Childminder in Surrey

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

p.1

Unique reference number 507291 Inspection date 05/03/2009 Inspector Joanne Lindsey Caswell

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1994. He lives with his wife, who is also a registered childminder, and family in a residential area of Epsom, Surrey. Childminding mainly takes place on the ground floor. Children have access to a playroom, hallway, cloakroom and lounge/dining area. A first floor bedroom is used for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has a pet hamster.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years. When working with another childminder, he may care for a maximum of six children in the early years age group. There are currently six children in the early years age group on roll. Registration also includes both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder has a very good understanding of each child's individual needs and he works closely with his co- minder to ensure all aspects of children's welfare, learning and development are met. Excellent attention is given towards promoting children's safety and the childminder has a thorough understanding of how to support children's welfare. Regular systems are in place for self-evaluation, although these are currently mainly done by the childminder's co-minder; however, the childminder is aware of his own strengths and areas for development and is actively seeking out further training opportunities to enhance his individual practice. This ensures high quality care and good provision is in place to support children's learning and development.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 continue to develop closer involvement in the assessment arrangements for supporting children's learning and development  continue to develop the use of self-evaluation to identify areas for future development

p.3

provision

The strong partnership in place between the childminder and his co-minder results in outstanding care for children. Meticulous attention and detail is given towards promoting children's health, safety and welfare and the childminder contributes towards this fully. He is actively involved in promoting children's learning and development and has a thorough knowledge of each child's stages in development. However, at present, he is not always contributing fully towards the assessment process and recording his own observations of children's learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are exceptionally happy in the childminder's care as he forms strong, positive relationships with all children. They approach him happily for comfort and support and he engages closely with all children. He has a kind, gentle approach and children enjoy involving him in their play. For example, he actively encourages

p.3

provision

children to become more confident when learning how to use scooters and they excitedly choose him to take them to nursery, reflecting their relaxed and close relationships with him.

p.4

provision

Very good partnerships are in place with parents/carers and the childminder and his co-minder regularly seek out the views of parents/carers in order to enhance their practice and make continuous improvement. Written testimonials from parents are totally positive and reflect the high standards of practice. Detailed written information is provided for parents/carers on a daily basis, giving them a clear outline of children's daily activities and welfare needs.

p.4

provision

The childminder and his co-minder regularly evaluate their practice, although this is mainly done as a joint evaluation, and as yet, the childminder does not always actively reflect on his own practice and the individual skills he contributes towards the partnership.

p.4

provision

Children's safety is of paramount importance and the childminder is exceptionally vigilant in consistently checking the home for hazards and using risk assessments extremely effectively to ensure children are always kept safe and secure. The childminder has a thorough understanding of his role in safeguarding children and regularly attends appropriate training in order to keep his knowledge up-to-date.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children really enjoy their time with the childminder and his co-minder and make very good progress in their learning and development. Activities are consistently fun and are planned in response to children's own interests and stages in development. The childminder helps children to develop skills in literacy and numeracy through practical activities and high quality play experiences. For example, children use numbers in their play and develop awareness of number value as they count different objects. Through role play, the childminder encourages children to play creatively and develop their imagination. He gently extends their language and communication as he asks them questions and reinforces new vocabulary. Close interaction and detailed conversations really help to develop communication and help children become active communicators.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have an exceptional understanding of the importance of keeping healthy. The childminder helps children recognise the importance of hand washing routines after playing outside, before meals and after toileting and gently supports them in doing this. He talks to them about healthy eating and provides nourishing nutritious snacks, such as fresh fruit kebabs. The garden and local parks are used extremely well to enable children to benefit from plenty of fresh air and active physical play. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children develop an excellent understanding of how to keep themselves safe. They understand emergency routines as the childminder discusses these with children and takes every necessary precaution to keep children safe. Children learn how to play safely and to protect themselves from harm. They recognise they must be careful whilst playing near babies and younger children as the childminder talks to

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

children about possible dangers and really helps children understand the importance of safety throughout the daily routine.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children feel very good about themselves as the childminder has an extensive knowledge of each child's individual needs and is fully committed towards promoting inclusive practice. He recognises children's different characteristics, play preferences and likes/dislikes, and provides for these accordingly. He shares his attention equally between all children, so each child feels valued and listened to and takes part in activities of their own choice. As a result, children behave extremely well as the childminder engages children positively and is responsive to their personal needs. This helps all children to feel special and totally at home and relaxed in the childminder's care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.8

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.

p.8