Childminder in Bexley

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY335863 Inspection date 25/11/2009 Inspector Marcia Robinson

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 2006. She employs three assistants and travels to the childminding setting where one assistant lives. The property is located in the area of Thamesmead, in the London borough of Greenwich. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is able to walk to local schools to take and collect children.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, two of whom may be on the Early Years Register. The childminder works with a maximum of two assistants each day. When working with one assistant she may care for a maximum of seven children, of whom six may be in the early years age group at any one time. When the childminder is working with two assistants, she may care for a maximum of eight children, of whom eight may be in the early years age range. The childminder currently has nine children in the early years age group on roll, who attend a variety of sessions. She is a member of a local childminding network.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder and her assistants offer a very warm and friendly welcome to all children and their parents. The wide range of experiences provided, ensures children have the opportunity to make progress. The childminder respects the uniqueness of each family. This is demonstrated through good partnerships with parents which helps to promote positive outcomes for children. The childminder generally organises the provision effectively, promoting children's welfare and learning through good systems and procedures. Although, not all required documentation is well maintained. The childminder shows good capacity for continual improvement. She links with other childminders and the childminding coordinator from the local authority, to ensure continuous improvement is made.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure written permission is obtained from parents for the administering of medication prior to any being given (Documentation) 11/12/2009

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop systems to ensure that parents contribute information about their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's learning, interests and development and use this information to extend and promote children's learning  further develop systems to ensure continuity and coherence by sharing relevant information with other practitioners where a child receives education and care in more than one setting.  match observations and assessments to the expectations of the early learning goals

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder works consistently well alongside two assistants to ensure that the provision is well organised. She is well trained and holds the NVQ Level 3 qualification. She is driving improvement through her ambition to undertake further training in the future towards achieving the degree in childcare and education. With this in mind the childminder has recently attended safeguarding training and is secure and well informed about child protection issues. For example, she is aware of her responsibilities to ensure that children's welfare is effectively safeguarded. All of the necessary documentation required to safeguard children's welfare and safety, including collection and emergency arrangements are in place and confidentially maintained. However, the medication record is not well maintained. It does not always include prior written permission from parents before each and every medicine is administered. Consequently, children's welfare

p.5

the early years provision

is not fully protected. The childminder carries out detailed risk assessments within her home and on outings, effectively reducing the chance of accidental injury. For instance, all safety equipment including safety gates, fire blanket and socket covers are in place. Children’s welfare is appropriately safeguarded. The childminder and her assistants have completed suitability checks and good security measures are in place, including all visitors to the setting are entered in the visitors' book. The childminder effectively evaluates the learning and development opportunities that she offers. This is complemented with feedback being gained from parents in a variety of ways, including questionnaires. This gives the childminder a broader view of the service she and her assistants provide.

p.5

the early years provision

Parents are valued as partners and they demonstrate that they are confident in the childminder's ability to meet the needs of their children. Through a well established partnership with parents the childminder has built good relationships. She speaks to them on a daily basis as well as completing daily diary sheets for the children. The childminder ensures that information about children's progress and development is shared with parents through regular discussion and review meetings. Some information about children's learning and interests at home is obtained by the childminder although this is not sufficiently developed to fully benefit children's learning. The childminder has a good understanding of how to liaise with external agencies. In the future she may need to develop links with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, in order to ensure children's progression and continuity of learning and care. Children’s play

p.5

the early years provision

opportunities are maximised through the effective organisation of space, time and resources. For example, they have easy access to a wide and varied range of age- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriate equipment, outdoor apparatus and play resources which additionally reflect their backgrounds and the community in which they live.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children enjoy their time in the setting and are eager to participate in the variety of activities provided. They benefit from a flexible routine, including an appropriate balance of child-centred and adult-led activities. Children's behaviour is very good; they work well alongside each other and have strong relationships with the adults and each other. Positive and clear guidelines relating to expectations and boundaries for good behaviour within the setting is promoted as part of the daily routine. The childminder’s confident approach to equal opportunities actively contributes to children’s positive attitudes to the wider community. This is complemented with access to a selection of resources that reflect positive images. The childminder celebrates a range of festivals with children that represent other cultures such as Christmas, Eid and Chinese New Year. This is not yet extended to

p.6

and outcomes for children

festivals that represent children's own individual backgrounds. Although visits to the annual Thamesmead festival ensures children gain some awareness of their own cultures. Children enjoy exploring different aspects of themes for learning on a weekly basis; for instance, children plant vegetable seeds and beans in pots and walk in the park to look for spring flowers, such as daffodils. Children sit and listen well during group times, such as stories. They enjoy the book that is read to them about 'The Scarecrow' whilst their understanding of what happens on the farm yard is extended through additional activities. During this session the childminder questions children effectively. Encouraging them to express their feelings and recall what might happen next to promote their communication skills. Children's knowledge of the wider world is developing through weekly trips to the local library, planned days out to Margate and local outings to Shooters Hill farm.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's creativity is fostered through a good range of well resourced art and craft activities, as well as role play and manipulating play dough. Their art work is attractively displayed around the room helping children feel a sense of belonging and pride. They use information and communication technology to support their learning, for example, when playing with interactive resources. Older children have regular access to the computer with appropriate software. The childminder observes children well and plans appropriately according to their likes, needs and learning styles. Although their achievements are not matched to the early learning goals, so as to ensure there are no gaps in their learning.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children play and move around in a hygienically clean, tidy and well organised home, promoting their health and welfare. Their early learning experiences are positive in a safe, secure and caring environment. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene through well organised hand washing routines. Children are becoming increasingly independent in their personal care. For example, they know they must wash their hands before eating and after playing outside. Children are learning about keeping safe through gentle reminders from the childminder; for example, to sit properly on their chairs so they do not fall over and when they go out within the community they talk about road safety. Children also take part in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 regular fire drills, which equips them with a good understanding of how to manage their own safety. Daily use of the garden, regular trips to the local park and

p.6

and outcomes for children

outings to Tigers Eye soft play centre, provide good opportunities for healthy exercise to encourage children’s physical development. Children also enjoy physical play through music and movement sessions indoors and the use of large equipment outside. They are active or restful through choice, children sleep according to their individual needs and parent’s wishes. Children enjoy a range of healthy meals and snacks that are provided by the childminder, who effectively reinforces parental dietary requests. The childminder’s good relationship with parents and effective procedures ensure children are cared for appropriately when ill. This reduces the risk of spreading infection. Most relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms, are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

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

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.8

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

p.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9