Childminder in Medway

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY376623 Inspection date 04/12/2009 Inspector Martha Naa Ahimah Darkwah

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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 two children aged 23 and 15 in Shepherds Bush in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Part of the split level flat is used for childminding, including the lounge, a bedroom for sleeping and bathroom upstairs. There is no access to an outdoor area but children are regularly taken to the local park.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. Of these, no more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for two children in this age group. The childminder is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. Children attend at various times during the week.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder helps to run a local childminding network group for children and their carers. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and welfare requirements, which results in children making good progress in relation to their starting points. With the secure knowledge of children's individual needs, the childminder spends quality time supporting children in their play and learning. This gives them confidence and a real sense of self-esteem, all of which helps to promote their well-being. She has an effective partnership with parents, enabling her to work with them to support all children and promote inclusive practice. The childminder reflects on her practice, making good use of self-evaluation and demonstrates commitment to broadening her understanding of how young children grow and develop. Consequently, she is well placed to maintain continuous improvement in order to enhance outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 carry out a full risk assessment for each type of outing, which includes an assessment of required adult: child ratios. This assessment must take account of the nature of the outing and must be reviewed before embarking on each specific outing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 04/01/2010

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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  continue to extend the partnership with parents to involve them in their child's learning and development and how to support children's learning at home  continue to develop observation skills and the procedures for analysing the information to identify children's next steps to support planning future activities

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the early years provision

Children's personal safety and well-being are promoted through the childminder's secure knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures. A written child protection procedure is in place, which is shared with parents. The childminder has developed a well organised range of comprehensive records, policies and procedures to support the safe and efficient management of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). All policies and procedures are in writing, and shared with parents. The childminder has obtained the necessary consents from parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder has in place clear risk assessments for her home to ensure that children enjoy a clean, comfortable and secure environment. Children are involved in regular emergency evacuation drills to teach them about the importance of keeping safe from possible dangers. A record is made of this in sufficient detail. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of keeping children safe when on outings. She has a record of risk assessment in the home, but it does not include an assessment of risks for outings and trips that she embarks on with the children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how to promote children's welfare and learning. There is a good balance of adult initiated and freely chosen or child initiated activities delivered through indoor and outdoor play. There is a range of interesting and well maintained toys and resources, which are fit for purpose and used effectively to help children progress in all areas of their learning and development. The childminder has a good knowledge of each child's background and needs. Children are helped to learn about and understand their own cultures and the diverse community they live in through activities and celebrations of festivities, such as Diwali Halloween, Christmas and Halloween. For instance, children make Diwali lamps after discussion of the festival of lights. The childminder makes good use of the local area to extend children's knowledge and understanding of their local community. They all go for walks to the park and

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the early years provision

shopping centres, playgrounds and pre-schools. Regular trips to the Hammersmith library where choose books, listen to stories read to them accompanied by music on the guitar.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a sound self-evaluation process, which takes into account the views of parents, outside professionals and children. She acts on their comments, so improving outcomes for the children. This helps her to identify her strengths and areas for improvements. She has good understanding of the EYFS framework and uses the practice guidance and cards as a tool to support her in planning effectively for children’s individual needs. The childminder has identified that she This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 would benefit from obtaining more information from parents and other professionals involved with children's care, to aid her in further developing securing effective individualised planning and ensure more activities to encourage children to be aware of diverse cultures other than their own.

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the early years provision

The childminder works in partnership with parents, enabling her to keep them fully informed of their child’s care and developmental progress. A home link book clearly records what the child has been doing and allows for two-way communication between parents and childminder. The children's developmental records are available for parents to have access to whenever they choose and they clearly document children's progress. However, the system in place to involve parents in extending their children's learning at home is in its infancy. The childminder is proactive in making links with other professionals such as school teachers, to improve outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder offers a wide range of interesting activities covering all six areas of learning. This means that children are suitably challenged and all areas of their development are promoted well. The childminder plans effectively to meet individual children's needs by recording observations of their progress and development and then using this information to plan for their next steps in learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making good progress as the childminder skilfully extends their learning through everyday experiences. The activities successfully link to children's interests, which have been identified through the regular observations undertaken. Although observations relate to the six areas of learning, they are not always clearly linked to the benchmarks of the early learning goals. They are supported with photographic evidence of the children taking part in the activities and written documentation describing the activities and how they link to the areas of learning. Individual files are available for each child, which ensures that parents can access information at any time.

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and outcomes for children

The activities that are provided for children capture their interest and extend and challenge their learning. For example, children enjoy building train tracks from wooden construction pieces in different shapes and sizes for the platform, station and tracks. They are confident to articulate their wishes with regards to wanting the childminder to be involved in their role play, and play in a creative and purposeful way. This supports children in developing their imagination. Children have many opportunities to be outside in the fresh air and to be active as they walk to local toddler groups and parks.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is supportive towards the children in her care. She plans time focusing on individual developmental needs and providing activities to promote children's learning in that particular area. Children enjoy listening to familiar stories, which promotes their language development. For example, children use the computer and download activities by clicking and dragging items of clothing for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Pudsey to wear and printing these out for their scrap books. Resources are well organised to enable children to self-select, have choices as to what they want to play with and happily sing along to their favourite songs whilst helping with tidying up. The childminder reinforces how well they have done. Children are keen to participate in table-top games such as completing puzzles.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well and are encouraged to share, take turns and respect one another. Children's self-esteem is continually promoted, which makes them feel good about themselves and gives them confidence. They are learning to keep themselves safe. They feel extremely secure and settled within the childminder's home, as they happily and warmly approach her for cuddles. They enjoy their time with the childminder whilst learning important skills, such as developing their independence and positive attitudes to support their future success.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is aware of children’s dietary needs and this information is updated regularly with the parents. Children are provided with healthy food throughout the day, with a variety of fruit and vegetables available. The childminder encourages them to understand and enjoy the importance of eating a healthy diet. Children understand and adopt healthy habits as the childminder supports them to take care of their personal hygiene needs. 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 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

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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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