Childminder in EnfieldOfsted inspection, 5 Aug 2009

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 EY282351 Inspection date 05/08/2009 Inspector Jill Nugent

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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 registered in 2004. She lives with two of her four children, aged 10 and 18, in a house in Enfield, London. Access to the house is at ground level via a short footpath from the roadway. The whole of the house is used for childminding although children are mostly cared for in the ground floor rooms. Children have access to a secure garden for outdoor play. The family has two cats, two rabbits and a goldfish.

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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 may care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time. Currently she is minding three children, of whom, one is in the early years age group and two are on the Childcare Register. The childminder travels to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder's enthusiasm and commitment to offering quality care for children, results in a vibrant and stimulating learning environment. Most of the required documentation is in place and provides a sound framework for her practice. She promotes an inclusive practice where children feel valued as individuals. Her close partnership with parents contributes to children's welfare needs being met appropriately. She maintains improvement of her provision through accessing training opportunities to continually develop her childcare practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the system of observation, assessment and planning to ensure that individual children's learning needs are met effectively  develop the system of self-evaluation in order to encourage reflection on all aspects of the childminding practice.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 maintain a record of risk assessments stating clearly when they were carried out and any action taken following a review or incident (Documentation). 18/09/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is well organised and works to a daily routine so that children feel secure in her care. Her paperwork is arranged neatly in files and is therefore easily accessible. Her written policies are clear and concise, providing much information for parents about her practice. She emphasises the need for good working partnerships with parents and liaises closely with them so that children's individual care needs are met appropriately. She keeps parents up to date about their children's development through sharing assessment records and daily diaries. Parents express their appreciation for her support and the good quality care their children receive.

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provision

The childminder is keen to continually improve her practice by attending training to further increase her knowledge and understanding of childcare. Recently she has attended courses in Observation and Planning, First Aid and Self-Evaluation. She has collected an array of supporting information for reference purposes and has the necessary contacts for outside agencies should she need assistance. Her procedures relating to safeguarding are effective. She has updated her training on Child Protection and maintains children's medical records appropriately. She carries out risk assessments of the premises and any outings that children take part in, although she does not maintain a record of her risk assessments to show clearly what checks have been made.

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provision

The childminder always works to a good adult-child ratio, preferring to look after only a few children at a time. In this way she can ensure that children receive one- to-one attention and effective support. Children benefit from her interactive approach and a relaxed atmosphere. Since her previous inspection she has made significant improvements in her practice through gaining experience and confidence. However, she has not yet fully established a system of self-evaluation so that she can reflect on all aspects of her practice and highlight areas for further improvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy the opportunity for free play, choosing from a selection of toys and exploring how they work. The childminder offers very good support, encouraging children in a lively manner and praising them for their achievements. Young children take much interest in the resources that are set out in the play area. They respond with enthusiasm to the childminder's conversation, attempting to express themselves in spoken language. In this way the childminder develops close relationships with all children. They gain self-confidence and learn through their play. She is very aware of the ways in which children learn and provides relevant play activities to encourage their progress. For instance, young children learn about sounds, words and numbers whilst older children learn to enjoy books, participate in role play and express ideas in creative activities. As a result children become active learners and extend their skills in practical activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder ensures that she offers a range of stimulating activities in all areas This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of learning. She encourages children to use their senses as they explore different materials and the natural environment. Children benefit from outings in the local area and further afield, enjoying the social aspect of belonging to a group and increasing their physical skills as they enjoy outdoor play. Younger children develop body awareness as they move around the house and garden or use play equipment to swing and bounce. Children learn to respect others as they play with a variety of resources that reflect diversity and participate in activities based on religious festivals. The childminder has introduced a system of observational assessment so that she can plan learning experiences to meet individual children's needs. However, she is not yet making full use of her recording system to ensure

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

that she meets children's needs in all learning areas.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted effectively through the efficient implementation of health and safety procedures. The childminder is knowledgeable about safety issues and ensure that children are safe in her care through minimising all potential risks. Her resources are attractive and maintained in good condition so that children can play safely. Children have an increasing awareness of how to keep themselves safe as she talks with them about potential dangers. The childminder is attentive to good hygiene practice and offers a balanced and healthy diet so that children become more aware of healthy lifestyles. They are able to access drinking water at all times in order to avoid the risk of dehydration. Children are aware of their boundaries within the setting and behave responsibly. They are encouraged to be kind to each other, sharing fairly and taking turns. Consequently they develop a sense of belonging and enjoy the company of others in the group.

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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

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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? 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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