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 EY303123 Inspection date 05/08/2009 Inspector Liz Corr

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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 three bedroom house with her adult son in the SE16 area of the London Borough of Southwark. Areas used for childminding are the living room, kitchen and bathroom, all on the ground floor. A fully enclosed garden is also available for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three 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 two children in this age group. She also offers overnight care for one child and 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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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides an inclusive and welcoming environment. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. The childminder is developing her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children are provided with a range of play equipment to help them make sound progress in their play and learning. Effective partnerships have been developed with parents, which helps to promote children's welfare. The childminder has begun to use self-evaluation to identify areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 update safeguarding procedure with latest guidelines including procedure for dealing with allegations made against the childminder  ensure records are kept of each emergency evacuation procedure  improve the organisation of play equipment to provide a balance of adult led and freely chosen activities through indoor and outdoor play  continue to develop knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance to record children's starting points, plan, monitor and assess children's progress, and fully develop partnership working  ensure there are confidential systems in place for recording complaints To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 conduct a risk assessment for both indoors and outdoors and review it regularly - at least once a year or more frequently where the need arises (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 21/08/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Most required documentation is in place and maintained. A set of policies and procedures have been produced to support her service, including one for complaints. However, confidential systems have not been devised for recoding complaints made directly to her. Required information regarding individual children are kept on the premises and this enables the childminder to meet their individual needs each day. The childminder has an appropriate understanding of how to protect children from abuse and who to report concerns to. However, her safeguarding procedure has not been updated with the latest guidelines and does not contain what she would do if an allegation was made against her. The childminder has a sound knowledge of measures to take to eliminate hazards in the environment. For example, safety gates prevent access to the kitchen and fire prevention equipment such as smoke alarms and a fire blanket are maintained.

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provision

However, written risk assessments have not been developed for indoors and outings. Children learn how to keep safe in an emergency as emergency evacuations are practised with the children. However, records of each evacuation have not been kept in order to monitor and review each practice.

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provision

Children's health is promoted as they are cared for in a clean environment. They learn good hygiene practices as they regularly wash their hands. Regular opportunities are provided for children to access fresh air and exercise. Effective procedures ensure that children are cared for at home when they are unwell.

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provision

The childminder is currently undertaking training to update her child care knowledge, which will improve the service she provides and the outcomes for children. She has begun to evaluate her service and has identified some areas for improvement, such as attending refresher courses in child protection and increasing her knowledge of special needs and inclusion. Since the last inspection she has ensured that parents provide permission for emergency medical advice or treatment, which has a beneficial effect for children's good health.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are sufficiently supported in their learning through access to a suitable range of age-appropriate toys, resources and activities. They happily immerse themselves in imaginary play as they access a good selection of role play materials including, a cash register and pretend food. They have access to problem solving materials such as bricks and puzzles and are encouraged by the childminder to learn about colour and numbers in everyday activities. The children are provided with some choices of play equipment which are laid out for them each day. However, the well equipped store cupboard in the hall has not been organised so children can make further choices and increase the opportunities for child-initiated play. Effective activities are organised to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world as they take part in caring for plants outdoors and celebrate a range of cultural festivals throughout the year. The childminder is

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

developing her understanding of the EYFS. She has begun a system for observing children's development. However, the observations do not contain sufficient detail This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 about the child's involvement and how they are progressing towards the early learning goals. There are no arrangements for recording children's starting points in order to assess their initial progress. Some information is shared with staff at other settings who provide the EYFS, however, this is not fully developed to promote continuity by sharing relevant information with each other.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have sufficient opportunities for outdoor play. For example, they are taken to the local park for physical exercise, playgroups, library and trips to feed the ducks. A rear garden is also available for outdoor play, children enjoy caring for plants and flowers and accessing water play. However, the childminder has not fully developed outdoor play facilities to provide a balanced curriculum.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Positive relationships have been developed with parents. Appropriate information is shared on a daily basis through a daily diary which records some information of their daily progress. Letters from parents record their satisfaction with the care their children have received. The childminder is committed to providing an inclusive service to families. Children access an interesting range of resources to promote their knowledge and understanding of different cultures, race and ability. The childminder is currently undertaking further training to increase her knowledge in caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report 21/08/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report 21/08/2009

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