Childminder in Islington

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY279233 Inspection date 18/11/2009 Inspector Siobhan O'Callaghan

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and their two young children aged four and one year. The family live in a basement flat in a converted Victorian house in north London in the borough of Islington. The home is close to local shops and schools. All areas of the home are utilised for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play, however, as this is not available for sole use by the household children must always be supervised in this area.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of these, not more than one may be in the early years age group, however, when children are at full- time school, the childminder may increase her numbers to two children in the early years age group. She is currently caring for two children in the early years age group, both attend on a part-time basis. The childminder attends local toddler groups with her minded children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming child-centred environment for children. She has effective systems in place to support all children to feel included and valued, consequently her partnerships with parents are also given due focus. Children are making good progress in their learning and development as they enjoy the experiences offered to them. The childminder has satisfactory policies and procedures in place to promote most aspects of children's welfare. She is enthusiastic to instigate improvements to her provision which is evidenced within her commitment to attend ongoing training opportunities.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure there are clearly defined procedures for the emergency evacuation of the premises (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 02/12/2009

p.4

further?

 carry out a full risk assessment for each type of outing and review it before embarking on each specific outing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 02/12/2009

p.4

further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  develop a system to monitor concerns with regards to the document: What To Do If You're Worried A Child Is Being Abused  develop further self-evaluation systems to continually assess all aspects of the provision and therefore, improve outcomes for children.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has developed a sufficient range of records, policies and procedures to support her management of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She demonstrates a sound understanding of keeping children safe from un-vetted adults and thus places due emphasis on their supervision at all times. The childminder has attended recent safeguarding training and is clear about her duty to work in partnership with both parents and outside agencies in the interests of keeping children safe. However, she is yet to establish effective systems to monitor pre-existing injuries that children arrive with, which will further enable her to assess any arising concerns. The childminder organises a generally safe home environment for children, daily risk assessments of all areas of the premises are undertaken to ensure that risks to children are minimised. Although she has a fair understanding of how she would vacate the premises in an emergency situation

p.5

the early years provision

she has no clear procedures in place to ensure that these are effective. The childminder is yet to develop robust risk assessments for all the outings that she enjoys with children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to implementing improvements to her provision. Since her last inspection she has attended numerous training courses to extend her knowledge and understanding within the early years field. She is currently embarking on an NVQ Level 3 course in Children's Learning and Development. The childminder is committed to improving children's choices as she continually renews her resources to ensure that they offer challenge and stimulation. She clearly values the children's home backgrounds as she uses words and phrases from their home languages to ensure that they feel valued and included within the provision. She provides children with good support as she spends all her time interacting with them and supporting their choices of play. However, the childminder's self-evaluation systems are not secure. For example, she has not made efficient progress in meeting the recommendations raised at her

p.5

the early years provision

last inspection, thus these have now been raised as actions for improvement.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder values working in partnership with parents. She communicates with them on a daily basis as they are kept abreast of all aspects of their children's care. Her recently developed observations of children's learning are to be shared with parents to encourage their involvement in their children's continuous development. Although the childminder is not currently caring for any children who attend other settings she is fully aware of the importance of working in partnership with all outside professionals to ensure the continuous care and learning of every child. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder organises an accessible learning environment where children are supported to develop good independence skills. Children are extremely happy as they engage within activities and experiences that clearly interest them and thus motivate them to learn. For example, children play for extended periods with a broad variety of resources as they make models with play dough. The childminder sits with the children and encourages their imaginations as she involves herself in their imaginary scenarios. It is evident through the positive interaction observed that children have developed secure and trusting relationships with the childminder. They enjoy her warm support and attention and confidently express their wishes to her. Children are developing good communication skills as the childminder consistently encourages them to express their ideas and feelings. They have many opportunities to problem solve as they engage within challenging

p.6

and outcomes for children

activities such as helping to build train tracks. It is evident that they are developing early concepts of numbers as they count independently within their play.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is establishing systems to support her in planning and assessing children's learning. Although she is in the early stages of this process it is evident that she is making sound progress in highlighting children's next steps. She is focused on taking the lead from children. For example, children are very keen to play with popular trains featured in children's programmes. When they want to know more about the different trains, the childminder is quick to investigate this information with the children using a laptop and the internet. Children are delighted to observe their favourite characters and to find out more facts about them. Children are learning about their natural world as the childminder involves them in growing herbs and vegetables in the garden. They have very good opportunities to develop their physical skills as the childminder ensures that they have access to energetic play on a daily basis. Children enjoy visits to the park,

p.6

and outcomes for children

toddler groups and on occasions to the local swimming pool.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is promoted through an adequate range of policies and procedures that help to keep them safe. Children learn through their daily routines how they must behave responsibly in order to keep safe. For example, the childminder reminds them of taking due care when climbing up and down the stairs within the home. She teaches them about road safety and how to behave when they are walking in the local environment. Children display good behaviour as they are cooperative and polite with the childminder and respond well to her clear direction. They are adopting an encouraging attitude towards eating healthily. They enjoy chopped carrots and apples as snacks and are continually hydrated as they are offered regular drinks. In liaison with their parents the childminder provides an interesting and nutritious menu for children. They are learning to value one another's differences as the childminder promotes diversity

p.6

and outcomes for children

and inclusion within her resources and through her positive interactions with children. Overall, children are happy and content within their environment. They are developing many positive skills that help to set some secure foundations for their future learning success. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

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 3

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 ensure there is a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email (Procedures for dealing with complaints) (this also applies the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 02/12/2009

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 develop a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being card for from abuse or neglect (Arrangements for safeguarding children) (this also applies the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 02/12/2009

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified under the Childcare Register with regards to procedures for dealing with complaints and arrangements for safeguarding children. 02/12/2009

p.8