present learning needs and recent interests. Parental involvement in the contribution to the observation, planning and learning programme is encouraged. However, the childminder is yet to ensure that children's progress and development clearly stems from the learning they have already experienced in order to firmly build on what they already know. Children are keen to participate in the activities on offer and thrive on praise and recognition received when something is done well. This has contributed to them feeling good about themselves and raising their self-esteem. They are offered useful explanations which help them to understand the impact of their actions on others. Children have many interesting chances to learn about the wider community and other cultures. For example the childminder has objects of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 religious and cultural value within view of the children, which stimulates discussion and interest. This is further supported by talking to them and organising activities which take account of their cultural background and religious beliefs. Children freely express their ideas, thoughts and feelings through a range of activities. For example, the children are keen to tell the childminder what they are doing and show her the pasta and sauce they have made using play dough. They use a variety of tools, such as scissors, cutters, moulds and rolling pins with increasing control which helps develop their fine motor skills. Children have many chances to use large outdoor equipment when they visit the local playgroup, children's centre and, at times, park. Children are developing early writing skills as they mark make in the sand and enjoy the chances to paint or use chalk at the easel.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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? 3

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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?

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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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