Childminder in Kingston upon Thames

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 EY313928 Inspection date 07/04/2009 Inspector Catherine Greenwood

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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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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 2005. She lives with her children aged 10 and 14 years in Surbiton, Surrey close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The childminder’s home is accessed via a short steep drive. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding, with the exception of the bedrooms. She has a puppy and a hamster as pets.

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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 four may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder's communication and interaction with children are key strengths of the provision. She recognises the uniqueness of each child, and gives top priority to building care and learning around their individual needs. Consequently, children are extremely happy and secure, and form exceptionally close and caring relationships with the childminder and each other. Children's languages and cultural backgrounds are fully embraced as a result of highly effective partnerships with parents.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 ensure children are not moved onto alternative activities when they are absorbed in their play.

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provision

Self-evaluation is an integral part of the childminder's practice, and she recognises the value of continuous quality improvement, and how it impacts on children's achievement. For example, liaison with the local authority has been successful in obtaining a grant to provide a covered area, so that children can access activities within the garden all year round. This means that children will be able to choose to play inside or outside regardless of the weather.

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provision

The childminder has an extremely positive approach towards the children. She shows great enthusiasm for helping children who have English as an additional This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 language to learn, communicate and celebrate their own cultural backgrounds. For example, children have the opportunity to share books, national flags and artefacts with others, which they bring from home and learn to count in their own languages. Exemplary partnerships and consultation with parents and other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) means that children are provided with continuity of care and learning.

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provision

Comprehensive risk assessments and a wealth of high quality, well organised resources, enable children to develop excellent independence within their play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make outstanding developmental progress in relation to their starting points and capabilities. Their learning is fully extended due to the childminder's excellent understanding of the EYFS guidance, and her ability to use everyday events to ask questions and extend children's learning. New children settle in very quickly due to the large amount of time the childminder spends getting to know them and establishing a bond. Consequently, children's emotional needs are extremely well met. Children form very good relationships and consider the needs of others. This is evident as they spontaneously hug younger children, and share out the 'hundreds and thousands', when icing gingerbread rabbits.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder dedicates her time to talking with the children and gives them lots of opportunity to choose activities. When colouring at a small table, they proudly show the childminder the letter 'e' they can draw for the first letter of their name. Children show good self-confidence in expressing themselves. They can independently operate a small CD player, and feel free to sing along in Greek, and do traditional dances for others to watch. Babies are very tuned into what others are doing, want to join in with other children's play, and enjoy exploring objects and their environment. This is evident as they move freely around the play areas, and are included in activities, such as playing the musical instruments. The childminder's positive and active approach to involving all the children means they quickly copy and learn how to use the resources, for example, as they are shown how to bang cymbals together. However, on occasion, the childminder's

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

enthusiasm to ensure children enjoy everything on offer, means that their play is occasionally disrupted by being moved onto the next activity too soon.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent knowledge of children's interests. She has clear aims to support children's individual abilities and strengths. For example, through activities, such as writing letters, going to the post office and library, and extending knowledge of numbers. Children widen their experiences through outings where they go on short trips using public transport, such as the bus and train. Weekly outings to toddler groups and getting together with other childminders provide children with a good social network. All children are fully included in all activities. For example, babies are put into all in one suits, so they can crawl safely around the garden.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop skills with climbing, throwing and jumping, as they explore ball pools during regular outings to a soft play area. Visits to farms and Bushy Park This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provide opportunities for children to use a large sand pit, and playground. The childminder's annual pass for Chessington World of Adventures means that children benefit from regular visits to the zoo. They are encouraged to recall these events and what they have learnt. Children learn about the features of living things as they watch caterpillars develop into butterflies and set them free in the childminder's garden. Age appropriate resources, such as books and photographs support this area of learning. This is evident as children talk to the childminder about butterflies they see in their own gardens.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children show determination to carry out the activities of their choice. They enjoy watering the garden plants, and using large brushes and bowls of water to make marks on the patio area. Photographs show children benefit from a wide range of experiences, such as painting, making cakes, drawing, playing in the paddling pool, crawling through play tunnels, and touching and feeling objects in a treasure basket. Additional large resources borrowed from the toy library enhance the excellent range of resources already available. Children show great enthusiasm when playing in the garden, which the childminder has made into a sensory haven. It includes numerous streamers, wind chimes, and CDs, which hang from a central tree, and a separate small bark chip area where children can fill and empty small wheeled toys. A play house at the bottom of the garden is set up with imaginative play resources, and sand and water play are available at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very well behaved and cooperative. They help to tidy up the toys and learn to share and understand other peoples feelings. Dressing-up clothes, disabled dolls and teddy bears, and books in different languages, help children develop a positive approach to diversity. The childminder celebrates festivals within children's cultures and plans activities that take place at different times to those in Great Britain. A wipe board in the hallway keeps parents well informed about planned activities. Exceptionally well organised folders include comprehensive assessment details for each child, which are shared with parents during monthly developmental reviews. Children learn about their own safety, for example, stranger danger, and what is expected when walking outside of the childminders home. They take part in fire evacuation practices, and know to shout 'fire' when the childminder sets off the alarm. Children are provided with healthy and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

nutritious meals that include a wide variety of fruit. Consequently, they eat well. 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? 1 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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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