Childminder in Southwark

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY402615 Inspection date 22/04/2010 Inspector Alison Romanczuk

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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 registered in 2009 and lives in a two bedroom maisonette with a garden close to Peckham in South East London. She lives at the property with her young daughter. Minded children have access to the downstairs area and bedroom, toilet and bathroom upstairs. She is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for three children under eight years old, of whom three may be in the early years age group and of these; one may be aged under a year old. There is currently one child on roll who is in the early years age group. The childminder is not currently registered to use her garden.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are settled in the well organised and welcoming environment. All children are fully included in activities and the childminder gets to know them well, encouraging choice and independence. Children are kept safe and well and clear policies and procedures underpin the childminder's aims well. The childminder’s general knowledge of children's learning and development together with an effective partnership with parents means children progress well overall in developing skills for the future. Sound evaluation of the service ensures continuous improvements and the childminder demonstrates a clear commitment to ongoing training in the future to support this aim.

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further?

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

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further?

 establish a clear system that allows regular observation and assessment of the children's interests and achievements  establish clear partnerships with outside professionals and those involved in the children's care in order to meet their needs  ensure consistent improvement by attending regular and ongoing training.

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the early years provision

Children are safe and well cared for because the childminder gives priority to safety in her home and when on outings with the children. She demonstrates a good understanding of the Welfare Requirements overall and organises her daily routines well. The childminder knows what to do if she has any concerns about the children attending and effective recording procedures are in place. Appropriate consent in all matters and children's information, attendance and emergency contacts are in place and maintained confidentially. Fire equipment and drills together with regular risk assessments on the environment further ensure This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's safety. Their good health is well maintained through good hygiene practice involving children's personal care and sleeping habits. Records, including those for accidents and medication together with an up-to-date first aid certificate

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the early years provision

further ensure children's safety when with the childminder.

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the early years provision

The childminder's home is well resourced and accessible toys, musical instruments and books enable children to move around the environment and to make choices about what they will do. Partnerships built with children's parents work very well in supporting children's continuity of care from home to childminder but there have been less links established outside of this. Whilst she is aware of her responsibility to work in partnership with others, she has not as yet established clear links with the local authority to support her work. Although the childminder has only recently begun childminding she has missed some opportunities to attend training in areas where she may need support. This has impacted on her confidence in observing and supporting children's next steps. Clear settling in procedures enable the childminder to get to know the children and their parents and to securely support children's individual needs and differences within an equal opportunities

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the early years provision

framework. Parents are encouraged to offer information about their children's routines and care at home. Children settle well because the childminder gives priority to extending this care to each individual child she minds.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a growing ambition to drive forward improvement in the future and she has begun to assess her strengths and weaknesses to support this aim. The developing self-evaluation system in place enables the childminder to chart her progress in supporting children's ongoing welfare and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children build warm and affectionate bonds with the childminder and her family. They feel safe and well cared for when in her company because she has a relaxed and confident approach and shows care when interacting with them. They learn about safety by holding hands when on outings, for example and by using resources with care. Children adopt a healthy outlook as they engage in activities, such as washing their hands and helping to tidy up, for example. They maintain good health because they eat a range of well balanced meals and snacks including fresh fruit and vegetables. For example, a selection of home cooked well balanced soups and teas given in consultation with children's parents.

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and outcomes for children

The children progress well overall in their learning because the childminder offers a variety of experiences that encourage children's involvement in activities on offer. Current children attending relish those times when they can dance and sing to their favourite tunes and paint creatively at the childminder's house, for example. Observations of the children during their daily routine and at play are at a developmental stage, however, and the childminder has only recently started to mind children which means written observations have only just begun. Useful notes are taken about the children's daily experiences and these are shared with parents but they are not securely linked to children's starting points and progress in the six areas of learning. Despite this, some samples of the children's drawings This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and art reflect their involvement and achievements and act as a further reference

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and outcomes for children

The children use and enjoy the resources available, which include role play equipment, books, art and craft resources and electronic games. Practical activities including counting and matching spoons in the 'kitchen' and learning how to join giant building blocks are all well received. These give children good opportunities to learn important problem solving skills through play. This helps children develop skills for the future. Opportunities for the children to socialise and participate in a range of activities including outside physical play are provided through visits to local parks, childminding groups and soft play areas. They communicate well and behaviour is good, with children responding well to the childminder's calm nature. For example, she works well alongside parents in sharing information about each child's home routines and dietary preferences to support each child’s need. 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 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 3

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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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