Childminder in Bromley

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 EY293953 Inspection date 25/08/2009 Inspector Susan Linda Capon

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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 with her husband and two children, aged six months and six years old, in a house situated in Petts Wood in the London Borough of Bromley. All areas of the home are available for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of four children under eight years old at any one time; of these, two may be in the early years age group. She currently cares for six children on a part-time basis, four of whom are in the early years age group. Children over eight years old also attend the provision.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminder Association and attends the local childminder drop-in services. She makes regular use of the local parks, parent and toddler groups and library. The childminder holds a Diploma in Home Based Childcare equivalent to a National Vocational Qualification at level 3.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children spend their day in a safe, fun, child orientated, home from home environment, playing and learning with one another. The excellent implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage programme ensures all children attending are able to develop and progress at their personal rate meeting their individual potential. Children have ample space to safely explore their boundaries and environment indoors, outdoors and on outings, as all potential hazards are appropriately minimised through the childminder's thorough risk assessments. Every child's individual needs are incorporated into the provision, promoting inclusive practice. The childminder has a clear ability to continually develop her practice through her extensive self- evaluation procedures, ensuring she continues to develop the service she provides to the children and parents. She develops close relationships with all parents,

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

enabling them to be fully involved in their child's ongoing care, progress and development.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continuing to develop the assessment and planning arrangements, ensuring all chidren make appropriate progress through the early learning goals at their personal rate of development.  continuing to develop the plans to provide children with more opportunities to grow their own vegetables. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Parents receive extensive information about the childminder's provision through her well organised portfolio and prospectus. These include the sound policies and procedures which underpin her day to day practices. The childminder implements her safeguarding training well, ensuring the ongoing safety of the children in her care. She ensures she never leaves the children with an un-vetted person at any time.

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provision

The childminder carries out a full self-evaluation of her provision, identifying areas of good practice and those she could continue to develop. For example, she continues to develop her planning and assessment arrangements, following the completion of her childcare qualification and intends to offer children more opportunities to grow their own vegetables. Parents' views are incorporated into this self assessment through regular questionnaires, enabling the childminder to incorporate their ideas and views when necessary. The childminder has a professional approach to her work as she continues to attend numerous training courses, extending her knowledge and childcare skills. For example, she has completed a Baby Signing course and Implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage training. She has completed the Diploma in Home Based Childcare since her last inspection.

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provision

The childminder has excellent relationships with all parents, ensuring all parties are fully involved in the children's care, development and learning. Parents are confident their child is in very capable, responsible, safe hands. Children enjoy the loving, caring environment, enabling them to flourish as they grow and learn. Parents are pleased with the support their child has received, enabling them to make the transition to school more easily. Daily verbal discussions and written contact books enable all parties to share information about the child's day. Parents are encouraged to telephone and e-mail the childminder for further information when required. The parent and childminder share information, relating to children's specific needs, ensuring continuity of care is maintained. For example, using similar strategies for encouraging children with delayed speech and language skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children are confident with the childminder and her family members, helping them feel safe, secure and part of the family. New children settle quickly through innovative activities incorporated into the daily programme. They particularly enjoy a quiet ball game where they share their news after dinner, learning about one another as they play. The children freely access an extensive array of well organised toys, equipment and activities each day. They enthusiastically enter the home, eager to participate in the interesting, stimulating activities regularly offered. Planning incorporates topics, using the children's interests, meeting each child's ongoing developmental needs. For example, train and bus rides are a big favourite.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing excellent safety awareness. They understand the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 importance of keeping in sight of the childminder when out and about, visiting local parks and the zoo. Wrist bands with the childminder's contact number ensure they will quickly be reunited with the childminder should they get separated. Excellent emergency evacuation procedures are regularly practised with all the children, ensuring they understand the importance of listening quietly and following instructions as required.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing their understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy helping to prepare their snacks of fresh fruit, for example, strawberries and blueberries. They access regular drinks of water, preventing them becoming dehydrated. No fizzy drinks are provided and sweets are an occasional, special treat. Healthy, nutritious, home made meals incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Fussy eaters are encouraged to try new foods as they participate in cooking activities, for example, making fruit kebabs. Daily exercise is enjoyed through walks to and from school and local pre-schools. Children particularly enjoy splashing in the puddles as they are encouraged to walk, giggling as they play. Building a snowman, sledging and making footprints in the snow ensure children enjoy the fresh air all year round.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All the children use good hygiene routines throughout the day. They follow the hand washing signs in the bathroom, ensuring they do a thorough job, drying their hands on paper towels to prevent the spread of infection. Separate bedding is readily available for children requiring a sleep and the high chair is cleaned thoroughly before and after use.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder knows all the children well. She ensures she has detailed information about their daily routines and development and progress, enabling her to provide good quality day to day care for every child. Regular observations and weekly planning ensure every child makes very good progress towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are achieving well as they play and learn. The childminder skilfully supports the children as she plays at their level, offering regular opportunities for the children to think for themselves as they try new activities. She carefully explains new games prior to the children participating, encouraging older children to give younger children time to take their turn. Children use their own ideas as they change the rules of matching pairs, enabling them all to fully participate at their own level. The childminder talks about the items they collect for the shopping basket game, enabling younger children to recognise items they are collecting more easily. For example, she discusses how they all use a toothbrush. Children enjoy regular opportunities to develop their awareness of other races, cultures, gender and disabilities through the extensive toys, equipment and activities incorporated into the provision. For example, children from families who speak

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

another language share new words with the other children. They are developing an excellent awareness of their local community as they visit local childminders, parents and toddler groups, the library and parks. Children enjoy art and craft activities. They eagerly use a wide range of resources to create their own masterpiece for their mummy. The children enjoy ample opportunities to explore paint, water, sand, dough and glue both in the home and at outside venues. Some children enjoy telling the other children stories they have created while others This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enjoy selecting their own book to read quietly. Dressing up is a huge favourite and the children enjoy role play activities. For example, they enjoy a game of shops, counting the change when they make a purchase. An outing to the park incorporates opportunities to look at the flowers and plants, collect resources for a

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

seasonal collage and feeding the ducks. The children behave very well as they understand the rules of the home. They share, take turns as they play the games. Older children are developing an awareness of the needs of others as they help a younger child find a matching pair, enabling them to develop their confidence to play the game again. Regular praise and encouragement from the childminder enables all the children to develop good self-esteem and confidence. 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? 1 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? 1

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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?

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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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