Childminder in Hillingdon

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY333003 Inspection date 09/09/2010 Inspector Victoria Vasiliadis

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 assesses 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

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.

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 2006. She lives with her husband and young daughter in a residential area of Northwood in the borough of Hillingdon. The living room, a separate play room and a bedroom are used for childminding. Children have access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years, with two in the early years age group. She currently cares for two children within the early years age range who attend on a full and part-time basis. She also cares for children within the later years age group on a part-time basis. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The children are settled, happy and content within the warm and welcoming environment. However, some potential hazards have not been identified. They are provided with a wide range of learning opportunities and experiences; this promotes positive results in relation to the Every Child Matters outcomes and ensures children reach their full potential. Effective systems are in place to promote partnership working, which ensures that the children's welfare and learning needs are well met. The childminder is aware of her own strengths and weaknesses and is keen to make improvements in order to develop and enhance the service she offers.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure risk assessments identify potential hazards in the garden.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder is secure in her knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and is aware of the procedures to follow should she have concerns about the children. All adults in her home have up-to-date checks and remain suitable. She ensures children are protected from unvetted individuals as the children are never left alone with persons who have not been appropriately checked. The childminder provides an enabling environment for the children and resources that are good, fit for purpose and support children's learning and development. Children can freely access toys from the well-resourced play room, which increases This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their independence skills. The childminder is well organised and has developed clear record keeping systems to ensure that all children's individual needs are identified and met. She has appropriate written policies and procedures in place to support her practice in

p.4

the early years provision

relation to children's safety and welfare. Although the childminder conducts daily risk assessments, she has not identified some potential hazards in the garden. For example, the uncovered kitchen drain and slate tiles which are accessible to the children. The childminder ensures that parents provide information about their children's individual needs including any cultural and linguistic requirements. The childminder is bilingual and is able to communicate with the children who share the same language as her. As a result, the children learn the value of different languages in addition to English. This helps children to feel included and promotes their self- esteem and self-worth. The childminder demonstrates both in her practice and in her self-evaluation a clear understanding of her role in promoting children's welfare and learning. She is able to accurately identify her own strengths and weaknesses and has taken steps

p.5

the early years provision

to address these. For example, she has reviewed her methods for observing and assessing children's learning. As a result, she is able to closely monitor children's development. She has also addressed the recommendations raised from the previous inspection. There are effective systems in place to ensure parents and carers are fully informed about their children. Parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child with the childminder, particularly when the child first starts to attend. The childminder has developed positive links with the school in which the children attend and she is in the process of establishing links with the local nursery school. This ensures continuity of care for the children and supports the children's learning and development within her setting.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are valued as unique individuals as the childminder takes into account the children's interests, ages and abilities when planning for them. As a result children are provided with a challenging environment which supports and extends their learning. The children are settled and content in the childminder's care and they eagerly take part in their chosen activities. For example, children enjoy playing with the train track and cars. The childminder conducts observations on the children's development which she uses to record their achievements across all six areas of learning. This information is then used to identify the next steps in children's development and learning. The children are well supported in their learning as the childminder sits with them at activities and extends their thought processes. She poses open-ended questions which encourages them to think and respond. For example, discussions take place

p.5

and outcomes for children

about the different coloured trains, their names and numbers. The childminder supports those children with English as an additional and encourages children to use their home languages within her setting. The childminder has developed an attractive book area where the children can enjoy looking at books and have This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 stories read to them. Children have time to explore and develop their numeracy and problem skills. For example, they partake in games which help them to learn about time and recognising numbers. The more able children are able to accurately identify numbers from one to 10 when looking at the clock. Children learn about how things work as they access programmable toys, such as musical keyboards. Children are learning the importance of how to keep safe. The childminder involves the children in checking the garden before they go out and talks to them about

p.5

and outcomes for children

how to keep safe. Children's behaviour is managed in a calm and sensitive manner by the childminder who sets clear, reasonable and consistent limits which helps the children to play and work feeling safe and secure. Children are given lots of praise and encouragement for their efforts and achievements which promotes their self- esteem and confidence. Children are developing an awareness of healthy lifestyles as the childminder talks to them about healthy food. For example, discussions take place about eating the skin of the apple as it is good for them. Children access the outdoor area with enthusiasm where they can play with the balls and ride the tricycles. Children adopt good personal hygiene routines as the childminder gently reminds them to wash hands after playing in the garden and before eating. 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.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

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 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

p.7

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8