Childminder in Lambeth

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY274397 Inspection date 21/12/2009 Inspector Josephine Geoghegan

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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 has been registered since 2003 and has recently moved to another address within the same postcode in the Brixton area of the London borough of Lambeth. Children have access to all areas of the home and are cared for mainly on the ground floor and the first floor is used for sleep. Children have access to a rear enclosed garden for outside play. The Childminder lives with her two daughters who are over eight years. The childminder is registered on the early years register and the compulsory part of the childcare register to provide care for six children under eight years of these no more than three may be in the early years age range. The childminder is also registered on the voluntary part of the childcare register. The childminder works with an assistant and/or a co-minder and when working together she is registered to provide care for a maximum of eight children under eight years, of these no more than six may be in the early years

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Description of the childminding

age range. There are currently seven children on roll in the early years age range. The childminder does not provide overnight care. No children presently attend who are learning English as an additional language or those who have identified special educational needs and/or disabilities. The family pets include one tank of fish. The childminder holds qualifications in childcare and 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Good systems are in place to meet the needs of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, including outstanding aspects relating to the outcomes for children. The childminder shows a secure knowledge of the learning and development needs of the children and uses systems of assessment and planning effectively. High regard is given to promoting children's welfare and sharing information with parents. The capacity to maintain continuous improvement is strong and the childminders show a commitment to developing the systems of evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that evacuation drills are recorded in a fire log book, including details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved.  ensure the daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of attendance clearly shows the names of the children's key workers. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted well as high regard is given to safeguarding children and protecting them from harm. For example, the childminder has attended relevant training and keeps appropriate information easily accessible, enabling her to take prompt action if she is worried a child is being abused. In addition, adults in the household and those who work with the children have completed vetting checks regarding their suitability. All documents required for the safe and efficient management of the early years provision are in place. However, although systems are in place to record when the co-minder and/or assistant work with the children these details are not recorded on the daily record of children's attendance. Children's understanding of equality and diversity is supported through planned activities relating to festivals, enabling them to develop an understanding of cultures and beliefs. In addition, they use a range of toys and books that promote

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the early years provision

positive images of people in the community and their self-esteem is enhanced through the use of their photos in displays and books. Appropriate policies and procedures are in place to promote inclusion for all children. Partnership with parents is strong as the childminders keep parents well informed about their child's progress and events of the day, including using a digital photo frame to show activities and outings. All required documents are shared appropriately and parents are informed about the policies and procedures of the setting. The childminder shows a commitment to improving the quality of the service. For example, since the last inspection she has attended relevant courses relating to safeguarding, sign language, first aid and working with parents. The childminder is currently attending a long term course regarding self-evaluation, enabling her to develop the self- evaluation of the childminding service, although this is in its infancy. In addition,

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the early years provision

the childminder has met all recommendations raised at the last inspection. Excellent systems are in place to provide continuity of care as the childminders' and assistant work together to ensure ratios are met and children are constantly supervised.

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and outcomes for children

Good systems are in place to promote children's welfare as the childminder works with her co-minder and an assistant effectively to ensure children's needs are met. A range of policies and procedures are implemented to help safeguard children and promote their welfare. Children benefit from a stimulating learning environment where photos of children participating in activities and outings are displayed along with educational posters and information for parents. In addition, toys and resources are well organised and of good quality; they are suitable for the ages and abilities of the children attending. Children's physical care needs are supported as they have use of a good range of child sized furniture and equipment. High regard is given to promoting safety within the home and while on outings. Appropriate fire safety equipment is in place and children participate in regular evacuation drills, although these are not currently recorded, limiting opportunities

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and outcomes for children

for evaluation of the procedure. Although no children presently attend who have This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 identified special educational needs and/or disabilities the childminder has attended relevant training, ensuring any care offered promotes inclusion. Children's good health is promoted well as they are offered a nutritious diet of freshly prepared meals and have constant access to fresh drinking water in their own labelled cups. Children's individual dietary needs are known and respected. Children benefit from well established routines that help prevent the spread of infection, such as washing their hands before meals and putting tissues in the bin straight after use. Good systems are in place to support children and promote positive behaviour as the childminder gives lots of praise for children's efforts and achievements and encourages them to share and take turns.

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and outcomes for children

Excellent systems are in place to assess children's progress and plan for their individual learning needs. The co-childminders and assistant work cooperatively, making observations of children's progress which are then added to each child's individual file with links to the early years foundation stage six areas of learning. These observations are then used to identify children's next learning steps and plan future activities and outings to meet children's needs. Children are provided with an excellent balance of adult and child-led activities. For example, the childminders' and assistant plan activities around a theme to provide a focus for children's learning. In addition, they plan daily outings to local parks and children's groups, enabling children to participate in a broad range of activities and develop their social skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy, settled and interested to learn. They develop their independence as they move freely and make choices of toys and resources. They are supported well in developing their self-care skills and in learning expectations of their behaviour, as a result children are well behaved and respond positively to the routines of the day. Children express their needs and feelings in appropriate ways, such as seeking comfort from the childminder when upset. They show a sense of belonging as they talk about the other children who attend the setting. Children are helped to feel safe and secure through lots of cuddles and close supervision by the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy mark making, developing good control as they use large crayons. They have opportunities to use a broad range of books, including photo books of outings and activities made by the childminder, encouraging children to use books for pleasure. They develop their communication skills as they freely interact with the childminders and each other. In addition, they use language to express their ideas while being supported well by the childminder who responds quickly to child initiated play. For example, children talked about name badges which the childminder then helped them to make. The childminder is attune to younger children's use of language, repeating words they use clearly and extending their vocabulary. Children develop their problem solving skills while using a range of puzzles, construction sets and toys graded in size. Children are able to learn about nature through regular outings to parks and the local environment and develop

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and outcomes for children

healthy lifestyles as they gain regular exercise and fresh air. They are able to explore and experiment through planned adult-led activities, such as using torches in tents while learning about light and dark. Children develop their physical control while throwing balls and benefit from clear play space, enabling them to move freely and develop their coordination. They enjoy dancing to music and use a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 broad range of instruments, enabling them to explore sound. Children have good opportunities to develop their creative skills while using a range of art, craft and drawing materials. They enjoy imaginative play, becoming engrossed as they imitate cooking and enjoy dressing up and using hats. 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 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 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 2

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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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