Childminder in Westminster

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 EY296806 Inspection date 15/06/2009 Inspector Chris Banks

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and three children in a three bedroom maisonette in the W2 area of Westminster. A lounge and bedroom are the main areas used for childminding purposes. There is a nearby communal garden for children's outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of three children in the early years age group at any one time. She is registered to provide overnight care for one child under eight years. The childminder currently cares for one child in the early years age group on a part time basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall quality of provision is outstanding. Children greatly benefit from the calm, warm and supportive atmosphere created by the childminder who highly values children as individuals. Her very good understanding of how children learn and develop is translated into excellent childcare practice and as a consequence, children make continuing good progress in meeting their early learning goals. Parents are kept extremely well informed and are strongly encouraged to be involved in their child's learning and development. There is an ongoing commitment to continuous 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?

 continue to develop systems for monitoring and assessing children's progress

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provision

The childminder is well qualified and strongly committed to improving her service. She has undergone further qualification training and also keeps herself professionally very well informed through various networks. Her childcare practice is regularly reviewed as part of a recognised quality assurance scheme. Formal systems for observing and recording children's progress are already in place and the childminder is actively considering how these can be further improved.

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provision

Children are extremely well protected because all required policies and procedures relating to their health, safety and welfare are put into highly effective practice. They are cared for in safe, comfortable surroundings where good standards of cleanliness and hygiene are maintained. Children learn good self-care skills which also include dental hygiene. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 A comprehensive sickness policy helps ensure children are protected from the spread of any infection. Information leaflets produced by the local health authority are also shared with parents as part of promoting children's good health. As an example, they are made aware of the symptoms of pandemics such as swine flu. There is a strong commitment to act decisively if a child's welfare is remotely at risk. If a child needs to be taken to hospital, there is a clear contingency plan to

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provision

ensure other children are safely cared for in the meantime.

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provision

Children benefit from the very good safety practice of the childminder who also carries out and records comprehensive risk assessments. Practical arrangements for the safe arrival and collection of children are well managed with decisive action taken should the suitability of any adult be called into question. Children are further protected as the childminder demonstrates an excellent understanding of child protection issues and is knowledgeable about the action to take should she have concerns about a child. She also keeps herself updated about other aspects of safeguarding by regularly attending training events.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are extremely happy and well settled. This is because they receive an excellent standard of care in a setting where consideration of their individual needs is given the highest priority. They enjoy very warm attentive care and the calm, gentle approach of the childminder helps children feel secure and valued.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's physical health is positively promoted in a range of ways. This includes provision of well balanced, healthy meals and snacks planned in close consultation with parents. Outdoor play and exercise forms an important part of each day. Older children are strongly encouraged to walk to and from outdoor play spaces and enjoy a varied programme of visits.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses her extensive knowledge of individual children to effectively plan for their future development. Her observations of children are astute and well documented. This enables her to identify their next steps with confidence. Children enjoy a stimulating range of indoor play opportunities which effectively cover each area of learning. Resources are easily accessible and of good quality. A much improved range of diverse play materials are effectively used to help children begin to recognise the similarities and differences between themselves and others. The childminder uses good communication and listening skills with children and is conversant with a range of techniques to extend their vocabulary and assist in problem solving. This is also used as an effective tool to support children who do not have English as their first language.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Excellent partnership working with parents helps ensure children's learning and development is a positive, shared experience. If children attend other settings such as nurseries or school, with permission, she attends meetings and feeds back information to parents. They also receive short, weekly written reports on their child's progress from the childminder herself. This approach provides parents with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 an important overview of their child's development and makes them feel valued partners. 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? 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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