Childminder in Bexley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY386645 Inspection date 07/06/2010 Inspector Lara Hickson

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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 2008. She lives with her husband and children aged 10, eight and four, in Sidcup, Kent. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house and one upstairs toilet is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the premises and part of the garden is via steps.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years; of these, not more than two may be in the early years age group at any one time. She is currently minding two children within the Early Years Foundation Stage age range. She is also registered on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children and attends local toddler groups. The family have a cat and a guinea pig.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children appear extremely happy and settled in the warm and inclusive environment provided by the childminder. The childminder effectively promotes children's welfare and learning through her knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children enjoy a wide range of toys and activities that enable them to progress well within the six areas of learning. The childminder meets children's individual needs well through her comprehensive records on individual children as well as her understanding of how children play, learn and develop. The childminder has effective self-evaluation systems in place to look at how her childminding setting is operating and alters these systems regularly to further enhance the service she is offering. Comprehensive observational assessments of children's learning and development are in place and these are used to inform future planning.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop partnerships with other agencies particularly those delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming home where they are able to independently select activities and resources from the extensive range available. Resources are accessible in the home setting and in the large playhouse in the garden, and children enjoy playing with the different resources in these areas. The childminder ensures children are only able to access resources suitable for their individual age and stage of development. Resources and activities can be safely and independently selected as the childminder stores them at low level in toy boxes and baskets. During play activities the childminder closely supervises the children while also allowing them to develop their independence.

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the early years provision

The childminder identifies and minimises risks for children within the home setting, garden area and on outings in the local community. Comprehensive written risk assessments are in place and these are updated monthly to ensure hazards are kept to a minimum. Any identified hazards are acted upon immediately to ensure children's ongoing safety. For example, the childminder has recently dismantled her garden swing as she felt that it may pose a risk to the children. This means that children are able to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe, for example, when on outings she reinforces the safety messages regarding road safety and stranger danger. The childminder also uses brightly coloured wristbands with her mobile contact number as an additional precautionary measure when on outings. During the inspection she provides gentle reminders to children to ensure

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the early years provision

their safety, such as sitting on chairs appropriately at lunchtime. This effectively promotes children's safety. Detailed fire safety procedures are in place and practised regularly with the children to ensure that they are all aware of the procedure to follow in the event of an emergency. One child confidently tells the inspector what they have to do if there is an emergency, 'We have to go outside and go over to the tree'. Children are protected from harm and abuse in the setting because the childminder clearly understands her responsibility to record and report any concerns regarding abuse or neglect. She demonstrates a very good understanding of the different signs of possible abuse and neglect and has the appropriate guidance and contact numbers available.

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the early years provision

Documentation is maintained to a very high standard and is readily available for inspection. A range of policies and procedures are in place and these underpin the childminder's effective practice. The childminder maintains very good relationships with parent/carers and exchanges information about their child's day upon collection. Observation folders are available for parents to look through at any time and these highlight how children are developing and progressing in all areas of learning. Parent questionnaires are extremely complimentary and demonstrate their satisfaction with the childminding service. Comments state that children are extremely happy at the setting, such as 'They love coming and hurry me up to get to yours'.

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the early years provision

The childminder regularly reflects on her practice to ensure that all outcomes for children are effectively met. Where required she changes or makes additions to her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 systems. For example, the childminder has been continually looking at her observation and assessment systems to ensure that she records the appropriate information and that the system is manageable for her. The current system she uses provides all the information required to identify progress and the next steps of development in each area of learning. She is using a different system for the over and under threes and for both systems she includes photographic evidence and samples of art and craft work. The childminder has identified areas of strength and areas that she would like to develop further within her setting to improve outcomes for children. The childminder feels that questionnaires are a valuable

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the early years provision

tool, 'I will continue to use questionnaires as I feel it brings fresh ideas and improvements to light'. The self-evaluation system is reflective of the childminder's practice and identifies areas within the setting that she plans to develop further.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed extremely positive relationships with parent/carers and ensures that they are fully informed of their child's progress and development through daily verbal feedback. The childminder shares observations in her tracker book and/or journal and photographic evidence regarding children's progress and development. This clearly identifies the next steps regarding children's progress which helps the childminder to inform future planning. The childminder and parents liaise effectively, which enables individual needs and requirements to be met. She also demonstrates a knowledge of the importance of building effective links with other agencies delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage and will continue to encourage these links.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a very good awareness of equality and diversity, in particular cultural and religious restrictions regarding dietary requirements. Child record forms contain full details of individual needs. Resources are accessible and available for all children to experience and include a wide range depicting positive images of diversity that reflect culture, language, religion and disability. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards additional needs and has systems in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of how children learn and develop. In her self-evaluation form she outlines 'I am a firm believer in learning in play so that I can keep my children interested and stimulated and, therefore, they learn and improve their development whilst having fun'. She introduces new vocabulary and aspects of number, colour, size and shape during play activities and daily routines. For example, when the children are sitting down to the table at lunchtime she talks about 'in front of', 'next to' and 'behind' in relation to where they have chosen to sit. The childminder supports and enhances children's learning and uses open ended questioning techniques to encourage language and vocabulary. While completing a puzzle the childminder cleverly pitches the activity to include all children. For example, for older children she asks them where letters are whereas for younger children she provides pictorial clues,

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and outcomes for children

such as 'Can you find me c for car?'. The childminder plans her day to ensure This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 individual routines and needs are met.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a very good understanding of the individual needs of each child in her care. She has developed positive relationships with the children and, as a result, they are happy, settled and confident within her childminding setting. The childminder plans effectively for each individual child taking into consideration their starting points, needs, characters and stages of development. In her self-evaluation form the childminder notes that 'It is my job to know the stage each child is at and ensure I improve their levels'. Where required the childminder adapts activities to ensure all children feel included as well as stimulated and challenged.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is promoted extremely well within the setting. The childminder has a valid paediatric first aid qualification ensuring that she can provide appropriate first aid treatment in the event of an accident. Any accidents are appropriately recorded on an accident form and parents are asked to sign any entries relating to their child as confirmation that they have been informed. All medication administered to minded children is accurately recorded and authorised by parents.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has excellent strategies in place to help children to understand the benefits of a healthy, nutritious diet. Children are able to help themselves to their own drinks throughout the day which enables them to identify when they feel thirsty. At lunchtime they are able to choose what they would like to eat, from a list of healthy options the childminder provides, such as wraps, sandwiches or a buffet lunch. The childminder's relaxed approach towards food and mealtimes enables children to develop a healthy relationship with food. The childminder takes account of the individual dietary requirements of each child together with the wishes of their parents to provide nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs. The childminder has comprehensive health and safety procedures in place to minimise the spread of infection in her setting. Children are developing a very good awareness of their own personal hygiene, for

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and outcomes for children

example, they are aware of the need to wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a very positive attitude toward managing behaviour and encourages children to behave appropriately. For example, she provides gentle reminders and introduces activities that develop sharing and turn taking skills. When managing any inappropriate behaviour the childminder uses strategies that are age-appropriate and relevant to each child's level of understanding. The childminder continually develops children's confidence and self-esteem through praise and support. 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 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 2 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 1

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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

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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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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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