Ball, Gina

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY407353 Inspection date 13/10/2010 Inspector Martha Darkwah

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

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 has been registered since 2010. She lives with her husband and 2 year-old son in Barnes, in the London borough of Richmond, a short drive from shops, parks, toddler groups and a library. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used by the children, with sleeping facilities available upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder collects children from the local school.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in the early years age group who attend on part time basis and also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts 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

Children's individual needs are well met because the childminder observes children closely and as a result is familiar with the way they play and learn. She uses her knowledge of their stage of development to provide activities which will motivate and stimulate them and extend their learning. She offers a welcoming and inclusive service and engages with parents to involve them in their children's learning and development. She has started to reflect on her practice and has a firm commitment to further improve and develop her service. However, she is yet to use a range of methods to ensure its effectiveness.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 further develop knowledge of how to use observational assessment in order to plan to meet young children?s individual needs and plan for their next steps in learning based on their interests  ensure self-evaluation reflects on all elements of practice and identifies specific areas requiring improvement to further support children's welfare and learning, including documentation and fire drills.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded from the risk of abuse or neglect. The childminder and her husband have had the necessary checks to ensure that they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are suitable to care for children. She has completed safeguarding training and has a secure knowledge of what to do if she has a concern about the welfare of a child in her care. She has up-to-date information, including referral numbers, and has a clear safeguarding policy which is shared with parents which includes a procedure followed if an allegation is made against any household member. The childminder has good safety awareness and conducts regular risk assessments. She checks her environment inside and out on a daily basis and takes action to remove any items which may pose a risk to children. She keeps a written record of her detailed risk assessments. Children are protected on outings as the childminder conducts a risk

p.4

the early years provision

assessment before each type of outing. She ensures that she has all the emergency contacts she needs when she goes out so that she can act appropriately in the event of an emergency. Children learn about safety as they are reminded how to play safely. Road safety and 'stranger danger' is also reinforced with children when on outings. Children also take part in the fire drill of the premises so they know what to do in the event of a fire. However, this is not recorded in sufficient detail.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a strong commitment to providing a high quality service. She is eager to take up any relevant training to aid this. She has begun to evaluate her practice and identifies her strengths and weaknesses. However, she is yet to identify areas she wishes to improve in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure effective drive for improvement and progression in the service provided.

p.5

the early years provision

Resources are appropriate and deployed effectively. The childminder ensures that the toys and equipment she provides are of particular interest to individual children, for example, providing song and dance activities along with musical instruments for children who like these activities. Although not caring for any child with English as a second language at present she would welcome children from diverse backgrounds and would take steps to provide resources in children's home language and learn key words so that children feel valued and included. She has a comprehensive inclusive policy and implements this practice. For example, she has a visual time table with British Sign Language signs for aspects of children's routine displayed at children eye level along the walls. This ensures that all groups of children make good progress.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder provides parents with good information about the service, including an information pack along with policies and procedures which they read and sign. Parents are kept in touch with how their children are developing and are encouraged to share their own knowledge of children's starting points and ongoing development. The childminder communicates with parents via daily discussions and contact diaries. Written observations are shared with parents and they are encouraged to add their own information. The childminder has not had reason to establish partnerships with other professionals in recent months she was registered. However, she is well aware of the steps to be taken if a child has special educational needs and/or disabilities and she is ready to seek guidance from outside agencies if there is a need. The childminder takes steps to find out what children are doing at other settings with a view of developing systems to

p.5

the early years provision

share information about individual children's learning and development when children attend other settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in the childminder's care. The childminder uses her observations of their play and different learning styles to provide them with opportunities to extend and develop their learning. Her good knowledge of their stage of development and their interests ensures that children are well motivated and busily occupied while they are in her care. The childminder obtains information about their starting points so that she can accommodate their interests, for example, providing song and dance activities for children. Observations are made in different ways, through written observations, contact diaries, photographs and examples of children's work, and information from these is yet to be used to plan for individual children.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder communicates regularly with the children and are settled and secure in the setting. The childminder chats to children and maintains eye contact to encourage early language skills. Children learn about cause and effect through programmable toys and learn how to problem-solve through puzzles. Numbers and letters are introduced through play activities and songs and rhymes when appropriate. For example, background songs and rhymes are a regular feature and children respond positively to the songs of the alphabet forwards and backwards.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are able to use their imaginations as they play with small world play. The childminder provides opportunities for mark-making and craft activities. Children learn about the world around them through activities related to different festivals and cookery. Children go on regular trips and outings and learn about features of the environment when they are out, for example, visiting the local Wetlands Centre and Kew Gardens.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children can move about the setting freely and develop physical skills and good co- ordination. Children are forming very positive relationships with the childminder, to whom they show affection. They play together well and show regard for each other.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's health is promoted well. They have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise and walk out to the local woods and other local amenities to feed the ducks and collect leaves and natural materials for creative activities. Children are offered snacks and meals in accordance with parents' wishes. The childminder aims to provide a balanced and nutritious diet. The children's drinks are easily accessible so the children can keep themselves hydrated. The childminder has good hygiene procedures and encourages children to wash their hands before they eat. Children are able to rest and sleep according to their routines and parents' wishes. Children feel very safe in the childminder's care as they have built up warm and trusting relationships with her. They are beginning to learn how to keep themselves safe through her sensitive explanations and use of listening tapes from the 'traffic club'. Children behave well as they are busily occupied and interested in

p.6

and outcomes for children

the activities provided. They are involved in community activities which enable them to socialise with other groups, visiting a toddler group and taking trips to the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 library or the shops. They are developing skills for the future as they develop independence skills, learn how to communicate and form positive relationships. 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

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 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 2

p.8

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 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

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9