Mardapittas, Anna

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 EY287070 Inspection date 30/01/2009 Inspector Julia Louise Crowley

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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 husband and three children aged 14, 11 and six years. They live in Southgate in the London Borough of Enfield. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. Access to the provision is via a low step to the front door. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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 and is currently minding five children, all on a part time basis. All of the minded children are currently in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends local toddler groups and children's centres. She takes children to the local library, local parks and farms. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is also a member of the Enfield Childminding Network. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder is highly effective at making sure children progress across all areas of learning and develop through acknowledging each child's individuality. She values diversity and is highly effective in ensuring children are well integrated and achieving as much as they can. The childminder's self evaluation reflects rigorous monitoring and extremely thorough thought to identify what she does well and needs to improve. She has exceptionally high aspirations for quality which is evident through ongoing improvement.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 further improve knowledge and understanding of the procedure for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents

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provision

The childminder has exceptional management skills that offer the children an exciting, varied and inspiring experience. The maintenance of records, policies and procedures required for safe and efficient management of the Early Years Foundation Stage is exemplarily. The childminder demonstrates an enthusiasm and drive to seek out further information to enhance her knowledge and support the children's individual needs. For example, the childminder uses her links with the network to borrow and purchase books focusing on childcare practice. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has extremely strong links with parent and communicates information in several effective ways. Parents enjoy yearly reviews, access to observations and planning, and comprehensive daily diary sheets which they can contribute to. She works exceptionally closely with parents to significantly support

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provision

their children. For example, implementing additional exercises to enhance a child's physical needs and purchasing left-handed equipment in order to support children's learning and development. Parents receive a thorough and informative policies and procedures booklet and clear guidance on the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are kept extremely well informed about their children's achievements and progress and this is reflected in very positive comments included in letters and cards from parents. The childminder is flexible and accommodating, supporting parents if they are ill and consulting them about any new ideas. For example, the childminder offers parents the opportunity to comment on the content of the homemade treasure box and makes changes where needed. The childminder demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of childcare and generously shares this with parents. However, she is less aware of the detail regarding responding to

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provision

complaints, to ensure a full and effective response.

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provision

The comprehensive daily risk assessment completed on the whole of the ground floor and outdoor space, is a reflection of the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the childminder. The childminder ensures all visitors sign the visitors' book when entering the house in case of evacuation and security. Emergency numbers are at all three fire exits and children enjoy the opportunity to practise the drill once a month. The childminder demonstrates excellent forward thinking as she introduces fun procedures for outings, such as taking children one at a time to the car, while the others sit excitedly on the bottom step of the stairs. The childminder demonstrates her innovation and motivation by accessing the 'Traffic Club' information which provides flash cards, visual guides and CDs. Consequently, children's understanding of safety is well supported. All outings are thoroughly risk assessed beforehand, to ensure the children have a safe and

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provision

worthwhile experience. The childminder safeguards children extremely competently through her advance knowledge of child protection issues. She has completed Safeguarding Children training and has all necessary contact numbers and recording systems in place.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make significant gains in their learning and have consistently good level of achievement in relation to their starting points and capabilities. Observations made by the childminder includes the next steps for the child and these are successfully incorporated into their individual planning. Children's achievements are well documented and their progress is significant. The welfare of the children is promoted extremely well and is significantly enhanced by comprehensive policies, procedures and practice. For example, accident records, administration of medicines, evacuation procedures and risk assessments.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children gain an extremely effective understanding of hygiene and a real desire to become increasingly independent in their personal care. They spend time washing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their hands after the toilet or before lunch. The childminder enthusiastically supports younger children gain practical skills. For example, using liquid soap and paper towels, turning off the taps and putting on their own coats. Children’s health is protected because the childminder is well informed about their medical conditions. Children help themselves to easily accessible, enjoyable and healthy snacks. They enjoy regular opportunities to independently peel and slice their fruit and vegetables, and older children pour their own drinks. Children make excellent progress in their physical development, they enjoy running and climbing and playing with bikes, tents and tunnels outside. Indoors, they use a range of

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

equipment and practical life exercises to develop competent small motor control. Children pour small quantities of water accurately, clear up any spills and use appropriate tools as they enjoy playing at the well resourced indoor water tray. Children behave extremely well and are happy and relaxed in the childminder's home. The childminder offers younger children gentle reminders and explanations of why certain behaviour is inappropriate. Children feel valued and are set realistic limits, according to their age and stage of development. The childminder is extremely attentive and acknowledges all positive behaviour and achievements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have access to an extremely wide range of books, dolls, puppets and puzzle all depicting diversity. They can access left-handed scissors, thin and thick brushes, crayons, multi-cultural dolls and tents showing children from around the world. Children make successful choices from toys that are correct to their age and stage of development. Regular opportunities to celebrating diversity are set into the planning, for example, Chanukah, Eid and Chinese New Year. Children enthusiastically stick Chinese words on to a paper plate to make hats for their Chinese New Year celebrations and play with noodles in the home corner. Children with English as a second language are extremely well supported. For example, picture cards, flash cards, signs and toy boxes with both words and pictures, are used to communicate and increase children's understanding. In addition, the childminder liaises with parents and gathers familiar words to help the child settle

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy listening to stories and sharing books in the extensively well resourced book corner. They join in songs and rhymes with enthusiasm. Story boxes and song sacks encourage the children to begin and end stories for themselves, experimenting with words and sounds. Children benefit from an extensive variety of activities that develop hand and eye co-ordination and prepare them for writing. For example, they learn to form letters and numerals using sand, pencils, chalk and crayons. They learn the links between sounds and letters and learn to recognise their names. Children's learning and development is extremely well supported by the childminder knowledge and her extremely well resourced play provision, all of which contributes to their future economical well being. 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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 made to Ofsted 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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