Childminder in SuttonOfsted inspection, 14 Dec 2009

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY331989 Inspection date 14/12/2009 Inspector Lindsay Ann Farenden

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 has been registered since 2007. She lives with her husband and two adult children in a house in Carshalton, Surrey. There is access to a ground floor toilet. She has one dog as a pet. All of the ground floor areas of the home are used for childminding and the bedrooms for sleeping purposes. One room is a designated playroom. There is a fully secure garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years, of whom three may be in the early years age group. There are currently three children in the early years age group on roll. When working with a co-minder the childminder is registered to care for 10 children under eight years, of whom six may be in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the following registers; the Early Years Register; the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder works together with another childminder. The large dedicated play room and very well child-centred and presented garden are extremely well organised to maximise children’s learning opportunities through play. The childminder is skilled at ensuring children benefit from a very wide range of exciting activities and outings. The childminder values children as individuals and is totally committed to providing an inclusive environment. She works closely with parents and other providers to ensure continuity of care and to enhance children's learning. The childminder has undertaken, and continues to undertake, training to enhance her existing meticulous practice and knowledge, enabling her to provide high quality childcare.

p.4

further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

p.4

further?

 ensure the daily attendance register and accident records include children's surnames and dates.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are very well protected because the childminder has an excellent understanding of child protection. She has attended recent training on safeguarding training and a comprehensive written policy ensures children’s welfare is given high priority. All adults living on the premises have undergone This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 checks to ensure their suitability in the presence of children. Thorough risk assessments are in place for inside and outside of the home to reduce any potential hazards and every consideration is given to ensure children are safe at all times.

p.4

the early years provision

Children benefit greatly from the excellent partnership with parents. The childminder shares her portfolio and polices with the parents, providing them with detailed information about her childminding service. Verbal feedback and daily diaries keeps parents very well informed about their child’s routines and activities they have undertaken. Photographs of children doing activities are also emailed to parents, giving them a clear picture what it is like for their child in the setting. Questionnaires and letters from parents show they think highly of the childminder and the care she provides. The childminder also liaises closely with schools that children attend.

p.5

the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the setting as a result of the childminder’s enthusiasm and commitment to them. She organises the day so children have great fun and an extremely stimulating time in her care. Children show high levels of independence as the layout of the excellent range of resources encourages children to develop their own interests and curiosity. A very large marquee in the garden ensures children have lots of outside play with a wide range of resources in all weather conditions.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a very positive attitude to caring for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and working with the parents and professionals involved with the child in order to make every provision for the child to reach their full potential.

p.5

the early years provision

The excellent written polices guide the childminder in her daily practice. All required records and documentation are in place to promote children’s welfare and safety, although children’s surnames and dates are not always recorded on some records. The childminder has undertaken a rigorous self-evaluation of her childminding service to identify key strengths and areas of development to continually provide excellent outcomes for children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a caring, child-centred environment where they feel safe and relaxed, knowing that their needs will be met. Children’s artwork is displayed on the walls, they have individual named hand towels and low level pegs for their coats, all of which gives them a real sense of belonging in the childminder’s home.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a very clear understanding of the importance of children learning through play. She is very familiar with the early learning goals and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Parents' views about their child’s needs, interests and stage of development are actively sought during the settling in period for the child. She completes written observations on children, making clear judgements of what they can do and plans steps to help each individual child make continual This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good progress. Children are regularly taken to a toddler group which also supports the education offered to children, as activities encompass the six areas of learning.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder is very perceptive to children’s interests during self-initiated play. For example, when children show an interest in the dressing up box she helps them choose clothes to wear and encourages them to play with pushchairs and the dolls to further develop their imaginations. Children thoroughly enjoy making crackers for Christmas. Children do some lovely art activities, such as making hand prints with paints on plates, which the childminder has glazed for the children to take home to their parents. They listen to stories read by the childminder with great interest and talk with her about the pictures. Numeracy skills are developed as children sing number songs, learn about measurement through cooking activities and sand and water play. Children have excellent opportunities to play outside, as the childminder has erected a large marquee so children can play outside whatever the weather conditions. This is very well resourced, with wheeled

p.6

and outcomes for children

toys and equipment to support children’s physical development and sand and water trays.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children behave very well and have high levels of confidence as the childminder treats them with respect by talking to them in a friendly manner. She constantly uses positive language to actively encourage children’s enjoyment and pride in their achievements.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are provided with a wide range of resources which help them develop an understanding of diversity. Children learn about different cultures and festivals through books and activities. For example, at Chinese New Year they ate noodles with chopsticks. The childminder helps children to learn about others as she provides activities and reads to children, relating to the television’s promotion of Children In Need. The childminder provides opportunities for children to sit in a Second World War Jeep and ambulance. This makes the learning of history an enjoyable experience for them.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a very well maintained environment in which the childminder employs very effective hygiene routines and procedures to protection children's health. The childminder has a first aid box and holds a current first aid certificate, she always has first boxes easily available which ensures that any accidents are dealt with in a prompt manner.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children learn about healthy eating through visits to local farm shops and are provided with nutritious meals and fresh fruit. Foods that parents provide are appropriately stored and heated. Drinking water is easily accessible to children and the childminder regularly encourages them to drink to maintain their health. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

p.7

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8