Childminder in Islington

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 EY344214 Inspection date 08/06/2009 Inspector Catherine Greene

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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 2006. She lives with her four-year-old daughter in a two bedroom flat on the second floor of a purpose built block in the N1 area of the London borough of Islington. The open plan living room/kitchen, child's bedroom and bathroom are available for childminding. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for no more than four children under eight years. There is currently one child on roll.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a good service within an inclusive environment, she knows children well and this supports her ability to provide for their interests and abilities. The imaginative range of resources and activities, together with the childminder's good communication systems, maintain children's individual interests and learning well. Appropriate systems are in place to safeguard children's welfare in the setting and safety is satisfactorily promoted. Effective procedures generally support this area and risk assessment has identified areas for improvement. Children's observation records, photographs of them playing and activity plans show that children are provided with a suitable range of experiences that help to promote their learning and development. Partnership with parents is developed to ensure that the needs of all children are met. The childminder makes use of self- evaluation systems to identify key strengths and weaknesses in her provision. She

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

is fully aware of the improvements she plans to address.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to implement observation and assessment systems in order to fully identify learning experiences for each child across all areas of learning and enable parents to incorporate their comments into children's individual records  continue to improve the safety of the areas used by children by conducting a written risk assessment and log of action taken for concerns, paying particular attention to the storage of alcohol  practise the emergency evacuation procedures so that children can become familiar with the routine in the event of an emergency.

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provision

The childminder attends regular training in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is committed to ensuring that her service is inclusive for all families and makes good use of the support and advice offered by the local authority and network coordinator. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Suitable measures are in place to promote children's good health and the childminder has an up to date first aid certificate. She works alongside parents in supporting children's dietary needs and shares all policies and procedures to ensure communication is open. Children are kept safe for the most part when with the childminder but some areas have not been fully risk assessed, such as for the storage of alcohol. Fire evacuation procedures are in place but the childminder has not practised these with the children yet. Despite this, she talks to the children about keeping safe and teaches them good road safety awareness whilst on

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provision

outings. The childminder follows procedures in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board and is booked to attend a safeguarding training course. Records required for the safe and efficient management of children are maintained and stored in a confidential manner.

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provision

The childminder explains how she develops professional relationships with parents to meet the individual needs of children. She talks about gathering relevant information in order to get to know each child's specific care needs and their abilities. Observation records, activity plans and information about the Early Years Foundation Stage framework indicates that parents are kept informed about their child's progress and the provision offered. Since registration the childminder has accessed a number of courses to develop her knowledge of childcare. She gains valuable support from the childminding network coordinator, enabling her to monitor and evaluate the service she provides. As a result she has been able to identify areas for development to improve the outcomes for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder welcomes children and their families into her home and works closely with parents so that children's routines are in place when they start. She demonstrates a good knowledge of children's individual needs, particularly with regards to their individual backgrounds, likes and dislikes and interests. She has organised the living room so that children can play freely and in comfort. The childminder offers children a daily routine that consists of opportunities for them to be active and have quiet activities as they return from school and nursery. She teaches children to be aware of their own safety and guides them carefully as they return from school and cross roads. She demonstrates a good understanding of how children's health is promoted. She encourages children to learn the importance of good personal hygiene through their daily routine; she explains why they need to wash their hands before they make their own sandwiches for their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

after school snack. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of healthy eating, providing fruit and wholemeal bread for snack and making sure water is accessible throughout the day.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding into how children learn and develop. She talks about observing children and monitoring their progress. Observation records are in place and show photographic evidence of children's achievement; some samples of their work and written details. The main play area is particularly well resourced and imaginatively laid out, with children’s learning imaginatively planned for. Children learn to use a range of tools with skill, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enthusiastically buttering and cutting up the sandwiches they have made with precision and care. They show increasing levels of attention and concentration as they play board games, such as Crazy Chefs and learn to negotiate and take their turn under the childminder's gentle guidance.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is a range of good quality non-stereotype toys that includes play people, dolls, a home corner and a range of books. The childminder describes how she uses the resources to support children to develop their awareness of diversity. 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? 3 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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