Childminder in Sutton

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY394371 Inspection date 15/01/2010 Inspector Gillian Cubitt

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 2009. She lives with her partner and one preschool child. Their home is near the Valley Park area of Croydon, close to shops and transport links. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and the smaller bedroom on the first floor is used for children to sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years and compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for four children under eight years at any one time. At present there are two children in the Early Years Register on roll.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is an experienced nanny and qualified nursery nurse. The childminder takes children on outings to parks, libraries and children's centres.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's commitment to know the children she cares for well means she is able to provide a service which meets their individual needs working in partnership with parents. Children are safe because the childminder has implemented effective measures and ensures close supervision is afforded at all times. Partnership with parents is a key element in the success of the service and ensures inclusion is fully reflected. Alongside this, the childminder implements a full range of activities and opportunities that help children to make progress in all areas of learning. The childminder is pro-active in making improvements through continuous self-evaluation and this contributes to her service being current and appropriate for the children and families that use it.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop educational programmes to plan for children with special educational needs, developing knowledge such as how they will be included, valued and supported working with parents and other agencies and health practitioners involved in the children's care and development.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are well safeguarded because the childminder ensures they are closely supervised at all times whilst playing in a safe and secure home environment. The childminder ensures risk assessments are completed both indoors and for outings and that adults having access to children are suitable. She has recently attended the required childminding course and maintains a first aid qualification. The childminder has a written safeguarding policy. She has also booked to attend a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 more in depth course to increase her understanding of protecting children. This, coupled with other planned training in early years, keeps the childminder up-to- date with current practice which ensures that she meets the welfare and learning requirements to meet children's needs.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder organises her home well to support children's care and learning. She maintains a focussed approach to meeting their individual needs and her records and documentation reflect this. The childminder also has written policies and procedures that help to underpin her practice. A very positive and enthusiastic attitude to continually improve the service offered is shown through the childminder's completion of a comprehensive self-evaluation. Here she clearly identifies areas where she feels she is strong and areas were there is room to improve. The childminder has some experience of working with children with special educational needs. However, she is not yet fully conversant with the procedures when working with parents and other health professionals to maximise upon the advice and guidance available to support children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder provides parents with detailed information about her service prior to children starting; this includes giving them copies of her policies and procedures. She also encourages parents to contribute their ideas and suggestions. This is done through daily verbal and written communication. Parents receive the daily 'All About Me' record where they are given space to comment. Parents' views about the service are also sought through a written questionnaire. The information gained from parents and the childminder's good knowledge of child development is used to plan a range of interesting activities and opportunities both in the home and whilst outdoors.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children play happily and are well supported in their activities. They experience diversity and variety because the childminder organises her home so children can access toys easily. Children also have a 'toy' photo album to review all toys and activities that the childminder has available. This helps children's development in their independence allowing them to choose toys that appeal to them. Furthermore, the childminder develops children's initial interest by spending much of her time at the children's level, interacting and encouraging their contribution in play. She uses her resources well to offer challenge and fun.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children learn because the childminder notes what children can do and through regular observation of the children in play she is able to extend upon what children like to do most and develop this interest throughout all areas of the children's learning. For example, the children love to sit with the childminder to look at books; one favourite being 'The Gruffalo'. Children listen with interest as they learn about different animals and sounds introduced throughout the story. This supports the children's developing language and communication. Children learn to count through piecing jumbo number jigsaws together and their skills are further developed with the introduction of slightly smaller jigsaw pieces which aids their emerging small manipulative skills. Children have daily exercise both inside and on This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outings. They use the rear garden as well as make regular visits to the local

p.5

and outcomes for children

children's centre. Here, they experience wider opportunities to play on larger play equipment as well as enjoying the soft play zone area as well as creative and messy play. Children gain confidence through these activities as well as mixing with their peers within a diverse local community.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children play in a clean and well organised home where effective measures are in place to promote their health. Clear procedures regarding accidents, administering medication and attending children who are unwell, ensure children's good health is promoted. Furthermore, children enjoy healthy snacks such as bananas and apples as well as benefiting from home cooked nutritious meals. Children help themselves to drinks when they are thirsty because they have their own cups that are within their reach situated on the dining room table.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children behave well. This is because the childminder is consistent in her approach to including all children, giving them equal attention and encouraging children to share toys and be kind to each other. 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 2 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 2

p.7

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 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