Childminder in Barking and Dagenham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY310690 Inspection date 01/12/2009 Inspector Cheryl Langley

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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, who works as an assistant. They have five children, three of whom still live at home. Two of them are adults and one is aged 13. They live in a house in Barking, Essex. The whole house is registered. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder may care for no more than six children under eight years; of these, not more than three may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than one may be under one year at any one time. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register. She is currently caring for three children at various times in this age group. The childminder is also registered on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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

The childminder and her family provide a warm, friendly and safe environment for minded children. She understands their differing abilities well and works closely with parents to meet their individual needs. Children make progress in their learning through the play and support offered. Written records are in place which support the children and the childminder's practice, although some documents lack detail. Some action has been taken by the childminder to maintain continuous improvement in her practice and enhance the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the two-way flow of information with parents is clear with regard to the safeguarding policy in respect of what would happen if an allegation is made against the childminder or a member of her household  make sure the observation and assessment records include the planning for each child's continuing development  implement a form of self-evaluation and quality improvement process.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded. The childminder and her assistant have a good understanding of child protection. They have both attended training in this area. As a consequence they know what to look for and the steps to take should they have any concerns about a child in their care. They have a range of information to support them and a written policy which is shared with parents, although this lacks detail about what would happen if an allegation was made against them. Risk assessments are conducted regularly and action taken to keep the home safe for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the children. For example, safety gates are in place to supervise access to some areas, an evacuation plan has been devised and items which may help in an emergency are taken on outings. Parental consent is sought to support the children's safety, health and dietary requirements.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of ways to improve her practice. She has attended a number of relevant training courses to update her knowledge and understanding of care and learning for children. The recommendations from the previous inspection have been addressed. However, a form of regular self-evaluation has not been implemented by the childminder to ensure that priorities for development are always well targeted.

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the early years provision

Children are provided with a range of interesting toys and equipment appropriate for their age and stage of development. They make choices for their play both inside the house and outside in the garden. They are well supported by the childminder and her assistant. Children are supervised and guided when required to meet their learning and care needs. They are all made to feel included. Children are encouraged to be independent and move around freely and safely in the home.

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the early years provision

A close partnership with parents enables the childminder to meet children's individual needs. They share information verbally on a regular basis. Parents are provided with a range of relevant information about the childminder's provision. Children who speak English as an additional language are well supported. Parents are encouraged to contribute to their children's learning and development. A written record of observation and assessment is made for each child which is succinct and informative. However, it does not include the next steps the childminder takes to ensure the children make progress in their learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are inquisitive active learners. They use trial and error as they investigate new toys with enthusiasm, pushing and pressing buttons and levers. Children have fun using programmable toys which contribute to the development of skills for the future. Communication and language are enhanced as they sing or listen to songs, join in with discussions and share books. The childminder and her assistant praise the children appropriately for their achievements. This gives them confidence to try new experiences and respond positively to challenges. They are beginning to count in sequence, recognise colour and extend their vocabulary. Children use describing words in the correct context and can express their views and feelings.

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and outcomes for children

Physical development is promoted. Children use a range of tools and utensils to play with sand or use the sit-on toys in the garden. They move around coordinating and balancing their bodies to negotiate space. Children are becoming adept at using scissors and making marks with pencils. Learning opportunities are taken advantage of and children are encouraged to talk about what they can see such as a helicopter flying in the sky. Children are becoming aware of the benefits of exercise and fresh air. They help to grow plants in the garden and go outside in most weathers. Children take part in routines which develop their understanding of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 health and hygiene. They enjoy a healthy balanced diet and have regular drinks. The childminder attends to their care needs and makes sure they are cared for in a clean and hygienic home.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to share and take turns. They are polite and show consideration for others. The childminder values the children. She makes sure she has a knowledge and understanding of their diverse backgrounds so that she can meet their needs. Positive images of difference are promoted through books, play figures and planned activities. Children are aware of people with differing abilities. They share books about sign language and are beginning to 'sign' for some words. Regular shopping trips, visits to the park and attendance at childminder and toddler groups increase their awareness of the local community. The children's interest in food is used to extend their language. They name different fruits and vegetables and are developing an understanding of healthy eating. Children use their imaginations during role play to cook or shop for food. They choose these activities freely from the resources on offer which encourages their independence.

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and outcomes for children

Toys are changed regularly to encourage different types of play and learning, sometimes linked to planned activities or to the children's particular interests. This ensures that the children have a balanced range of play over the six areas of learning. During play the childminder talks to the children and asks useful questions to make them think and promote their learning. For example, during role play they talk about potential hazards in the kitchen such as the hot oven, hot food or sharp utensils. Children are aware of the fire drill and practise codes to cross the road safely. They are relaxed, comfortable and at ease with the childminder and other members of her family. This shows that they feel safe and secure. The space and environment is organised to make children feel welcome, secure and stimulate their play. Observation and assessment records show the good progress that children are making with the childminder. She has knowledge and understanding

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and outcomes for children

of the Early Years Foundation Stage welfare requirements and how children learn and develop. 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 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 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 3 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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