Childminder in Camden

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 EY365447 Inspection date 26/08/2009 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 2008. She lives in a two bedroom maisonette in a converted house, accessed from the ground floor level in the NW5 area of the London Borough of Camden, close to transport links. Children have access to all areas of the home. A back garden is also available for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She is currently minding three children in the early years age group. She also offers 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 good. The childminder works well to provide a happy and safe environment for children. The home is welcoming and child friendly where children are able to independently access a broad range of play materials. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive service where good partnerships with parents help to promote consistent care. Clear systems for self-evaluation support the childminder to build on her strengths and promotes continuous improvement in all areas.

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further?

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

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further?

 update policies with guidelines for the procedure for dealing with allegations made against the childminder and individual risk assessments for each outing continue to develop knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance to record children's starting points, plan for their individual interests and share their progress with parents to promote their involvement in their children's learning.

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provision

The childminder is very well organised. A range of useful policies and procedures underpin her service and are shared with parents. Effective record keeping systems detail children's individual needs and appropriate written permissions have been sought from parents. The childminder is an experienced and qualified practitioner and is proactive in seeking support and training through her local early years service. The childminder has good systems in place to safeguard children. She has informed parents and carers of her responsibility to protect children and has a sound procedure in place. However, this does not include what steps she will take if an allegation is made against her. The home is safe and welcoming to children, clear risk assessments are maintained for indoors. Although a general risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessment has been devised for outings this does not contain individual risk

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provision

assessments for each type of outing she organises. The childminder has began to evaluate her practice and has clearly identified areas for development. Her commitment to evaluating her service ensures continuous improvement.

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provision

Children's good heath is promoted as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Consequently children receive appropriate care in the event of an accident. Secure recording systems ensure that parents are appropriately informed as written records are provided of any accidents that take place at the setting. The childminder promotes an inclusive environment where children are able to make good progress as she observes their interests and abilities. Good communication with parents ensures she gets to know the children and their families well which helps promote their care and individual needs.

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provision

The childminder has developed secure partnerships with parents. Daily discussions take place each day about children's daily progress. Consequently both parents and childminder are well informed which helps promote consistent care for children. The childminder has identified ways to further improve partnerships with parents through her systems for self-evaluation.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play happily in this child-centred environment where they receive good support and are learning independence skills as they make choices from the broad range of resources both indoors and out. Older children are learning to dress-up by themselves as they easily access the varied range of outfits. Good organisation ensures children's learning is extended outdoors. They are involved in a variety of activities outdoors which help them make progress in all areas of their development. For example, children enjoy playing with sand and water in the garden where they are well supported by the childminder. Good use of questioning promotes their language skills as the childminder introduces conversations such as, what they might see at the seaside. The childminder builds on their interests as she listens to them talking about a favourite cartoon character. She has clearly identified how their learning can be extended through this interest which includes

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

early maths and knowledge and understanding of the world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has developed secure relationships with the children. Consequently they are confident and settled in her care. Children's behaviour is well managed for example, during occasional squabbles children are gently reminded they need to share with each other and are provided with reassurance when they become upset. They learn about keeping safe through simple house rules. For instance, when children want to carry toys whilst walking downstairs they are reminded that this is not safe as they need to use their hands to hold on the rail.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from the childminder's secure knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Consequently they are provided with plenty of play opportunities to help them make progress towards the early learning goals. Their progress is well recorded as the childminder regularly observes and assesses their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development. Photographs and written records have been organised into a personal profile for each child which clearly shows the areas they are making progress in. However, the childminder has not developed systems for recording their starting points at the beginning of their placement to clearly identify their initial progress at her setting. The childminder has identified areas to improve in delivering the EYFS. These include focused planning for children's individual interests and sharing their profiles with the parents. Consequently this has been

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

raised as a recommendation in this report.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health is promoted through a variety of strategies. For example, very healthy snacks are provided each day. Children enjoy sitting down together with the childminder as they select from a variety of fresh fruits and rice cakes. They are also provided with spontaneous opportunities for learning as they talk about the colours of their plates and cups. Older children use this time to talk about their interests. The childminder encourages their conversation as she listens carefully and extends their interest by asking useful questions to encourage their thinking. Children learn good hygiene routines as they regularly wash their hands. The good organisation of their routine ensures they have opportunities for fresh air and exercise each day. 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? 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? 2 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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