Childminder in Camden

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY305472 Inspection date 18/11/2009 Inspector Catherine Greene

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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, mother in law and two children aged six and two years in the WC1 area of the London borough of Camden. Premises are close to most public transport links. The premises are accessed at ground floor level leading to the first floor. The home is situated over two floors on ground and first floor level. Children have access to all areas of the home with the exception of the childminder's bedroom. They also have access to a balcony.

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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. A maximum of four children under eight may attend at any one time, of whom, two may be in the early years age range. There is currently one child on roll in the early years age range.

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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

Children are cared for in a setting where their welfare is given high priority. They are happy, well settled and growing in confidence because the childminder meets their individual needs very well. She has created a homely environment for children to grow, learn and develop. She demonstrates enthusiasm and commitment to providing a good quality service. Very good attention to diversity and inclusion is reflected in the children who are particularly happy, engaged and well behaved. Children's safety is maintained well and secure policies and procedures are shared with children's parents to ensure continuity of care. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement. She is beginning to use the self evaluation system and has planned some improvements; this will be further enhanced when she completes all areas. She is however, committed to enabling continuous improvements, supported by her clear aim to seek ongoing training and

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance to record children's starting points, plan for their individual interests both indoors and out and fully develop partnership working  continue to develop the process for self-evaluation to ensure that there is clear identification of targets for further improvements. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The overall welfare of children is positively safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to act in their best interests at all times. She has a good understanding of safeguarding issues and is knowledgeable about possible signs and symptoms of abuse. She knows the action to take if she has concerns about a child and is aware of the role of Ofsted. In line with new requirements, there is also a written procedure to follow should any allegations be made against herself or members of her family. She ensures she keeps herself professionally well informed by attending safeguarding training at regular intervals.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a very good approach to providing for children's diversity and her commitment to inclusion enables them to progress well in all areas of their development. Well written policies and procedures relating to children's overall health, safety and welfare are effectively put into practise by the childminder. Good practical safety precautions are taken, such as adding safety film to glass and adding extra brackets ensures heavy furniture is kept secure. Children are learning to play safely in the very well organised space. Written risk assessments are regularly updated and required safety equipment is in place. In case of emergency, children are familiar with evacuating the premises; fire drills are regularly practised with them. As a consequence, children are learning about the benefits of keeping themselves safe.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents is given good attention and parents are fully included in the childminder's aims. This allows her to get to know the children well and helps to support children's contribution and future progress. Good daily routines help the children settle and give particular strength to children's outdoor experiences and participation in group and social activities. Those who may have additional languages are well supported in partnership with parents who are invited to share at times of celebration. The childminder is very flexible and works hard to adapt her service with parent’s busy schedules. Information is regularly shared and parental consent gained where necessary. A clear settling in period gives the childminder time to get to know the children very well. This is followed through by regular exchanges of information and close relationships. As a result of this very good practice, children who attend part time are particularly well supported.

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the early years provision

The childminder builds secure relationships with the children, they are treated as very much part of the family. Good quality resources are presented to make them easily accessible and attractive to the children. They particularly support the childminder's equal opportunities policy in reflecting difference and diversity. The childminder demonstrates a good level of ambition in her efforts to continuously improve the service. She has attended training in safeguarding and is suitably qualified in paediatric first aid. The childminder's self-evaluation is in the early stages but is effective overall in enabling her to identify any areas which need improvement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time with the childminder and settle well. They comfortably explore the environment and well presented toys whilst being reassured by the childminder who sits close by offering encouragement during play. They behave well and demonstrate increasing independence as they build with blocks and play with their favourite wheeled toys, such as, buses and aeroplanes. They explore a range of books and enjoy creative play. Good opportunities to support children's problem solving and early counting skills regularly happen through planned activities, such as with building block games. They enjoy and benefit from role play and 'dressing up' and regularly visit the park, childminders drop in and local libraries.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder knows the children well and speaks knowledgeably about their skills and physical and personal needs. Written observations of the children's achievements, whilst at a developmental stage, go some way to enabling the childminder to chart the children's progress in the six areas of learning. The childminder has identified this as an area in which she is aiming to develop further. Photographs and discussions with the children's parents support this area well, however, and allow parents to see visual examples of their children's play and their progress in learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing an awareness of healthy living. They learn good hygiene routines as they wash their hands before meals and snacks. They benefit from being able to play in a clean and warm family home. They enjoy healthy meals and snacks and are able to drink fresh water whenever they need it. Daily outings are a priority in the daily routine which ensures that children have opportunities for fresh air and exercise each day. Children make a positive contribution as they learn new languages and feel a valued member of the community. They feel safe with the childminder and benefit from lots of close contact and secure relationships with her and her family. The children demonstrate this by being increasingly independent, for example, whilst leading their play and being able to seek support when needed. 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 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 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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