Childminder in Kent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY392534 Inspection date 03/11/2010 Inspector Linda Nicholls

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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 was registered in 2009. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years old of whom two may be in the early years age range at any one time. Registration is for the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Registration does not include overnight care. She is currently minding one child in the early years age range. The childminder lives with her partner and their two year old child in Dartford, Kent. All ground floor rooms are available for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 has a rapidly developing knowledge of children's unique needs so meeting their welfare and learning requirements successfully. Children are safe, secure and enjoy learning about their local area and the world around them. Children progress well, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder has reflected on her provision since registration and clearly identifies area of improvement for the continuous development of the service she provides.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop methods of recording individual progress so observations tlink to the areas of learning and reflect individual achievement and progress towards the early learning goals

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the procedures for safeguarding children and is clear about her role and responsibilities. Visitors are monitored and children supervised directly at all times. The childminder ensures all appropriate checks are completed for adults living in her home. She has developed policies and procedures to ensure children's health, safety and well-being are met. Routine risk assessments together with established safety procedures ensure that the premises are safe and hygienic. The childminder makes use of a variety of resources from within the home and outside including children's centres and play parks. The indoor space is well organised with toys immediately accessible so they can make independent choices and extend their play. Routine outings and walks to and from school are risk assessed and ensure children daily access to fresh air and physical This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

exercise. There are plenty of toys and equipment such as paper, crayons, books, small world and role play items, construction toys, keyboards, number pads and interactive toys available for children to build their knowledge and understanding of the world.

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the early years provision

The childminder shows an strong commitment to social and educational inclusion working effectively with parents to gain information about children's starting points, Children clearly benefit and thrive from procedures to help them settle quickly. Observations and assessment procedures are applied although as yet this has not resulted in progress being fully monitored. Parents are not clearly informed of their child's progress linked to the areas of learning or the early learning goals. The childminder understands her role to work with outside agencies, when appropriate, providing support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She has identified the development of contacts with other providers of the early years foundation stage to support and extend children's learning as an area she wishes to improve. The childminder recognises different cultures and celebrations with resources and activities that reflect the families she works with

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the early years provision

The childminder has very well directed aspirations for quality through ongoing improvement. She reflects upon her practice and implements the further development of her service such as the garden for outside play throughout the year. All required policies and procedures are available for parents to view at any time. Required documents are displayed, personal and medical records are maintained confidentially. Since registration she has asked parents to suggest activities and resources that may interest their child. She has identified priorities for the improvement of her provision, such as developing contact with other providers and further training to increase her understanding and application of the learning programmes.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happily settled and engaged in their play. They demonstrate a close relationship with the childminder who provides highly effective emotional and practical support. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement so they develop self-control and social skills. They are able to explore a variety of cultures and customs as the childminder introduces plenty of resources including music, food and activities for annual events such as Diwali, Remembrance Day and Christmas. She ensures they learn about their local community with visits to the local library or play parks. Children are confident to share how they feel with the child minder and know their work is valued because it is labelled and displayed. The childminder provides a constant positive role model so children learn to contribute and to respect themselves and other children they meet at the childminders home.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop active communication skills as the childminder spends her time supporting them as they practice and expand their language. She describes what This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they are doing, discusses events in the past, such as going swimming and asks questions to challenge them and make them think. They learn to listen with care as she invites them to share their thoughts or show her what they want to do next, such as colouring or playing with the film character dolls. Children learn about number and position and make connections as they assist with shopping, holding the lists, finding items in the store. They learn to weigh out and mix ingredients, crack eggs and use coloured icing to decorate small cakes.

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and outcomes for children

Children make significant gains in their learning because the childminder provides a stimulating and welcoming environment. The developing organisation of the educational programme reflects experiences that meet the unique needs of each child. The childminder has initiated observations and assessments although they do not identify the areas of learning and the early learning goals or monitor individual development. The childminder is responsive to the interests of individual children so they are absorbed and engaged in what they do. Children are encouraged to be creative using a range of materials and media. They make drawings of their home, paint the red sun of the Japanese national flag and use paper shapes and glue to construct a robin. The childminder ensures they have plenty of time to explore their own play because she is confident to allow them to take an active lead in their own learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn how to stay safe as they practice fire evacuation every month. They learn about safety issues, such as road safety as they walk to and from school. They learn about healthy lifestyles including good hygiene procedures and are aware to keep their hands and faces clean. Fresh drinking water is available should they need it and the childminder works closely with parents to meet their requirements and can supply healthy and nutritious light meals. Children develop their physical skills grinning proudly brown as they climb confidently over the large play equipment in the local play park. 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 3 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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