Childminder in MertonOfsted inspection, 11 Oct 2010

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 137946 Inspection date 11/10/2010 Inspector Linda Close

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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 for 38 years and overall she has worked with children for 42 years. She is registered on the Early Years Register to provide care for no more than five children under eight years; of these, not more than three may be under five years, and of these, not more than one may be under one year at any one time. When working with another childminder they may care for a maximum of seven children under eight years and five of these may be in the early years age group. The childminder is also registered on both parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently two children on roll, one of whom is nine months old and is cared for daily and the other is 11 years old and is cared for out of school hours. A small number of the children on roll are learning English as an additional language. Childminding takes place in part of a single storey annex located in a courtyard beside the childminder's home. The area of the annex that is solely used

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Description of the childminding

for childminding consists of a large playroom, a bathroom and a kitchen. The provision is located in the Wimbledon area and is set back from a residential road. It is within walking distance of local schools, shops and public transport links. The childminder's home is nearby but it is not used for childminding purposes.

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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 welcomes children with warmth and affection into a bright, clean environment which she has specifically designed and arranged for childcare. She is very experienced and has succeeded in maintaining her enthusiasm over the many years she has been caring for children. The children in the early years age range are making good progress given their age and starting points. Their happy smiles, and their relaxed body language, show that they feel totally safe and secure with the childminder. Partnerships with parents are excellent and this helps the childminder to meet the individual needs of the children. The childminder evaluates her service to children effectively in most respects. She has responded fully to recommendations made at the time of the last inspection.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the current system of risk assessment for outings by reducing them to one assessment for each type of outing which is made in greater detail 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 shows in discussion that she is very well informed about child protection issues. She is aware of the signs and symptoms that suggest ill- treatment. She astutely observes children's behaviour and listens carefully to what they say. The childminder has contact details to hand should she need to share concerns with appropriate agencies. The childminder has undertaken a self evaluation exercise and her findings are brief but pertinent. She identified the need to update her first aid training and attended a relevant course to ensure that her knowledge is current. She reviews and renews her range of toys annually and the older children who have now left write comments about the lovely range of toys and games she provides.

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the early years provision

The environment that the childminder provides for children is exceptional. She cares for children in a single-storey building beside her home which is totally dedicated to childminding. The accommodation is bright and clean and there is ample natural light. The playroom has smooth wooden flooring and a large carpet which provides a comfortable surface for babies to crawl and play. Soft furnishings provide children with a relaxing place to talk and read. The toy storage is thoughtfully arranged so that children can make choices but games with small pieces are inaccessible to little children for safety. Modern bathroom facilities are nearby and the kitchen has a large hatchway so that children can always be seen. A gate prevents children from accessing the kitchen to keep them safe.

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the early years provision

Children's home background is well respected and the development of their home language is encouraged through toys which include a teddy and a doll that both speak in Spanish, much to the delight of the children. The childminder liaises with parents exceptionally well via contact books, text messages and photos, verbal discussions and the sharing of children's progress records. This ensures that the care provided for the children matches their normal routines and meets parental expectations. Parents praise the childminder in glowing terms. They write that it is easier for them to go to work when they are assured that their children are safe, loved and nurtured as if they were the childminder's own children or grandchildren. The childminder sees her role as providing a bridge between school and home if she cares for children who attend school. The childminder is not currently working with any children who have need of professional support.

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the early years provision

However, she demonstrates in discussion that she is well aware of the importance of partnership working particularly if children experience difficulties relating to health or learning..

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the early years provision

The childminder maintains policies and documents appropriately. She records accidents, medication and attendance with all of the necessary detail. Parents have given their written permission for outings, photographs and emergency medical treatment or advice if there is a need. The childminder makes careful assessments of risk indoors and she has a record of every outing that she takes with children. She records what she takes with her including items which include a first aid kit, a mobile phone and contact details but she does not include specific risks associated This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with each venue.

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and outcomes for children

The children in the early years age range that are currently minded by the childminder are very young. They begin their day with a healthy breakfast which they eat hungrily and with obvious enjoyment. They are eager to play with the attractive, colourful toys that are arranged for them to explore. They show a growing sense of self confidence in their behaviour and their play is punctuated by smiles and gurgles of pleasure. They mimic the childminder who shows them how battery operated toys work. The children reach out and pat or press on various parts of a play mat to initiate electronic noises and recorded music, showing that they have gained an early understanding of cause and effect.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder talks to the children and they imitate her by vocalising a range of sounds. They respond to music by waving their hands and moving their bodies. Children curiously explore a shape sorter which has pop up lids and they understand that pressing buttons will open the lids which again shows that they know about one action having an effect on others. Children pull themselves up to stand using a sturdy table or a baby walking toy and they smile at the childminder when she praises them for their achievement.

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and outcomes for children

Children have formed a positive, secure relationship with the childminder. They are calm and cooperative at nappy change time. They reach out to the childminder when they are tired and they clearly enjoy her gentle touch and warm cuddles. They calmly accept normal daily routines which include snuggling up with a blanket for their morning nap. The children settle down with no tears and quickly fall asleep.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from the very good standards of cleanliness and hygiene maintained by the childminder. She disposes of nappy change debris immediately and washes her hands afterwards. Meals are largely provided by parents and any snacks that the childminder provides are healthy and meet parental requirements.

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and outcomes for children

The children interact very well with the childminder and the early development of their communication skills is demonstrated in their vocalisation and their response to smiles and praise. They show pleasure and confidence in exploring their toys which is a sound basis for the development of a positive disposition for learning and the development of future skills. 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 1 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 1 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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