Childminder in Harrow

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 EY315509 Inspection date 05/05/2009 Inspector Christine Bonnett

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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 adult children and one child of 12 years in Harrow Weald, in the London borough of Harrow. The ground floor is mainly used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog and guinea pigs as pets.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child and works closely with their parents to ensure their individual needs are met. Children receive warm and gentle care within a clean and safe family home. The childminder understands the benefit to the children of continuously building upon her existing good practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems to assess observations, identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences tailored to the needs of individual children.  establish effective links with children’s schools to share relevant information for continuity and coherence in their learning

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provision

The childminder evaluates her work with the children and has the capacity to identify her strengths as well as areas that need enhancing. She attends a range of courses and workshops to broaden her skills, and wishes to work towards attaining a professional qualification in childcare. In addition, she has completed all the recommendations made at the last inspection, which contributes towards ensuring the welfare of the children. For example, she now has a current first aid certificate.

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provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of child protection matters, including the indicators of abuse, and the procedure to follow to report concerns. She carries out risk assessments on her home, garden and on outings to help ensure the safety of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children.

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provision

The childminder works effectively in partnership with parents. She ensures that parents share all relevant information about their child with her so that consistency in their care is provided. She produces newsletters to inform parents of the themes she plans to cover with the children, so that they can reinforce their child’s learning at home.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They have a variety of exciting and stimulating activities provided for them that enable them to make good progress in all areas of development. For example, they learn how to look after living things as they plant and water sunflower seeds. They watch them grow and begin to learn how to use instruments to measure their height. Children also enjoy printing with their hands and creating their own artwork.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the areas of learning. She recognises that a well-planned and resourced activity, such as cake making, can incorporate all of the six areas. Although observations are carried out, they do not focus sufficiently upon the individual attainments and learning priorities for each child to provide personalised learning, tailored to their individual needs. In addition, effective links with the children’s nursery, to share relevant information for continuity and coherence in their learning, have yet to be made.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn how to keep themselves safe. They develop good hygiene skills as they wash their hands at appropriate times of the day and learn why this is important. They also learn how to keep safe on the road as they are taught kerb drill and how to use controlled crossings. Children also benefit from plenty of opportunities for physical exercise, either through playing in the well-equipped back garden, or walking to school. They also have great fun as they visit St George’s Park and Willow Farm to see the animals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Although the parents provide their child’s main meals, the childminder offers fresh fruit as snacks each day. She is also aware of the individual dietary needs of all the children. Children are happy and content with the childminder. Consideration for others is encouraged through the use of good manners and gentle reminders about the ‘house rules’. This ensures children learn right and wrong in meaningful and positive ways that help to promote their confidence and self-esteem. 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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