Childminder in Surrey

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY233240 Inspection date 11/05/2009 Inspector Elizabeth Ellen Mackey

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged 12, 10 and eight years in Caterham, Surrey. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She currently has four children on roll, of whom two are in the early years age range. The childminder also cares for children who are over eight years old. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of N.C.M.A. The family have a pet dog and four rabbits.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are extremely settled and very happy in this welcoming inclusive environment. The childminder knows the children well and works closely with parents to ensure she can fully meet the unique needs of each child. The childminder continues to develop her knowledge and skills through attending ongoing training. She monitors the effectiveness of her practice through a comprehensive self-evaluation, which seeks the views of parents.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop the assessment system to include parents' contributions to their children's development records  continue to develop the use of observations to identify the next steps for children's learning.

p.3

provision

The childminder takes comprehensive steps to safeguard and promote the children’s welfare. All required records are well maintained, agreed and signed by parents. The childminder maintains a contact book to compliment the daily communication with parents. This builds effective partnerships and enables consistency of care. Children's individual needs are further promoted by the childminder's commitment to link closely with other settings the children attend, for example the school and pre-schools attended by the children she cares for. The childminder is committed to developing her practice and knowledge. She attends training to keep her practice up to date and she is working confidently within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

p.3

provision

Comprehensive risk assessments are in place and include the different activities and outings enjoyed by the children. The premises are extremely well organised to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provide a safe, child centred environment. Children are closely supervised by the childminder. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibility to safeguard children; this is underpinned by a comprehensive safeguarding policy.

p.3

provision

Children experience warm, consistent care from the childminder and they share a close confident relationship with her. They enjoy good relationships with their peers and they are encouraged to respect one another. Children are comfortable and demonstrate a sense of belonging in the setting. Their good health is encouraged through sensible hygiene routines and ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. Children enjoy nutritious, healthy meals and they also learn about which foods are good for them.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is developing various formats for observation to assess children's progress in their learning and development. Written observations, photographs and a daily record help to provide a picture of how children spend their time and how well they are progressing in the setting. The childminder plans a wide range of activities, which take account of children's individual needs and abilities. Linking the observations to identifying children's next steps are in the formative stage. The childminder gains information from parents about their child, including information about their preferences and their needs and she keeps them up to date with their progress. However, the system used does not incorporate parent's contributions to the children's development records.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a comfortable, stimulating and purposeful play environment, where children feel secure and enjoy a wide variety of learning experiences. The environment is organised to enable children to independently access their play resources with confidence and ease. The interaction between children and the childminder is excellent, which significantly promotes their language development. Children are confident in making their needs known; the childminder remains one step ahead of them and is prepared for their play choices. This enables the children to be independent and active learners. The childminder knows the children very well and her knowledge of their individual needs and abilities enables her to follow their interests and plan for them accordingly. Children are encouraged to ask for what they want and make their own choices.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a wide range of activities that contribute to their development. They enjoy a range of craft activities, for example play dough and painting. They also enjoy baking and making pizzas. The resources, coupled with the input from the childminder, encourages children's imaginative play, for example when children use the phone in the playhouse the childminder asks "are you talking to mummy?" and when they ride in the toy car the childminder asks them if they have put petrol in it. This encourages the children to develop their ideas further.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

There is a really lovely sense of fun and harmony in the setting, which fosters children's personal, social and emotional development. The childminder ensures children are offered a wide range of experiences to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the world. They are involved in planting seeds in the garden and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are taught how to correctly handle pets. Children are encouraged to learn and care about each other. The childminder is particularly skilful in promoting a shared understanding of children's needs. She balances the needs of the children exceptionally well and ensures all children feel valued and included. The childminder promotes the welfare of all children very well through established daily routines, ensuring that their individual needs are met. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7