Smith, Natalie Clare

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY343775 Inspection date 25/05/2010 Inspector Justine George

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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 2006, she is registered on the Early Years register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her daughter aged nine in Sidcup, in the London borough of Bexley. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The house is within walking distance of a railway station and local bus routes. There are schools and local amenities close by. The family have two cats, three rabbits and a fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time, no more than three of which may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding eight children on a part-time basis, three of which are in the early years age range. The childminder provides overnight care.

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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 has developed warm and caring relationships with children, fostering their emotional well-being effectively. Children enjoy the childminder's participation during play and explore the good range of toys and experiences available. As a result, children benefit from their time spent at the setting because their individual interests are pursued and they make good progress in their learning and development. Children are safe and secure in the setting as the childminder has good knowledge and systems in place to support this, therefore, vulnerable children are well protected and most hazards have been effectively minimised. The childminder is committed to maintaining continuous improvement through attending further training and by addressing past recommendations to improve the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure risk assessments include all the hazards children may come into contact with, for example, the trampoline, sprays and cleaning products and suitability of toys when very young children are present and take action to minimise these hazards  develop further the systems for partnership work to provide continuity and consistency and develop observational assessment methods to monitor the progress children make. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has had all the required checks to ensure her suitability and there are good systems in place to protect children from un-vetted adults. Children are supervised and rules are shared whereby children stay close to the childminder so they can be seen or heard at all times. The childminder has sound knowledge of child welfare and protection issues which is reflected in her policies that are shared with parents. As a result, correct procedures are followed and parents are aware of the childminder's duties in protecting and caring for children. The childminder has developed risk assessments to ensure children's safety both in the home and on outings and most hazards have been identified and effectively minimised. However, the risk assessment does not identify all the hazards, for example, use of the trampoline, toy safety with regards to small pieces and the sprays and cleaning products that are accessible. The childminder complies with her conditions of

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the early years provision

registration whereby adult: child ratios are adhered to at all times.

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the early years provision

Partnership with parents is good due to the childminder's friendly and professional approach. She is well informed of children's individual needs and family backgrounds, thus promoting inclusive practice. Furthermore, through the sharing of information and the organisation of the required paperwork, children are cared for in line with parents' wishes. Verbal communication also takes place on a daily basis to inform parents of their child/children's well-being, learning and development. The childminder has not yet fully developed the partnership with all those involved in the care of children, for example, the adults in other settings. Although some information is shared, it does not reflect the learning and development programme to ensure continuity and consistency.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to providing good quality care and learning for children. She self-evaluates by reflecting on her practice, observing how children are during their stay at the setting and the feedback from parents is that they are happy with the service provided. The childminder has made improvements since the last inspection as she has developed a good range of polices and procedures to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting. For example, the procedure for emergency evacuation and providing Ofsted's contact details. The childminder has also attended various training courses to ensure her knowledge reflects current practice.

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and outcomes for children

Children attend the setting on a part-time basis and enjoy playing with the good range of toys, using the trampoline in the garden and going on outings to local parks and the sports centre to play football. Children have equal access to the toys preventing gender stereotyping and enabling them to make independent choices of what they would like to play with. As a result, children develop their own play ideas and pursue their interests. Very young children are given space and opportunities to practise their new found skills of movement, crawling and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 standing. They point to objects saying 'look' which the childminder responds to, naming the items, developing their understanding of language. They play with ball rollers, telephones, stacking cups, wonder cubes and push button toys, developing their sensory awareness. As a result of the resources and outings, children show a

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and outcomes for children

willingness to explore, developing a positive attitude towards learning. Children's emotional well-being is also well fostered due to a settling in procedure which gives them an opportunity to familiarise with the new surroundings, secure in the knowledge that parents are close by. Gradual periods of separation from parents are extended, so children can develop a positive relationship with the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder supports children well in writing their name. Children enjoy using the mega sketcher to make doodles and write letters to form their name. The childminder supports children well, praising their efforts and talking about the letter names and sounds. Children respond well to praise and as an added bonus get to look at the newly purchased 'Star Wars' book. Children enjoy making the little characters and extend their play using bricks to make a castle for them. The character takes on roles of watching TV and using phrases 'enter if you dare'. As a result, the childminder pursues children's interests and they enjoy using their imagination. Children are making good progress in their learning. However, planning and observational assessment systems are informal and although the childminder knows the children really well, she cannot yet accurately assess the progress they make in the areas of development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are well behaved as they are stimulated. They are encouraged to use their good manners of 'please' and 'thank-you', encouraging them to develop respectful attitudes towards others. Should children challenge the boundaries, the childminder is patient and gives explanations to develop their understanding. Children develop healthy lifestyles where opportunities for rest are provided, as is fresh air and exercise. Children enjoy a range of nutritious meals including fishcakes, which they help to prepare. Children are well hydrated, they have their own bottles so they can help themselves to water, recognising when they are thirsty. The home is clean and hygienic and older children are confident in using the toilet and usually remember to wash their hands, if not, they are reminded to wash them until they shine. Children manage their safety well, climbing the stairs and using the equipment and resources appropriately. They keep themselves safe

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and outcomes for children

on outings as they hold onto the buggy or hold hands with others. The childminder shares rules, in that children do not wonder off too far ahead. Children also practise fire evacuation procedures. They state that a whistle is blown and as it was tea-time, they had to leave their peas to gather by the front door! 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 2 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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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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