Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY363399 Inspection date 15/12/2009 Inspector Angela Ramsey

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 December 2007. She lives with her three children aged 21, 16 and eight years. They live in the London borough of Lewisham. The whole of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor is used for childminding purposes. There is a garden available for outdoor play. The family has a dog who does not have access to the areas including the garden used for minding when children are present.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five 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. She is currently caring for two children in the early years age range.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder meets most aspects of children's care well. She has a good understanding of the individual needs and interests of the children in her care. She provides a varied range of resources and activities that interest them and meets their individual needs. She understands that children learn through play and provides stimulating play opportunities and everyday experiences which results in children making progress in their learning and development. Her completed self- evaluation form has enabled the childminder to reflect on her practice and demonstrates plans for her development.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 increase knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework to ensure the observations and assessments are used to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a sound understanding of child protection procedures. She is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and of the procedures to be followed should she have any concerns about any child in her care. The childminder conducts regular risk assessments, the details of which are recorded and ensures precautions are taken to prevent accidents, both inside and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outside her home.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents. They receive copies of all her policies and procedures which are informative. Parents provide the childminder with information about their child's individual needs which the childminder caters for ensuring that every child's needs are met. The childminder does not care for any children in the early years age range who attend any other settings. However, she is aware of the need to liaise with other settings who also provide the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

p.5

the early years provision

A balance of activities and play opportunities such as visits to childminding groups and local parks are planned. The childminder is committed to developing her knowledge and her service by attending relevant courses, and through the self- evaluating of her provision. Therefore, she is able to keep up to date with childcare initiatives and identify strengths and weaknesses of her service and address any apparent weaknesses.

p.5

the early years provision

Realistic expectations with regard to children's behaviour have been set by the childminder. Her good use of praise and encouragement helps to build children's self-esteem. For example, children learn the benefits of sharing and taking turns. They show increasing independence, for example, when they select toys and play materials. Resources that promote a positive view of the wider community are provided and are available to all children. The childminder helps children to understand about the wider world, for example, whilst looking at books which depict others of different cultures, races, genders and disabilities.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy and enjoy their time spent with the childminder. It is evident that trusting relationships have been formed. Children relate well to the childminder, because she sits with them and joins in with their play. Play opportunities are planned for and take place both inside and outside of the childminder’s home; this contributes to their overall development.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder is due to complete the EYFS training in the new year. A system to track the children's progress and plan for their next steps has not yet been implemented. However, she has used her previous knowledge and training to provide children with a range of home based activities and everyday experiences which enhance their development. For example, children develop their imagination as they play with the doll's house. The book area is cosy as the children sit on cushions and look through their favourite books.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Outings are planned, for instance, visits to local childminding groups, which develops children's social skills as they meet with their peers. Playing outdoors in the childminder's garden, parks and in the outdoor play space of childminding groups also enable children to practise their large motor skills. Therefore, improving control and coordination of their bodies while learning to move and handle equipment such as tricycles and scooters. Everyday activities are used to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provide learning opportunities, for example, the childminder involves the children in sorting clean laundry such as socks into pairs.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The preparing of healthy meals enables children to learn the importance of adopting healthy lifestyles. The childminder has devised meal plans and prepares healthy and nutritious meals and snacks which consist of copious amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables. The children are encouraged to help prepare their own sandwiches. Pictorial wash your hands notices are also displayed in the bathroom.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Policies and procedures have been devised and these are shared with parents. Children's needs are well met because of the good relationships and effective communication with the parents. Parents are well informed verbally about their child's day and the care provided. All documentation is well maintained and kept confidentially. The maintaining of these documents works well in practice, to keep children healthy and safeguard their welfare.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has up to date knowledge of first aid. She has a written procedure in place in the event of a child becoming ill and obtains written consent to administer medicines to children. Records are also kept of any medicines administered. Emergency evacuation procedures have been devised and practised with the children, the details of which are recorded. 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 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 2 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.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