Childminder in Southwark

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 EY297965 Inspection date 29/04/2009 Inspector Christine Jacqueline Davies

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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 2005. She lives in a four bedroom house with her 14 year old daughter and 12 year old grandson, in the London borough of Southwark. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is access to a private garden for outdoor play. The property is close to local schools, parks and transport services. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of three children under eight years and is currently caring for three children in the early years age group. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The family do not have any pets.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children make steady progress in their learning and development and enjoy a varied programme of activities throughout the day. Established relationships with parents contribute to an inclusive environment and ensures that children's individual care needs are met. The process of self-evaluation is at the early stages of development as the childminder is yet to identify how best to build on the strengths of her provision or address any areas requiring improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a written risk assessment for the premises and outings  develop planning to show how the next step in children's learning is identified and that assessment systems clearly track children's progress

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provision

Clear policies and procedures work well in practice and ensure that children's overall health and well-being is promoted. The childminder seeks support from her childminding coordinator and has embarked on a quality assurance scheme which is at a very early stage and is yet to identify her strengths and future plans for improvement. Recommendations from the previous inspection have been addressed, contributing to children's health and safety. Children use a suitable range of toys and equipment which are easily accessible and meet safety standards. Although written risk assessments for the premises, both indoors and outdoors, are not in place, children benefit from a safe and secure environment that is free from hazards. Clear procedures are in place for the arrival and departure of children and consideration is given to children's safety when off the premises. For example, the childminder ensures that children are supervised at all

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provision

times and that children are transported safely in a vehicle via appropriately fitted car seats. Secure safeguarding procedures are in place and the childminder has a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 clear understanding of her role and responsibility to protect children from harm. Information gathered from parents ensures that children's specific care needs are met throughout the day. However, not enough information is obtained about children's starting points and capabilities in order to establish a firm basis for planning for their individual learning needs. Nonetheless, the childminder keeps parents informed of children's daily activities via a written diary and discussions at the end of the day.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has some knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements, enabling children to make satisfactory progress in their learning and development. She undertakes observations of what children can do during the day but does not clearly demonstrate how she plans for the next steps in children's learning, which means at times children do not always achieve as much as they could. The childminder selects a selection of play materials and sets them out so that children can make choices from what is available. However, a large proportion of the childminder's resources are stored in a separate room at the top of house, which is accessed during quieter times of the day. So as a consequence, children's independence and autonomy is restricted as they are not able to make choices spontaneously. Despite this, children are happy and settled and have developed trusting relationships with the childminder. Their routine care needs are well met

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

because the childminder is attentive and caring. They benefit from a flexible routine which incorporates a range of indoor and outdoor activities. For example, children enjoy construction, sharing stories, small world and imaginative play and singing. The childminder promotes an inclusive environment where children are treated with equal concern. Children learn about diversity through discussion and handling resources reflecting positive images. They learn about the local environment and the wider community via planned trips to the park and museum and have regular opportunities to visit local community groups, where they can socialise with other children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a firm approach to managing children's behaviour and has clear boundaries in place, so as a result children behave generally well. Meals are freshly prepared on the premises and take into account the specific dietary needs of children. Children are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle as they have ample opportunities to engage in daily outdoor activities in the garden where they can dig, plant flowers and play with sensorial materials such as sand and water. They enjoy regular visits to the park, where they can use a range of small and large equipment. Clear procedures are in place regarding the administration of medication and good procedures are in place to minimise cross infection. 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? 3 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? 3 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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