Childminder in Enfield

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY398474 Inspection date 18/03/2010 Inspector Jane Davenport

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 husband and one child aged 2 years in the Enfield Town area of the London Borough of Enfield. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor and a play room at the rear of the premises for childminding purposes, all of which has a good level of access. There is a secure outdoor area for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, two of whom may be in the early years age group and is currently minding one child in the early years age group on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. 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 provides a warm, safe and caring environment where children are valued, included and respected. Children make good progress in their individual learning and development, as they are well supported by the childminder who provides a range of stimulating activities and resources. Good relationships have been established with parents to ensure continuity of care and to promote consistency in children’s lives. The childminder has begun to monitor her provision effectively and is committed to promoting positive outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a system of reflective practice and self-evaluation to clearly identify strengths and priorities for development  develop further the links with other provisions that children attend to ensure continuity of children's learning and care  provide a range of resources to raise the children's awareness of diversity

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the early years provision

The childminder places a high priority on the children's safety; she has a secure knowledge of how to safeguard the children's welfare and act on any concerns she may have. A good written policy, which is shared with parents, ensures that they are fully aware of her role and responsibility regarding child protection. A comprehensive risk assessment, used in conjunction with a range of good safety procedures, ensures that children are kept safe both in and out of the premises and on outings. The childminder is committed to the continual improvement of her setting. Systems for self-evaluation are not yet fully established, but she keeps her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 skills and knowledge up-to-date by attending regular training and evaluates the quality of her provision informally and through regular discussions seeks the views of parents about their satisfaction with the care and learning provided

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the early years provision

The childminder makes good use of her home to offer children warm and comfortable play areas within a family environment. They have plenty of clear floor space in which to explore and engage in their play. Good use is also made of the large back garden where children are able to access a range of activities and equipment that are brought outdoors in the fresh air. Resources are organised well to allow children independence to self-select and make their own choices, as well as enjoy the planned activities offered. Toys and resources depicting positive images of society are limited at present. Nevertheless, the childminder presents as a positive role model and uses simple explanations to help children understand and recognise differences in a positive manner.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are strong. Ongoing communication means that parents are well informed about the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements, areas of learning and the progress their children are making. Written policies, procedures, records and documentation are reviewed and updated regularly and used very well to ensure children's learning and welfare are promoted to a high level. They are shared effectively with parents so that they are aware of the childminder's aims and practices. Parents receive their own copy and sign to show they understand and agree with them. This means that parents are able to make informed decisions about the service they use and ensures a consistent approach both at home and at the childminder's. The childminder is aware of the benefits of working together with other providers attended by the children in her care and has begun to take steps to establish these partnerships.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a warm and caring environment which enables them to develop a sense of belonging and trust. They are happy and feel increasingly secure as they respond positively to the individual attention they receive from the childminder. Children are making good progress in all areas of their learning and development. Assessment through observations is accurate and the information gained is used effectively to guide planning. Learning profiles contain examples of children's work, photographs, detailed observations linked to the areas of learning and plans for the children's next steps.

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and outcomes for children

Children are offered a very good range of play experiences that are age- appropriate, exciting and unusual. During the inspection visit, for example, children are introduced to the new concept of 'gelli baff', jelly crystals which, when added to water, make the water change colour and solidify. They are fascinated by the fact that one minute they are playing with clear water and the next minute, by adding the crystals, it has become red slush. They use reason and logic to question how this has happened. There is a good balance of child initiated and adult led activities. For example, one child turns on the bubble blowing machine and chases the bubbles around the garden and then chooses to sit in the sand tray without This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their shoes and socks to experience the tactile sensation of the sand between their toes. Another child extends the easel painting activity by choosing to paint their

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and outcomes for children

hands and arms and then pouring water over them and seeing how the paint washes off in the water tray. The childminder is happy to allow children to experiment for themselves in this way.

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and outcomes for children

At other times children benefit from more structured activities. For example, during a cake making activity they excitedly list the ingredients of eggs, butter, sugar and flour. Their knowledge and understanding of the world is enhanced as they learn about how things work by using an electronic hand mixer and noting how quickly the ingredients blend together. They are also able to see the effect that heat has on the mixture, watching from a safe distance through the glass oven door as the cakes rise. Children's language is developing well. The childminder talks to them about what they are doing and they respond eagerly. Children's behaviour is generally good and they feel confident enough to assert themselves when necessary to tell one another 'Be gentle' and 'Play nicely'.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning how to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. The large, well-equipped garden is used regularly for children to participate in activities that promote exercise and their physical development in the fresh air. They also benefit from the well-balanced and healthy snacks and meals that are freshly prepared and provided for them. For example, children enjoy a snack of fresh grapes and yoghurt and are able to access water in their drinking beakers at all times. Sample menus are issued to parents and all dietary needs discussed. Children learn good hygiene routines and are taught to wash their hands appropriately, for example before meals and after coming in from the garden. The provision of separate hand towels limits the risk of cross-infection. The childminder's home is clean and well maintained. Children are able to feel safe through the warm relationship they have with the childminder. They are also learning the importance of keeping themselves

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and outcomes for children

safe through routine activities. For example, they practise the evacuation procedure on a regular basis and are becoming aware of what to do in the event of an emergency. 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 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 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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