Childminder in Lewisham

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 EY284132 Inspection date 13/05/2009 Inspector Christine Jacqueline Davies

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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 in a three bedroom house with her two children aged eight, and 17 years, in the London borough of Lewisham. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. The property is close to local schools, parks and transport services. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of three children under eight years and is currently caring for three children under five years. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The family do not have any pets.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of provision is good. Children benefit from a stimulating environment that supports their unique individual needs and helps them make good progress in their learning and development. Inclusive policies and procedures promote good quality care and recognises that parents are the first educators of their children. Clear systems to monitor the quality of provision are in place, helping to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain up to date safeguarding guidelines which are in line with local procedures  ensure assessment procedures clearly identify next steps in children's learning  obtain written permission from all parents to seek emergency medical treatment

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provision

Children's overall welfare, health and well-being are promoted effectively because the childminder has devised and implemented a broad range of policies and procedures that work well in practice. Suitable precautions are in place that ensure that areas used by children are free from hazards. Risk assessments are undertaken for both indoor and outdoors and specifically for outings. As a consequence, children can play safely and independently within their environment. The childminder has a sound awareness of what to do should she have concerns about children in her care, but does not have up to date guidelines in place that are in line with local safeguarding procedures. The childminder has taken positive steps to improve her service by ensuring that recommendations from the previous inspection have been implemented and by enhancing her knowledge of child development via a range of courses and workshops. Areas for future development

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provision

are steadily being formulated. Parents are also involved in the self-evaluation This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 process and are invited to comment on the childminder's service at regular intervals.

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provision

The childminder has developed strong partnerships with parents, helping to promote an inclusive environment. Information gathered from parents about children's routines and specific care needs are comprehensive and promote continuity of care. As a result, children settle well and develop secure relationships with the childminder. Parents are kept fully informed of their child's care and progress through daily discussions and six monthly reviews.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a broad and well balanced selection of activities and experiences that support their learning and development. As a consequence, children confidently explore their environment and make independent choices during play. The childminder actively uses the Early Years Foundation Stage practice guidance to help her plan for children's individual needs and has a sound knowledge of how young children learn. She undertakes regular observations of children, but does not always use information obtained from these to plan for the next steps in children's learning. Nonetheless, children make steady progress in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from a flexible routine and are able to express their ideas through a diverse range of activities, which includes arts and crafts, construction, and malleable materials, such as play dough. They develop strong communication, language and literacy skills through meaningful conversations and by enthusiastically responding to their favourite stories and songs. Children benefit from an inclusive environment that promotes respect and celebrates diversity. They learn about the wider world through planned trips to the library, local community groups and by accessing a varied range of resources, which help them learn about other cultures. The childminder uses positive strategies to manage children's behaviour, which take into account their age and stage of development. As a consequence, children behave well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children know how to keep themselves safe through daily discussions about environmental dangers, such as road traffic and also about the importance of holding hands with the childminder when out walking. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate, which ensures that minor accidents are dealt with appropriately. However, the childminder has not obtained permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment for all children in her care. This means that at times children's welfare may be compromised. Children benefit from a healthy diet and good procedures are in place to ensure that their specific dietary needs are catered for. Regular outdoor activities provide children with opportunities to develop their physical skills and adopt a healthy attitude to fresh air and exercise. 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? 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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