Childminder in Camden

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 EY287414 Inspection date 20/02/2009 Inspector Liz Corr

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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 2004. She lives with her partner and two children, aged 11 and 12 years. They live in a two-bedroom house in the NW1 area of the London Borough of Camden, close to parks and local drop-in groups. Children access the living room and kitchen on the ground floor and the bathroom and toilet on the first floor. A private garden and large communal garden are also available to children. The family have a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder focuses very well on the individual needs of the children when planning activities and organising the daily routines. There are good arrangements for sharing information on a daily basis with parents to provide consistent care. A welcoming environment has been created where children access a good range of resources and activities. Good systems are in place to evaluate and assess children's learning and for sharing this information with parents.

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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 guidance to record children's starting points  improve safety by practising the emergency evacuation procedure regularly with the children and developing risk assessments for outdoors  further develop a culture of reflective practice and self-evaluation

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provision

Children are well protected by the childminder's conscientious approach to safeguarding. She regularly updates her knowledge of child protection issues by attending relevant training and fully understands how to report concerns. The childminder's home is effectively risk assessed to minimise hazards. Records are kept of areas of the home that are regularly checked. Although there are no formal risk assessments for outings, children learn how to keep safe when they are outdoors as the childminder clearly explains where to cross safely. Children confidently sing a song they have learned about road safety. They talk about This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 stopping at the traffic lights and waiting for the green light that lets them know it is safe to cross. A clear emergency evacuation is in place although it has not been practised recently with the children.

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provision

The childminder has a well-organised approach to childminding with all required documentation in place. Formal systems for self-evaluation have not been developed, but the childminder has recently requested training in this area through her local childminding network. The childminder has strong support systems in place and has recently become an Associate Childminder in Camden, which provides her with a wide range of drop-ins in local children's centres and further training and support. The childminder accesses available training courses and uses the network sessions to share and discuss good practice with other childcare professionals.

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provision

The childminder works closely with parents by developing strong relationships with them. She is committed to providing a supportive and flexible service to meet children's individual needs. Parents are included in their child's learning as they are provided with clear information about their progress and interests. This helps parents to continue their learning at home. Profile books are shared with children's art work, photographs and records of how they are progressing towards the early learning goals. However, there are currently no systems for recording children's starting points. Parents' views are sought through regular questionnaires and daily verbal communication. Comments provided by parents indicate that they are extremely happy with the service their children receive.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are secure and happy in the childminder's care because she provides for their individual needs. She has created strong relationships with parents and consequently, she knows the children and their families well. Children respond positively to her warm approach and confidently talk to the childminder about what they would like to do. Children benefit from a good balance of home-based and group activities. The childminder makes use of several local drop-in groups where children are involved in organised activities. This enhances their play and learning experiences, and helps to develop their social skills as they play in a larger group.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make progress in all areas of their learning because the childminder plans a wide range of experiences based on their interests. Children are developing their imagination as they pretend to go on holiday. They are provided with useful props such as a travel bag, play food for the journey and money. Small chairs are used for their seats on the aeroplane. The childminder makes good use of questioning to develop children's thinking and vocabulary. During a story session, children enjoy snuggling up on a sofa as the childminder reads to them. The story is made more meaningful as they are asked what they think it would be like to live in a castle and would they let the childminder come and visit them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Babies and toddlers are supported in their understanding of pre-verbal communication as the childminder uses Makaton. This is also used to support children who may have a speech delay as symbols are used to help children show This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the childminder what they want. The childminder is very experienced in working in partnership with parents to support children's welfare. She has developed a good knowledge of local services in the community which she is able to access if necessary. The childminder follows clear procedures for behaviour management and works in partnership with parents to sensitively manage any behavioural concerns. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement throughout the day. They enjoy opportunities for practising their independence as they wash their hands by themselves, with the help of a step. This helps to promote their self-

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

esteem and promotes their good behaviour.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is a strong emphasis from the childminder to promote an inclusive environment. The childminder demonstrates that each child is valued and special as she gets to know them and their families very well. They learn about the wider world as they celebrate cultural festivals. Children recall their celebration for Chinese New Year; they talk about the food they ate and they remember loaning books and toys from the library. 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? 1 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

There have been no complaints since the last inspection.

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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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