Meades, Kirsty

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 154267 Inspection date 12/07/2010 Inspector Julie Biddle

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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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children in Edgware in Middlesex. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There is currently one children in the early years age group on roll. She also cares for children in the older age range after school and in the holidays. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language.

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Description of the childminding

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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the Barnet childminding network and 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 outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are clearly flourishing in the stimulating and caring environment. They are actively encouraged and supported to initiate their own play, thus allowing them to develop at their own individual pace. Learning for children of all ages and abilities is fun and meaningful and they make excellent progress in all areas of learning from their individual starting points. The childminder has professional approach to evaluation and continual improvement ensures that outcomes for children are foremost in everything she does. Secure partnerships with parents and carers ensure that they are kept up to date with their child’s care and general well-being.

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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 access training to further benefit all children

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the early years provision

Children are appropriately safeguarded and protected as required checks to determine suitability have been completed. The childminder advises that there have been no changes to suitability. She has a clear understanding of the need to protect children from harm, and is aware of the indicators of abuse. A written child protection policy, which parents and carers are made aware of, ensures that they are clear about the childminder’s responsibility to protect their children from harm This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and how she would deal with any concerns she may have. Children's safety benefits from effective risk assessments that identify possible hazards and minimise risks on the childminder's premises and on outings. Children are given skills and understanding to know how to keep themselves safe. For example, when out in the community they learn how to cross the road safely. While cooking they

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the early years provision

are supported as they make pizza in a safe and healthy environment. The high levels of organisation help younger children gain a strong sense of security.

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the early years provision

The childminder has high aspirations for her setting, she makes effective use of training opportunities to increase her knowledge and enhance existing good practice. The childminder works hard to drive improvement in her setting. She has recently reviewed her systems for planning and changed these systems to ensure she meets the needs of all the children and in turn enhance the learning environment for all. The childminder has a very clear vision for her development and has fully embraced the importance and benefits of self-evaluation. The opinions of parents and children are central to the self-evaluation process. Consequently, the childminder has an accurate view of her many impressive strengths and what she aims to achieve in order to progress further.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are highly regarded, the childminder provides informative feedback on the day's events. High quality systems are in place to gather all the needs of the children and their family. Thus aiding children's ability to feel truly valued and understood by the childminder. Parents are actively encouraged to become involved in the setting by completing questionnaires. Parents are unanimous in their praise of the childminder comments are made about her patience and consistency. The childminder has a very positive attitude to establishing partnerships with other professionals to support children in her care.

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the early years provision

Children play and learn with the close support of the childminder, she takes every opportunity to promote children's independence, through free movement and use of an inspiring range of resources. The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and so is successful in engaging children in challenging and stimulating activities. The childminder observes the children as part of her daily routine. Observations are used to understand the current learning needs and interests and in turn lead to individualised planning for each child. The childminder produces wonderful learning journeys for all the children, showing them enjoying super activities that challenge and inspire the children to become competent learners.

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the early years provision

The childminder has created an inclusive environment where children are treated with respect and kindness. Resources that reflect images of diversity are used skilfully to develop children's understanding of differences and similarities. They learn about their own and other people's cultures, beliefs and communities as the childminder plans meaningful activities in response to festivals and celebrations throughout the year. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are very relaxed and happy in the care of the childminder. This is a result of the childminder's gentle, affectionate disposition. The childminder knows the children well and they are valued as unique individuals. She respects their familiar routines, which in turn adds to their feelings of security and contentment. The childminder has created an exciting, thought provoking environment that encourages children's interest and curiosity, both indoors and outdoors.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop healthy lifestyles as they have regular outdoor experiences. Children benefit from healthy walks in the fresh air and daily opportunities to play in the garden. Healthy eating also forms part of the children's healthy lifestyle opportunities. Children enjoy cooking, for example they make sauces for pasta and develop their own pizzas toppings. A large fruit bowl that is kept topped up with varied fruits enables children to make choices of healthy snacks.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children’s language development through interaction and encouragement, she talks to the children all the time as they play, including them in plans for the day. The children have a wonderful time as they explore the home environment and the range of toys and activities that are challenging and achievable.

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and outcomes for children

Children receive lots of positive praise and encouragement from the childminder, helping them to feel valued and secure. The childminder shows great respect for the children, speaking to them with kindness. Children have excellent opportunities to consider their feelings and those of their friends as they consider what may make us sad or happy with games and visual aids.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder effectively plans opportunities for the children to play and learn both alone and in social groups. Visits to a baby gym ensures children have the opportunity to develop physically and engage with other children. Children are learning about their own identity and culture and those of others in the local and wider world though trips in the community and visual aids in the home.

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and outcomes for children

Children get along with each other and appreciate their differences. Children’s views are sought and valued and this means they are very articulate and have strong self-esteem. The work that takes place to develop children's speaking and listening skills is an area of strength. Effective questioning techniques and clear explanations encourage children to think and to reason from a young age. In addition, the childminder can use Makaton sign language with the children to aid their communication skills further.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides an environment in which creativity and originality is highly valued. Children choose from a wide range of materials and media to make things, such as photograph frames for Mothers Day. Creative resources are always available, allowing children to make informed choices as they initiate their own creative experiences. In addition, children have wonderful opportunities to explore and enjoy role play in the home corner, with shopping trolleys and dolls. 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 1 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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