Childminder in Bexley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY390991 Inspection date 17/11/2009 Inspector Beryl Witheridge

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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 2009. She lives with her husband and two children, one pre-school aged and one school aged, in the London borough of Bexley. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group, and she is currently minding two children in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is also registered to work with an assistant. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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Description of the childminding

She is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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

The childminder's knowledge of the children and their needs enables her to promote their welfare and learning. She plans activities within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), based on children's individual needs, which help children to explore, investigate and make good progress. There is an established partnership with parents but the children's developmental records are not currently shared with them. The childminder evaluates her service, identifying areas she wishes to improve which will help to develop the outcomes for children; she has the capacity for maintaining continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 expand the use of systematic observations and assessments of children’s achievements, interests and learning styles in all areas of learning to plan challenging, relevant and motivating play experiences for each child indoors and out, across all areas of learning and development  ensure that children’s next steps are being clearly identified through the observational assessments and that these are used in leading future planning maintain a regular two-way flow of information, knowledge and expertise between parents and practitioners, to help support and extend children’s learning and development  develop children's knowledge of the wider world through activities which introduce them to the world around them  practise the emergency evacuation procedures with the children so they know how to protect themselves in an emergency This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are happy and secure in the childminder's care. All adults in the home are suitably vetted and the comprehensive written risk assessment for the home and outings means that any hazards are minimised. The childminder has an understanding of the local safeguarding children procedures and informs parents of her role and responsibility through the clearly written safeguarding policy.

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the early years provision

The children play in a play room suitably equipped for their own use, as well as having access to the lounge, dining room and a secure garden. The toys and resources are stored in clear boxes which are labelled and are easily accessible, allowing children the opportunity to make free choices about their activities. The childminder provides toys and equipment which are suitable for all children. The resources which provide positive images for children are limited. Children are valued as individuals and treated with equal concern. They learn about their local community and area through trips and visits but activities to learn about the wider world are not fully established. The childminder is a good role model for the children. Children learn to respect each other regardless of their abilities or background.

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the early years provision

The childminder is focussed on improving and extending her provision. She has completed self-evaluation regarding her service and has clearly identified areas she wishes to improve and has booked herself onto relevant courses to extend her knowledge and understanding. The childminder has written information about her childminding service and clearly written and effective policies and procedures. All parents receive a copy of the policies. Parents are kept continually informed of their child's progress through the daily contact book but are not currently sharing their children's learning and developmental records; they are not meaningfully being involved in their future learning. There is currently no partnership with others involved in the care of the children as children are only cared for by the childminder, but she is aware of the need to establish these links as the children get older. All the required records and paperwork are well kept and up to date.

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the early years provision

The childminder makes sure she has important personal details and contact information on each child. This means she is able to provide the appropriate care for each child.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn. She provides children with a wide range of activities and resources which encourage and support their progress. Activities are planned according to the children's individual interests and needs. Children are able to make decisions about what they would like to do. They have free access to the toys and equipment which encourages their independence. The childminder carries out observations and assessments of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the children; she has started to link their development to the EYFS. She uses these observations to plan future activities although their next steps are not clearly identified. She is able to move them forward and provide opportunities which are challenging and enjoyable, extending their knowledge and learning. The childminder spends time playing with and talking to the children; asking them

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and outcomes for children

open-ended questions and helping them to develop their skills and understanding. They thoroughly enjoy making music shakers which they then use to accompany themselves when they are singing nursery rhymes and action songs. They show a love of books, freely selecting their own and sitting quietly looking at them as well as enjoying having stories read to them by the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children are provided with a well organised and safe environment in which their welfare is considered and promoted. House rules are in place and are displayed on the wall. While out on trips and visits the childminder talks to them about road safety, even though they are not all old enough to fully understand. There is a written emergency evacuation plan in place but this has not been practised with the children, although the childminder has talked to them about it. The childminder ensures that the children are with her at all times so they are safe and secure. Children feel safe and comfortable in the company and care of the childminder. The interaction between them is close, caring and affectionate.

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and outcomes for children

Children that attend are provided with regular drinks, healthy snacks and meals taking into account their likes, dislikes and dietary needs. The childminder has a four weekly menu which is rotated to give children variety and parents are aware of what their children are eating. The children sit at the table eating their lunch well, enjoying the options they are given, they have good appetites. They take part in activities to help them learn about healthy eating, such as, simple cookery and decorating biscuits. Children are beginning to understand about eating balanced diets. The children also understand the importance of personal hygiene routines; they wash their hands after playing in the garden and before and after eating. They each have their own towel. Children's physical development is promoted through outdoor play in the garden using the available suitable equipment and trips to local parks.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children's behaviour. She is an excellent role model and remains calm at all times. She encourages children to respect each other and take turns; they thoroughly enjoy playing in the sandpit building sandcastles and knocking them down, counting how many spades of sand they need to fill the buckets. Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement which teaches them to look for attention in a positive way. Children's social skills are developed through visits to the local libraries and toddler groups. Children are provided with effective learning opportunities in a safe and caring environment. 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 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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