Childminder in Hillingdon

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 EY298542 Inspection date 07/05/2009 Inspector Aileen Ewins

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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 2004. She lives with her partner and two children aged seven and 15 years. They live in Uxbridge, within the London borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the house, except the main bedroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years of age at any one time. Of these, three may be in the early years age group. Currently the childminder is minding two children in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder drives to the local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups. The family has a rabbit. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The quality of the provision overall is good. The childminder has completed her self-evaluation and has used this process to enable her to understand and reflect on the continuity of her practice. The childminder has met the recommendation set at the last inspection and is aware of her strengths as a provider of childcare. The childminder understands individual children's needs well and responds to these appropriately. She has a strong understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework; maintains a welcoming environment to the children and their families; and provides toys, resources and activities which help children to develop and learn as they progress towards the early learning goals.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to encourage children's understanding of problem solving, number and reasoning by encouraging children to use words such as big, bigger, small and smaller for example; sorting and matching objects; and talking about and recognising simple patterns  update existing policies and procedures which are in place, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework

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provision

The childminder has a full range of policies in place which she shares with the parents of the children she cares for. Parents are therefore aware of the procedures in place which help to maintain a happy, safe and inclusive provision. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 These procedures are acted upon well, but need to be updated in line with the EYFS framework. The childminder has completed EYFS training as well as other courses which help to promote her good practice. These include, for example, sounds and letters, observations and positive behaviour management for under fives. Children are kept safe within the home and garden, as well as when out and about on outings. Risk assessments are in place, reviewed and acted upon, which helps to identify any potential hazards, thereby reducing the risks to children. Registers detail children's attendance times and children's personal records are

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provision

kept confidentially; and contain all the necessary information. Written consents are in place from parents for outings, travelling in the car and outdoor play for example. The childminder has completed and updated paediatric first aid training. She adheres to her sickness policy at all times. Children are therefore helped to stay fit and well and parents are aware not to send children in if suffering sickness or an infectious condition. Parental consent is kept for the childminder to seek medical attention for children, should an emergency situation arise. Accidents are documented securely and written consent is in place prior to any medication being administered. The childminder has completed a safeguarding children course. She is aware of how to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse to safeguard the children she cares for; and understands the procedures to take should she ever have any concerns. The childminder displays her certificate of registration and

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provision

parents are aware of the regulatory role of Ofsted.

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provision

The childminder is aware of her role of the Key Person and holds warm relationships with the children and their parents. Children's learning and development is encouraged and supported at all times. The childminder is aware of each child's likes and dislikes. She takes time to get to know the individual child. Parents understand the benefit of exchanging purposeful information about their children. The childminder has completed an evaluation of the care she provides. She recognises the strengths of her provision as her 'hands on' approach. She enjoys seeing the children participating in and getting the most out of the activities she plans for them; and is supportive and engaging, as well as allowing children to be independent as they play, listening to them and responding effectively. The childminder also recognises the strong relationships with parents as a positive part of her role as a child care provider.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a strong understanding of the EYFS. Children are happy and settled and therefore develop well. A wide range of toys and resources are provided and children can easily access these. The childminder is aware of children's interests and plans her day around these to suit each child. For example one child is really interested in cars and trucks and therefore discussions around the colours of cars, counting vehicles on the road when out and about for example are promoted. Children therefore, stay motivated in their play which helps them to remain interested, curious and learn at their own pace. The childminder is proactive in her approach and encourages children to be part of the weekly planning. For example, a child recently had a trip to the dentist and so to extend this the childminder used a range of resources and imaginative role play opportunities to help children discover more about being healthy and taking

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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 responsibility to look after their own teeth. All six areas of learning are considered as children learn through their play. Children visit toddler groups regularly and mix with others which helps them to promote relationships with others and learn about turn taking and sharing. Children are encouraged to learn a little independence such as putting on shoes for outdoor play, taking off and putting them back when coming in from the garden. Certificates are rewarded for successful potty training. Children choose the books they would like to read and share with each other and the childminder. They discuss the story and pictures together. Children practice phonics by starting with the sounds of their own names. Children learn about their community and thoroughly enjoyed visiting the local farm to see the lambing. Children play out in the garden and are eager to use the indoors and outdoors

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

seamlessly for their play. Children therefore get plenty of fresh air and exercise. They learn about their own risk taking whilst on the trampoline for example, carefully watched over by the childminder. Everyday opportunities are in place for children to construct, count and learn colours. The childminder is aware to extend this learning through everyday language to encourage children's understanding of shape, problem solving and mathematical language. Children flourish in their art and craft and engage in purposeful messy play regardless of their age. Children play with a range of electronic toys and are stimulated further by using and enjoying musical instruments. Older children have access to the computer and educational software.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder maintains a daily diary for each child and a developmental folder. Regular observations are made on each child. These observations are linked to the EYFS and are complemented with photographs of children enjoying activities as well as samples of children's work. Children's progress is enhanced as the childminder is aware of their initial starting points and is able to link the observations and use these to inform her of their next developmental steps. For example, a painting of fireworks is linked to creative development and the next steps identified as developing primary colour mixing; cooking is linked to problem solving and reasoning; personal, social and emotional development; and communication and language, with a next step to encourage counting numbers of everyday objects. Development records for the very young are completed effectively too, giving parents valuable information about young children's

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

milestones and small steps. Children's developmental records are shared with parents and other professional agencies. For instance when children start at nursery or school the childminder ensures that she maintains a key role and communicates regularly with the staff of the provision a child attends.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn to respond to others and consider one another's similarities and differences. Children have a postcard area where they learn about other cultures and countries of the world. A festival calendar is used for various activities. The childminder currently cares for a child of dual nationality and therefore all of the children are learning a little French to help support the child in using her own language. Children behave well. They respect one another and the childminder. Children start to acquire an understanding for their own safety. They have been practising fire drills and talk enthusiastically about the fire service and how to leave the house in an emergency. Children have also been learning road safety. Children are encouraged to wash hands before snacks and meals, and after messy play, outdoor play, playing with the rabbit and after using the toilet. Parents provide 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

snacks and lunches but the childminder is happy to provide a meal in the evening. Children have access to water throughout the day. 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? 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

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