Fowler, Davina

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY314485 Inspection date 15/09/2009 Inspector Silvia Richardson

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2006. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time, of whom one may be in the early years age group. There is currently one child on roll in the early years age group, attending on a sessional basis. The childminder lives with her husband and their three children ages five and three years and baby aged 16 weeks. They live in a flat in the London Borough of Lewisham, close to shops, parks, library and public transport links. All areas of the property are available for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. Access to the property is down a set of steps to the front door with a staircase up to the living rooms, making it less suitable for wheelchair users. The family have two cats as pets and keep fish in an enclosed tank. The

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Description of the childminding

childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children enjoy exceptional learning and development opportunities, because the setting is superbly resourced and the childminder effectively works with the children in creative and innovative ways, attracting and sustaining their interest in a wealth of activities. Children are thriving in an environment that values equality and diversity, actively supporting each child to achieve their full potential. Children develop warm and positive relationships through taking part in shared play experiences, both in the home and out in the community. Key to the childminder's success in maintaining continuous improvement, is her commitment to putting the Early Years Foundation Stage principles into practice, planning and providing for each child as a unique individual and consistently evaluating how well their needs are being met.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the safeguarding children policy to include the procedure should an allegation be made against a member of the household  engage parents in the planning of the educational programmes for the next steps in children's learning

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the early years provision

The childminder consistently takes positive action to safeguard children, ensuring they are protected and feel safe both in the home and outside of the setting. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder has a clear understanding of procedures to be followed to protect children, and should an allegation be made against a member of the household, including informing other parents and notifying Ofsted. However, arrangements are only partially detailed in writing as part of her safeguarding children policy. The outdoor activity risk assessment includes protecting children from strangers and developing their awareness of traffic dangers, helping keep children safe.

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the early years provision

The childminder works exceptionally well in promoting inclusive practice, so that all children are valued as unique individuals. Children are actively encouraged to explore, value and appreciate differences in all areas of their play and learning. They enjoy books and stories written in a range of languages and portraying positive images reflecting diversity. Children take part in a wealth of practical activities, creatively exploring similarities and differences, through baking, cutting, sticking and making things in connection with cultural and seasonal festivities. Children are also enjoying learning and using Makaton, supporting their communication skills.

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the early years provision

The childminder drives improvement through continuous evaluation of resources and activities, always ensuring they are organised and offered to meet the presenting needs of individual children and the current group for whom she is caring. The childminder keeps photographic records and samples of learning activities, supporting future planning. Written records are clear and well managed, accounting for all aspects of childminding, promoting children's welfare, learning and development. An excellent range of equipment, toys and play materials are extremely well arranged, effectively meeting the needs of all the children and promoting independent, child initiated learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder engages in much discussion with parents, ensuring like minded ways of working, for example, with managing potty training and behaviour, achieving goals together. The childminder keeps daily diary notes, observing and monitoring activities, helping parents maintain a clear picture of children's routines. Parents are actively encouraged to contribute, creating an all round picture of children's disposition, welfare and development. Partnerships include exchanging email, text messages and web based contact, further promoting good communication. Attractive visual displays of children's activities and art work support parents' confidence in children's learning, although they are not fully involved in the planning for these.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder effectively creates a stimulating, interactive learning environment, through attractively arranged and presented resources. As a result, children are excited and motivated by the range of activities, play materials and equipment and are keen to explore and experiment. They delight in making discoveries and the rich variety of experiences provide a constant source of fascination and interest. The childminder uses her creative imagination in presenting a wealth of different play and learning opportunities, tailored to children's specific likes, interests and learning styles. These include handling natural materials, using all their senses to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 explore, for example, the features of changing seasons.

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and outcomes for children

Children make rapid progress towards the early learning goals, because they enjoy exciting learning opportunities every session, across the six areas. Thoughtful planning consolidates and builds on children's knowledge and skills and consistently stretches them towards their next steps. Children develop close and trusting relationships with the childminder and other children in the setting, because they work collaboratively, when baking, gardening, creating and constructing.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe in the setting, because routines are familiar and consistent. They feel supported when practising and trying out new skills, such as climbing the stairs and handling objects. Children feel confident in new situations, because the childminder cuddles, reassures and explains where they are going and what they are going to do, for example during a visit to the park. Children enjoy an excellent balance of nutritious meals and snacks and are learning about making healthy choices. Active lifestyles are helping promote children's health and well-being. They are actively encouraged to help in the setting and frequently engage in role- play, while learning about responsibilities. The rich variety of play and learning experiences are enabling children to develop skills for the future. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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Stage

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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