Childminder in Hammersmith and Fulham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY309992 Inspection date 04/10/2010 Inspector Helen Steven

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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 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.

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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 has been registered since September 2005. She lives with her two adult children in a four bedroom home arranged over three floors. The basement is the main area used for childminding. The ground floor is used for toileting and for children to rest. The home is located in West Kensington in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Access to the home is via steps and a flight of stairs leads to the basement. There is a secure garden is available, but the local park is used regularly for outdoor learning experiences.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children in the early years age group. She 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 National Childminding Association and the Hammersmith and Fulham Childminding network.

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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

Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming environment where their individual needs are supported well. The childminder provides a wide range of activities for the children both inside and outside of the home to ensure that they are making good progress in their learning and development, although systems to monitor progress are not fully embedded. Documentation required to promote the safe and effective management of the setting is in place and well maintained. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to improve her service through her involvement with the local childminding network and attending relevant training. Recommendations from the last inspection have been addressed and she is beginning to complete an Ofsted self evaluation document in order to record her many strengths as well as areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 strengthen the process of observation and evaluation in order to effectively plan for each child to support personalised learning  further develop the systems of self-evaluation to monitor all aspects of the setting and build on already good practice in order to promote continuous improvement of the provision and outcomes for children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a secure knowledge if the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and is aware of where to seek guidance. She has attended ongoing training to ensure her knowledge is up to date and is in the process of reviewing her safeguarding policy. The childminder undertakes detailed risk assessments for each type of outing and records a basic record of this. She carries out a detailed risk assessment of her home and undertakes a visual daily check prior to children arriving. The living room is organised well to afford children of differing ages, space and access to a good range of toys and resources. For example, there is a large soft mat on the floor with cushions and toys for babies and a low table set up as an office, with toy computer, paper and pens for older children. Required documentation and relevant policies and procedures are maintained well in order to promote children's good health and

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the early years provision

welfare. Good arrangements are in place to prevent the spread of infection, for example, children do not attend when they are unwell and nappy changing procedures are suitable. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate which enables her to deal appropriately with any accidents.

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the early years provision

The childminder has begun to record an evaluation of her childminding service, however this is in its infancy and does not fully recognise her many strengths and note areas requiring further improvement. She is a member of the local childminding network and demonstrates a commitment to improve her service by attending ongoing training. Recommendations from the last inspection have been addressed, thus improving her record keeping and demonstrating her capacity to make necessary improvements. The childminder provides a service that is inclusive for all children; they are supported well and are encouraged to have a sense of belonging in the setting. The childminder has attended training to assist her in supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, for example, she is now able to use Makaton. She has implemented systems to observe and monitor children's progress by using photographs, samples of their creative work

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the early years provision

and notes in a daily diary. However, although the childminder is clear of how to facilitate children in making progress towards the early learning goals, her records do not link effectively to the areas of learning and do not consistently identify children's next steps. The childminder reports that she has a good relationship with parents, and obtains useful information with them at the start of the placement and during verbal exchanges. The childminder is keen to work alongside other agencies as and when the need arises in order to support children's individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children form good relationships with the childminder and are developing relationships with each other. Babies feel safe and secure as they are afforded time to gently wake from a sleep sitting on the childminder's lap. They This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 demonstrate their affection for the childminder by holding onto her hair and planting wet kisses on her cheeks. Children are able to make choices about their play as resources are arranged attractively at a low level, thus encouraging them to become independent. Activities are based around children's interests, for example, older children enjoy pretending to be an office worker. Excellent opportunities for children to learn about nature and be involved in the community are in place. The children are part of a local gardening club, they relish planting, nurturing and eating the fresh produce such as tomatoes and beans. This

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and outcomes for children

successfully supports their understanding of how to live a healthy lifestyle. Babies learn to become skilful communicators as they absorb the childminder's routine commentating. They are visibly excited when practicing favourite songs and older children learn songs which are used to reinforce road safety when on outings. Children are introduced to the pleasure of reading as they share stories with the childminder. They benefit from observing images within the books that are reflective of the local diverse community. Children hear mathematical language throughout the day as the childminder counts when building bricks, which they enthusiastically knock down! Outings to the park ensure that children have opportunities for physical play. Babies explore the living room, crawling through the play tunnel, pulling themselves to standing and wrestling with the cushions. Children relish creating pictures from a variety of media both in the childminder's

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and outcomes for children

home and at drop-in groups. The childminder observes children's play to decide what activities they are interested in to support their learning and alongside other childminder's has formulated plans to ensure activities cover all areas of the curriculum However, the system is not yet fully embedded to effectively map children's progress and to influence individual planning, but it is an area of development the childminder is aware that needs addressing.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they practice fire drills ensuring they know how to evacuate the home efficiently in the event of an emergency. They are encouraged to behave well as the childminder is consistent in her approach and uses reward charts for older children. Children are offered nutritious snacks, such as fruits and in partnership with parents the childminder ensures that children are provided with nutritious meals in line with their dietary requirements. Children have access to a range of toys and take part in activities which support them in understanding their own and other cultures and religions. For example, children create masks during 'black history month'. 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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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

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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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