Cottrell, Alicia

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 EY307245 Inspection date 18/05/2009 Inspector Jill Nugent

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 registered in 2005 and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She lives with her husband and eight-year-old child in a house in Catford in the London Borough of Lewisham. She uses the whole of the house for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. Access to the house is at ground level via a short footpath from the roadway.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight at any one time. Currently she is minding four children, three of whom are in the early years age group, and one of whom is on the childcare register. She belongs to a local childminding network.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder offers a welcoming and inclusive service. Children flourish in an extremely well-organised learning environment which encourages them to follow up their interests and develop a range of useful skills. As a result they make significant progress in many areas of learning. Their welfare is promoted effectively and they are extremely happy in the setting. The childminder works closely in partnership with parents, involving them in their children's learning. She maintains a good capacity to improve through her ability to reflect on her practice and enthusiasm to learn by attending training courses.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 investigate ways of using diet to further increase children's knowledge and understanding of healthy lifestyles.

p.3

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.3

further?

 maintain a record of risk assessments clearly stating when these were carried out and any action taken (Documentation). 12/06/2009

p.3

provision

The childminder has excellent organisational skills and manages her provision effectively. Her setting is particularly well-organised with regard to available space, providing a variety of play environments for children and a flexible daily routine with both adult-led and freely chosen activities. All the required documentation for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the efficient running of the setting is in place and the paperwork is set out in a clear and reader-friendly style. The childminder is committed to the continual improvement of her practice and has recently achieved a Level 3 qualification in childcare. This extra training has helped her to extend the learning and development aspects of her practice and subsequently improve the outcomes for all children. It has also contributed to her receiving a local authority award in recognition of the high quality of her childminding practice.

p.3

provision

The childminder makes good use of self-evaluation to reflect on her practice and to highlight areas for further development. She takes advantage of training opportunities to increase her own knowledge and understanding, for example, learning sign language so that she can communicate with children in different ways. She ensures that all required training is kept up to date and has ideas for future developments which are appropriate and well-targeted, for example, she is interested in looking at ways to increase children's awareness of healthy lifestyles, particularly with regard to diet. She also has plans to learn about phonics teaching and update her safeguarding training. There are good procedures in place to ensure that children are always protected and the childminder works closely with other professionals if any concerns arise.

p.4

provision

The childminder has developed an excellent working partnership with parents. She provides detailed information about her provision and asks that parents sign agreement with her written policies. Individual diaries keep parents well-informed about the range of activities that children are involved in and their progress towards the early learning goals. Parents also receive photographs by email, with explanatory notes, and occasionally ideas for supporting children's learning, for instance, a letter of the week. Parents express their immense satisfaction with the childminder's provision, especially their children's learning and development and the opportunities for outings in the local area. Her emphasis on partnership working ensures that all children are valued and enables her to focus attention on supporting each individual child.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a stimulating play environment and benefit from the involvement and support of the childminder. She organises a wide range of interesting learning experiences, including outdoor activities, which all children enjoy. For example, children play imaginatively with a farm set, visit a car showroom and explore climbing equipment. They go to group events where they can take part in a variety of creative and physical activities, for instance, investigating musical instruments and having picnics. Children display an exemplary attitude towards learning. They are keen to take part in different activities, showing much interest and having fun. The childminder enhances their play through conversation, encouraging children to communicate, count and express their own ideas. She enthuses children through her friendly approach, enabling them to make choices within the play environment. Her ability to sign is an added bonus as children make great strides in their

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

language development through being able to learn by seeing as well as by hearing.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a comprehensive system of observational assessment in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 place. She records her observations of children concisely, linking them to the developmental stages of the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to work out each child's next step of learning. She is particularly adept at noticing children's abilities during routine activities, for example, as they recognise numerals and changes in the natural environment. She increases their understanding through following up what they already know, such as knowledge about natural 'cold cures'. By revisiting her previous observations she ensures that she is moving each child on in their learning and collates regular reports on their progress. She is very aware of individual children's personalities and the ways in which they learn as individuals. Children especially benefit from her use of books to reinforce their

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

learning, linking these to a theme, such as farm animals. Overall, her system is very successful in promoting and extending individual children's learning.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is attentive to children's well-being and promotes their health and safety through the implementation of appropriate policies and procedures. She provides a safe and secure environment for children, enabling them to develop a high level of personal independence. She carries out regular risk assessments of the premises to ensure continuing safety, although she does not maintain a record of those aspects that she checks regularly as part of her risk assessment. Her medical records are well maintained and she has good access to first aid equipment. Children have an increasing awareness of personal safety and hygiene. They enjoy a balanced, healthy diet and regular opportunities for outdoor exercise. The childminder takes care to meet children's dietary needs in liaison with parents. Children are aware of their boundaries in the setting and are extremely well behaved. They learn good social skills on outings to shops and restaurants,

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

thereby developing respect for others in the community. They find out about different cultures when participating in activities planned around special events, for example, experimenting with Chinese writing. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

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? 2

p.6

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? 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