Childminder in Greenwich

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 510620 Inspection date 04/06/2010 Inspector Marcia Robinson

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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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 2000. She lives with her partner and two adult children in a three bedroom house in the London borough of Greenwich. The living room and kitchen on the ground floor which are available for childminding purposes are easily accessible. The bathroom is situated on the first floor. A fully enclosed garden is available for outdoor play. The family has goldfish.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding one child in this age group.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder attends several toddler groups on a regular basis and takes children to the local parks and soft play gym.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder promotes most aspects of children's welfare and development satisfactorily, although not all requirements are met. Children are comfortable and safe in her welcoming, inclusive home. Positive relationships with parents ensure that the childminder has a secure knowledge of children's individual needs, interests and abilities. The childminder has started to identify some aspects of her provision that she would like to develop further. Consequently, adequate systems are in place to maintain continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 ensure that all records relating to childcare activities are readily accessible and available for inspection at all times, with particular reference to risk assessments (Organisation) 18/06/2010

p.4

further?

 ensure children's medication and accident records are accurately recorded (Documentation) 18/06/2010

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure observations of children’s achievements are used to inform planning and to identify next steps for their learning in order to plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child. For example, by using the Early Years Practice Guidance documents  extend the resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti- discriminatory practice, in respect of reflecting positive images of disabilities This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risks for outings and trips  continue to establish a two-way flow of information with parents and carers to ensure a collaborative approach to children's learning and development is fully achieved.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a suitable understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to safeguarding children. This is partly due to her attending safeguarding training in the past. This results in children being appropriately protected. Visual risk assessments take place on a daily basis within the childminder's home and for any outings undertaken. However, the ones for outings are not all recorded and the risk assessments for the environment were not available for inspection as required, which impacts negatively on their effectiveness. The childminder shows a positive attitude to attending training to further improve her childcare knowledge. All required documentation is in place to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the childminding service, although some records are lacking details. For example, the medication record does not always include the childminder's signature and the accident record is not accurately kept. This is because it does

p.5

the early years provision

not always include the time or the childminder's signature, which means children's welfare is potentially compromised. The childminder organises her home so that there is plenty of space for children to play. For example, children can easily access a suitable range of resources that support their play and learning.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnerships with parents and the level of involvement between adults is satisfactory. The childminder gives feedback to parents on a daily basis to ensure they are aware of the experiences their children have enjoyed. She also gains verbal feedback from parents to give her a broader view of her provision. However, a two way flow of good quality information and communication about all aspects of children's care, learning and development has not been sufficiently established. This does not ensure the consistency of practice between adults and impacts on the effectiveness of engagement with parents and carers. The childminder is, however, becoming familiar with the school and teachers where children receive care and education in more than one setting. This impacts positively on continuity and coherence. She is also willing to liaise with other professionals to ensure any specific needs are met. The childminder has started to

p.5

the early years provision

complete a written self-evaluation form, which is a good start to her evaluating the care and education she provides. In practice she basically looks at the service she offers and identifies any training or new resources she may need. The system is not fully effective yet to ensure that all issues are addressed at an early stage. For instance, the recommendation set at the previous inspection has not been fully met. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has an adequate understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. This enables children to take part in a satisfactory variety of activities and experiences that help them make steady progress in their learning and development. The range of activities provided, including regular trips to different groups, ensures each of the areas of learning is suitably covered. Children behave well; they are settled and happy in the care of the childminder as she gives them plenty of attention, praise and encouragement. As a result, they show a strong sense of belonging as they help themselves to play materials and go about their routines with confidence. Children have very good relationships with the childminder and are included as part of the family. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of children's individual needs in terms of background, language and diversity. She promotes these aspects satisfactorily as they celebrate

p.6

and outcomes for children

festivals at local drop in groups and play with related resources. However, there are limited resources within the childminder's home which promote positive images of people with disabilities. This hinders children's growing understanding of differences. At the childminder's home, children develop basic skills in using information and communication technology to support their learning, for example, as they explore a few interactive resources. A range of creative activities including drawing, painting and sticking is provided, so children have the chance to explore whilst having fun. Children find out about the world around them with photographs showing them playing with snow and they also enjoy hunting for ants and snails in the garden. They enjoy taking some bread to the park to feed the ducks and they have fun investigating the sand and water trays at the drop in groups. They use their imaginations when they play with the tea-set and enjoy making birthday

p.6

and outcomes for children

cakes. However, the systems in place to plan for the next steps in children's learning are not sufficiently developed. Consequently, it is not easy to see progress towards the early learning goals to inform future plans.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a safe, secure and caring environment. This helps them to develop skills for their future learning and education. Safety equipment such as socket covers and safety gates are in place, reducing the risk of accidents. Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder discusses road safety procedures and uses age appropriate restraints when travelling by car. The childminder also reinforces positive safety messages as she reminds children to be careful they do not trip on their dressing up clothes as they are walking up the stairs. This encourages them to take responsibility for their own safety and impacts positively on children staying and feeling safe. Children are learning to take responsibility for their own health, through explanations and demonstrations from the childminder. Their diet and nutrition needs are well ensured as the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating. A choice of nutritious snacks and freshly home

p.6

and outcomes for children

cooked meals are mainly provided by parents. In addition, the childminder can also provide and ensures children's individual dietary requirements are met. Furthermore, children benefit as they have regular opportunities to enjoy large physical play. These include using a range of resources in the garden, negotiating large climbing equipment in the park and visiting a soft play centre. Children do not attend if they are sick, which reduces the risk of cross-infection. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder can respond appropriately if children have an accident as she is trained to administer first aid. All relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms are in place and most are kept up to date. These positively safeguard children’s well-being. 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.8

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.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.8

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 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.8

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.8