Thomas, Tracey Anne

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 EY358065 Inspection date 17/08/2009 Inspector Silvia Richardson

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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 2007. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, of whom three may be in the early years age group. There are currently five children on roll, of whom three are in the early years age group. Children are cared for on a sessional, part, and full-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her husband and their two children aged five and four years. They live in a house in the London Borough of Bromley, close to market, shops, parks, library and public transport links. All areas of the property are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has one cat and a hamster as pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The overall quality of the provision is good. The childminder embraces the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage, valuing the uniqueness of each child, developing positive relationships and creating enabling environments, so that children thrive in the setting. Children make excellent progress from their starting points, because the childminder provides a wide range and variety of play and learning opportunities both in the home and outside of the setting. Children enjoy a wealth of experiences that introduce them to differences, helping them to appreciate racial and cultural diversity. The childminder strives to continually improve outcomes for children, through personal and professional training and thoughtful self-evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain the Local Safeguarding Children Board written guidelines on the procedure to be followed should there be child protection concerns and follow the guidance set out in the publication 'What to do if you are worried a child is being abused'  develop the childminding safeguarding children policy to include the proceedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against the childminder or a member of the childminding household  request written parental permission to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The setting is very well arranged to meet children's play and learning needs, with an excellent range of resources sorted into sets, labelled and easily accessible, promoting independent learning. The childminder plans and organises activities to address individual welfare, learning and development needs, enabling children to gain in confidence and acquire new skills. Familiar and consistent routines flow with children's needs, helping them to feel secure and settled. The childminder keeps clear records, supporting good childminding practice, and policies and procedures are in place, covering most aspects of childminding. However, there are some weaknesses with safeguarding children, because the childminder does not have a copy of the Local Safeguarding Children Board written guidelines and is not clear how to make an appropriate referral should child protection concerns arise. The childminder's policy does not include the procedure

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provision

to be followed should an allegation be made against herself or a member of the household, so as to ensure children are protected in these circumstances. Additionally, the childminder has not obtained written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment, in the event of an accident.

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provision

The childminder has evaluated her provision thoughtfully, with clear examples of what is working well, in particular her relationships and partnerships with parents and carers. The childminder creates time to talk with parents on a daily basis so that they can work together on matters such as weaning and sleep routines. The childminder works consistently well with parents to help children settle and they agree arrangements for enhancing children's opportunities to socialise and mix with others. The childminder sends photo and text messages of children taking part in range of different activities, providing much reassurance. Contact books are also exchanged and include information about a child's disposition and opportunities for parents to comment and consult on matters of importance to them. Questionnaires are also proving useful to establish preferences, likes and dislikes. The childminder has consulted with the older children, who when asked

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provision

what it is like coming here, replied 'funny' and that members of the household made them laugh. Children also said they felt welcome, and when asked what would they like, responded saying more time on the computer. Relationships with parents, carers and children are exemplary, because the childminder actively seeks, listens and responds to their views positively, always ensuring their experiences match with their needs and wishes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's approach to all areas of children's learning and development, is that it should be fun and stimulating. Children have excellent opportunities to explore, experiment and make discoveries using all their senses, in a safe, well equipped play room. The childminder builds on previous success when planning the next steps in children's learning and uses the 'look, listen and note' method for recording progress. Using planning tools, the childminder successfully evaluates children's achievements and matches these against the early learning goals, ensuring children make as much progress as is possible. Photographs of children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 taking part in a broad range of activities, provide clear visual images for parents and carers, keeping them well informed. Children are very happy and settled, because they form trusting relationships with the childminder. They are very well

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

supported through the childminder being warm, kind and attentive towards them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are encouraged to be healthy through the provision of nutritious meals, regular physical activity in the park and walking to school. They are learning good personal hygiene habits through hand-washing routines. The childminder talks to the children all the time, about what they doing, introducing language and mathematical concepts, while encouraging them to learn to play safely and cooperatively with others. Children enjoy a wide range of practical activities, such as baking, cutting, pasting and painting, developing creative skills. Children develop a real sense of belonging through playing games together and they help to put things away after use. Children have plenty of opportunities to talk about their school experiences and those in the wider community. The setting reflects diversity and photographs and art work are displayed, valuing children as individuals and helping them to feel good about themselves.

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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? 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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