Childminder in Bexley

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 EY365832 Inspection date 22/06/2009 Inspector Sarah Morfett

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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 lives with her husband and two children, aged six years and three years, in Bexleyheath, in the London borough of Bexley. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and is easily accessible. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, two of whom can be in the early years age group. The childminder is currently minding two children in early years age group and one school aged child. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the Bexley Childminding Network and the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and friendly environment where they have access to a good range of activities based on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This enables them to explore, investigate and therefore make good progress. The childminder promotes an inclusive environment, drawing on her well developed knowledge of the children to meet their individual needs. She works well with the parents and other agencies to complement what children are doing at other settings. The childminder is positive in her approach to improvement and takes realistic steps to address areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop ongoing observational assessment to inform planning for each child’s continuing development through play-based activities  ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to minimise all hazards which children may come into contact with, for example low level glass

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provision

Children play in a well organised environment. The childminder has developed a wide range of policies and procedures which underpin her good practice and keep parents very well informed of the service provided. Although the childminder hasn't attempted any written self-evaluation system as yet she has a clear idea of her strengths and weaknesses. She is realistic when implementing improvements, for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 example, by updating the policies and procedures to reflect changes within the EYFS she is ensuring that the children are fully protected and their individual needs are met.

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provision

Children are safeguarded well within the setting, for example, the childminder has a current first aid certificate and a well developed child protection procedure reflecting the local safeguarding procedures. She has also devised an effective risk assessment which includes daily checks of the home and resources. Regular fridge temperatures are taken to ensure food is stored appropriately. However, not all potential hazards to children have been appropriately addressed, for example, some low level glass presents a risk. The partnership with parents is good. The childminder verbally informs them of the children's health and well-being. She shares details of their progress and achievements with them, sometimes through emailed pictures of the children enjoying activities. Therefore parents are involved in their children's learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and build warm relationships with her and the other children. They have ample space to move around in and can access a good range of resources which offer them balance and challenge, promoting the areas of learning. Children's individual needs are met well because the childminder follows their own routines giving them a feeling of security. Children are developing good communication skills as the childminder talks constantly to them. For example, she chats away when changing nappies and repeats words the child says to reinforce them. The system used for observation and assessment is in its infancy and shows potential. Observations are made and activities identified to help move children forward. However, this is not fully clear as a next step in learning. Although good interaction with the childminder ensures they are making progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and well-being are promoted well. They are cared for in a clean and tidy home. They learn to minimise the risk of cross-infection as they are encouraged to use tissues to catch their sneezes and then wash their hands. Medication records and accident procedures are in place and help to promote their safety. Children benefit from a healthy and nutritious diet. The childminder offers them choice about what they eat and promotes the '5 a day' rule with them to ensure they are eating a good amount of fruit and vegetables. Therefore, children learn about food that is good for them. Frequent visits to local groups and drop in centres help children to learn about the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well because they are engaged and focused on activities which interest them. They receive a great amount of praise and encouragement which helps them grow in confidence and develop good self-esteem. Therefore they are able to make the most of their time with the childminder. 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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