Childminder in Norfolk

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 EY382564 Inspection date 08/07/2009 Inspector Malini Parmar

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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 2008. She lives with her husband and their three children aged three, six and eight years in Hanwell in the London borough of Ealing. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed space within the garden used for outdoor play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler groups. The family has a dog, cat and goldfish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to provide care for a maximum of two children from birth to under eight years on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. A total of two children can attend on the early years part of the register. There is currently one child on roll aged under five years and two children on roll altogether.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and enjoy the sound levels of care and attention the childminder provides. The childminder's knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is developing to take account of the changes in legislation. Close partnership working with parents ensures a constant exchange of pertinent information to promote children's changing individual needs. The childminder is eager to build on the quality of her service to ensure her provision continually improves and has begun to identify areas of strength and for further improvement. Aspects of children's health and safety are promoted, some areas are developing to ensure the necessary records are in place. Inclusive practice is promoted to support children's understanding of the wider world.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop assessment systems further, use observations and assessment points to identify learning priorities and plan learning experiences accordingly and match observations to the expectations of the early learning goals.  obtain written consent to transport children using a vehicle. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 demonstrate that a childminding training course has been completed (Qualifications, training, knowledge and skills) 31/07/2009  improve children's health, obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children and obtain written parental permission to seek any emergency medical advice or treatment in the future (Promoting good health) 24/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  complete a written risk assessment for the indoor environment and for each type of outing, review this regularly recording each time this is carried out, by whom, the date of review and any action taken (suitable premises, environment & equipment) 24/07/2009

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provision

The childminder has a positive approach towards evaluating her practice and works closely with the Local Authority. She invites them to complete checks and guide her development. As a result, she has recently begun to identify areas of her practice which are positive and those which require further improvement. This collaborative approach towards self assessment also includes the views of parents in measuring the effectiveness of her practice to meet the needs of the children in her care. This process is beginning to develop to ensure her own reflection is consistently evaluative.

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provision

The childminder builds positive relationships with parents; they report they are pleased with the service and care provided. At induction the childminder requests detailed information about the children's individual welfare needs and parents are also encouraged to note what their children can already do. This helps to establish their existing capabilities and starting points from which to build their progress. An information pack alongside relevant policies and procedures inform parents about the childminder's practice and methods; this helps to establish a constant two way exchange of information. The childminder ensures that she is available each day to give daily feedback to parents about how their child spent their time with her. Some of the required information is in place, this includes sufficient detail about children's families and cultural heritage. This helps the childminder to consider and

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provision

include aspects of these in her care of the children. However, the childminder has overlooked the necessity to seek written consent from parents to support the children's health. As a result, consent to seek emergency medical aid and to administer medication to children are not in place. This is regulation.

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provision

Children are safeguarded by the childminder's sound knowledge and understanding of her duty to protect children from harm. She has some knowledge of the associated signs and symptoms, and has the necessary details to contact the relevant agencies if she has a concern. The childminder is keen to continue to strengthen her provision, and the recent self reflection has provided her with a focus for improvement. For example, she has identified the learning and development requirements as an area to build on, and as well as seeking advice from the support team, she has booked on several courses such as 'planning and assessment' to develop her skills and understanding of this area. The childminder recognises the importance of completing all the required training, such as in first aid. However there is insufficient evidence to show that a childminding practice course has been completed. This is regulation.

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provision

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

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children share positive relationships with the childminder as they form secure bonds. They are comfortable in an environment where a variety of toys and resources are easily accessible to them to promote their independence. Systems for planning and assessment are developing and children benefit from the childminder's observations of them. She uses her developing knowledge of their personalities, and interests, to provide them with activities to support their progress. Next steps in children's learning are not yet fully identified across all six areas to share with parents and ensure a collective approach towards development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Young children are beginning to learn important skills such as walking, as the childminder provides them with sound support to do this. She organises toys and resources on the floor and encourages children to reach their favourite ones. Children respond well to the childminder's gentle encouragement as she praises their efforts to help them persist. They giggle as the childminder rewards their achievements by clapping as they successfully reach them. Children respond to the childminder's songs and particularly enjoy pressing buttons on electronic toys to activate flashing lights and music. She talks to young children and babies about what she is doing to enable them to learn to link words with action, such as when she is preparing their drink. As children become tied they seek comfort from the childminder and enjoy being cuddled and soothed by her. Older children are familiar with the routine and are encouraged to complete their home work at the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

table, and the childminder chats to them about their day. The childminder encourages them to rest and relax before engaging in self chosen play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are beginning to learn healthy habits as the childminder encourages them to wash their hands before and after they eat. The childminder uses a variety of ways to encourage hand washing, particularly for children who show reluctance. They have access to a sound range of freshly prepared snacks and meals, which includes a balance of fresh and dried fruit. Regular planned outings to the local parks, and playgroups ensure children get lots of fresh air and chances to learn about the world around them. The childminder organises 'International days' to introduce children to different foods, customs and ways of life. Resources are organised to help children ask questions about differences and similarities, for example, the small world dolls reflect people with disability and those with different faiths. These form an integral part of the choices offered.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have sound chances to learn how to keep themselves safe as the childminder practises emergency evacuations regularly, and uses appropriate equipment, such as a stairgate to prevent access to the stairs. Although the childminder has identified potential risks indoors and some in the outdoor environment, the record of risk assessments does not yet include information about how the childminder keeps children safe on each type of outing. This is regulation. In addition, the childminder's practice does not always reflect the assessment. 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? 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? 3 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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