Childminder in Redbridge

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY397947 Inspection date 29/01/2010 Inspector Jane Davenport

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 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.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

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

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 husband and nine year old daughter in South Woodford in the London borough of Redbridge. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes and there is an enclosed garden available for outdoor play. Access to the premises is via a low step.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, three 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 and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The family have a pet dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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 is enthusiastic and committed to providing a high level of care to support children’s development and learning. She has a good knowledge and understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She utilises this effectively in her work and has made a good start with her written assessments. Consequently, children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. Effective partnerships with parents and carers ensure that they are kept up-to-date with their child’s development and well-being. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment towards continuous improvement and her self- evaluation procedures are evolving.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 extend the range of play resources to enable babies and young children to experience more natural materials  continue to develop systems for self-evaluation in order to further improve outcomes for children

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the policy and procedures to follow for safeguarding children. She knows who to contact regarding concerns and has a suitable system in place for recording this information. She has appropriate knowledge of the signs and symptoms to be mindful of and is confident to talk to parents about any concerns, putting the welfare of the children first. She has made it her priority to inform all parents of her duty to report any concerns, therefore, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the effectiveness of safeguarding children is good. All relevant documentation is in place, regularly up-dated and available for inspection. Risk assessments are robust. A detailed procedure is written; the childminder completes a full risk assessment regularly and the record of this is dated and signed, clearly identifying any hazards and any action taken. Full risk assessments are also in place for each type of

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder uses her resources effectively by adapting them to suit the ages and stages of the children and rotating toys regularly to keep children interested and stimulated. They are well presented to the children and she takes time to set out activities in a pleasing and inviting way. They are suitable for purpose, in good condition and meet the needs of children of all ages. Resources are regularly checked for damage and wear and reflect some positive images of diversity. They are stored at child height and are clearly labelled, which offers the children free access. Whereas the childminder allows young children to experience different textures such as feeling wooden spoons or leaves when they are out of doors, there are a limited amount of natural materials included in her play resources at present. The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity is reflected in the way the childminder helps children to feel they belong. For

p.5

the early years provision

example, she treats children as individuals with equal concern. She welcomes them warmly, is interested in them and talks and listens to them. Children's particular needs are recognised through discussions with parents, observing what children do, and establishing their interests, likes and dislikes.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a very positive attitude to building strong relationships with parents and provides flexible hours of care. She makes home visits to observe children in their home environment and works closely with parents in order to establish children's starting points. Parents receive excellent feedback in their child's daily diary and scrap book and the childminder is friendly and approachable. The childminder is aware of the need to promote partnerships with other provisions in order to provide consistency of care for the children and parents sign a transition policy, which gives permission for her to do this. None of the children in the EYFS currently being minded attend any other settings. The childminder is committed to making improvements and developing her understanding of childcare issues. She reflects on the quality of her service and has completed her first self evaluation in which she has accurately pinpointed her strengths and realistically

p.5

the early years provision

identified some areas for further improvement, for example she plans to access training courses to guide her in her observations and assessments. She also evaluates in other ways, for example, through talking to parents, and there is a system in place for gathering parent's suggestions and the views of the children by means of asking them to complete questionnaires. She has differentiated these and made the children's questionnaires more effective and meaningful for them by using pictorial clues.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are looked after by a caring and devoted childminder who takes a genuine delight in their achievements and the progress that they make. She is very in tune This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with the children and is able to predict and provide for their needs. She often takes her lead from them and supports their individual interests well, for example, recognising and providing the props to support their favourite activities such as building with the construction blocks. The childminder has made a very good start with the assessments she carries out for the children in her care. Written observations are supported well with examples of the children's work and photographic evidence, so parents and carers enjoy clear, visual images of their children's experiences. Observations are linked to the six areas of learning and include planning for children's next steps.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Young children's developing speech and literacy is well supported by the childminder. For example, they love looking at books with her, point to the pictures and make efforts to repeat some of the words she reads. They are learning the names for the parts of the body and point to their nose, eyes and ears, laughing with enjoyment as they receive praise from their carer. They pretend to talk on the toy telephone, holding it to their ear and having an animated 'conversation' with their parent. Their problem solving skills are evolving well as they are supported to find the correct shapes to post into the shape sorter. They turn it round and persevere until they find the matching slots to post them through.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children have a broad range of social and outdoor experiences which enables them to have plenty of exercise and fresh air and also enhances their knowledge and understanding of the world. They visit the library, toddler groups, parks, shops and soft play centres. Young children enjoy looking at birds, animals and a snowman that has been built in the garden. They have the opportunity to meet other children at the local playgroups, which helps them to develop good skills for the future as they learn to socialise, share and take turns. Children's physical dexterity is developing well. Young children who are learning to walk are supported and encouraged appropriately to walk towards the childminder for their favourite toy. They develop at a fast rate and enjoy moving their bodies as they dance to music and safely explore their environment.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children benefit from the well-balanced and healthy snacks and meals that are freshly prepared and provided for them. For example, children enjoy sea bass with potatoes, brussel sprouts and carrots for lunch, with fresh fruit for a snack. Sample menus are issued to parents and all dietary needs discussed. Young children who are being weaned are encouraged to try new foods and textures, all of which is done in consultation with parents. Children learn good hygiene routines and are taught to wash their hands appropriately, for example before meals and after stroking the family dog. 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 learning the importance of keeping themselves safe through routine activities. For example, they practise the emergency evacuation procedures and

p.6

and outcomes for children

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

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