Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY295719 Inspection date 04/09/2009 Inspector Maura Pigram

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and children age 16, 12 and six years in a suburb of Pinner, Middlesex close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder’s home is used for childminding with a bedroom used for sleep and rest purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have a hamster as a pet.

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Description of the childminding

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 one child in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from local schools and nurseries. She 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 satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are happy and are valued and fully included by the childminder because she has a secure knowledge of their individual needs, their family and home circumstances. Generally, effective implementation of policies and procedures and good partnership with parents ensure children are making appropriate progress in their learning. The childminder has started to evaluate her practice and has identified areas to develop further, her commitment to ongoing training demonstrates an effective basis for her capacity to maintain continuous development.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 plan and organise systems to ensure that every child receives an enjoyable and challenging learning and development experience that is tailored to meet their individual needs with particular regard to developing knowledge and understanding of the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage and supporting resources (Organisation) 25/09/2009

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further?

 make a record of risk assessments which covers anything a child may come into contact with clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Suitable premises, environment and 25/09/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 equipment).

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further?

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

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further?

 review observations and assessments and use these to make informed decisions about the child's progress and plan next steps to meet their development and learning needs  review the culture of reflective practice so that it includes children's views and that of their parents or carers and use this to identify the setting's strengths' and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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the early years provision

Children's care and learning is generally well promoted because the childminder has appropriately developed her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through her volunteering work at a pre-school and in a local school. She has also taken time to download and read relevant information about the EYFS. However, she does not have a copy of the framework and its supporting tools to assist her in identifying the next steps in children's learning. She has a good understanding of her legal duties responsibilities regarding child protection. Vetting procedures are clearly visible providing reassurance to parents that the childminder and members of the family are suitable to have regular contact with the children. Children’s safety is given a high priority, for example, the childminder carries out visual risk assessments, she takes appropriate steps to make children aware of emergency evacuation procedures, potential dangers and minimises hazards to

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the early years provision

children so that they are safe indoors and outside. However, records to support her desire to keep children safe are not yet developed. Therefore, procedures to ensure children are safe at all times are potentially underdeveloped.

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the early years provision

The childminder promotes an inclusive practice. The needs of children are very well known through the close partnership with parents. She ensures her own knowledge about different cultures is up-to-date through research on the internet and discussions with children and their families. She shares this knowledge with all children by carrying out suitable activities such as making celebration cards. Parents are well informed about the service the childminder offers and the progress their children are making. For example, diaries are maintained for younger children, learning journals are shared and policies are easily available in the childminder's detailed portfolio. Views of parents are welcome and daily discussions contribute to the continuation of care between both parties. However, the childminder is yet to fully include parents and children's contributions in her monitoring of the provision. Suitable links with other providers delivering the EYFS

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the early years provision

so that the needs of children are shared is in the progressing stage. For example, the childminder is meeting with staff of a setting where a minded child attends so that individual needs and progress can be shared.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a positive attitude to improvement and has effectively met all This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the recommendations raised at her previous inspection. For example, required documentation related to medications is now effectively used. The childminder strives for improvement and has a clear vision for the future. She has started to evaluate her practice so that targets to improve outcomes for children are identified. For example, she is due to start a National Vocational Qualification in early years soon.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and content, they enjoy their time with the childminder and share warm, friendly relationships with the her and family members. Children benefit from the well organised, homely environment where steps have been generally taken to ensure they are safe and secure. They freely play indoors and outdoors on the enclosed trampoline thus developing physical skills and a healthy lifestyle. The childminder has appropriate rules in place to ensure children play safely such as only allowing one child on the trampoline at any one time. In addition, they are reminded to keep in sight of the childminder at all times when on outings, through relevant discussions stranger danger is appropriately explained and road safety is effectively promoted.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop at their own rate, making steady progress towards the early learning goals. They take part in purposeful play and exploration both indoors and outdoors and have a balance of adult-led and child-led activities that mostly fosters active learning. The childminder has started to make regular observations of children's progress and plans appropriate activities. However, occasionally there are missed opportunities in offering extended challenges to older or more able children during the activities provided.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from the well-organised environment. They freely choose to play indoors or in the garden. Resources are easily available and support all areas of learning. Creative activities are particularly well supported. Children enjoy creating hand prints and regularly bring their art work home to share with their families. Consequently, discussions related to their chosen topics take place and children's language and understanding is appropriately supported. Books are readily available and children help themselves to their favourites. In addition, the childminder regularly reads stories to the children. Writing materials and drawing equipment including an easel set up in the garden encourages children to develop their literacy skills. Young children can write their own names but further challenges to extend this aspect of learning are not yet provided. Children develop curiosity and understanding as they take part in gardening activities. For example, recently they

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and outcomes for children

enjoyed planting a variety of vegetables and herbs. These are used in main meals and snacks, as a result, children develop an avid interest in the world around them and enjoy healthy eating.

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and outcomes for children

Children make appropriate progress in problem solving and calculations as they regularly take part in baking sessions. During this time they help to measure and count ingredients needed, thereby appropriately helping to promote future learning. They enjoy completing jigsaws and are able to co-operatively play during This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 board games. Children's confidence and self-esteem are effectively promoted as the childminder provides consistent praise and encouragement. This has an impact on their behaviour, they know what is expected of them and have positive relationships with their peers. 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 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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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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