Childminder in Newham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY408356 Inspection date 19/10/2010 Inspector ISP Inspection

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 was registered in 2010. She lives in Stratford with her husband, parents, her two children aged four years and under one year, within the London borough of Newham. Children have access to all of the ground floor, one bedroom and bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

When working alone the childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time; of these, one may be in the early years age range. When working with an assistant/s, the childminder may care for no more than eight children under eight years; of these, not more than seven may be in the early years age group, and of these, none may be under one year at any one time. The childminder currently has seven children on roll. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder walks children to the local pre-school group and park, and they regularly attend two children's centres. She receives the support of her local childminding co-ordinator.

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

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming, child-friendly environment. She has a good understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which helps them to make good progress. The excellent relationships with parents and other agencies ensures that inclusive practice is effectively promoted and the uniqueness of each child is recognised. Clear information about children's individual needs are shared with parents, which means that children's welfare needs are well met. The childminder has a positive attitude to improvement and is in the early stages of evaluating her practice to ensure continual improvement for children and their families.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 extend opportunities to develop communication, language and literacy skills in English for all ages  develop the existing observational systems to identify learning outcome and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 plan for the next steps in relation to the early learning goals in all six areas of learning.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good range of policies and procedures in place to safeguard children. For example, she has written risk assessments and undertakes daily checks of the premises to ensure that any potential hazards have been identified and minimised. All members of her household and her assistants have undergone suitability checks. The childminder is clear of her role in protecting children from harm. This knowledge is underpinned by a written policy which is shared with parents. The childminder is aware of the procedure to follow should an allegation of abuse be made against her, her assistants or a member of her household. All required documentation is well organised in order to promote the welfare of children. These systems contribute to the safety and well being of children.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are good and their feedback is sought and valued by the childminder. As parents they have nominated, on their behalf, two parental representatives to meet with the childminder periodically. In addition, the childminder meets with parents on an individual basis at handovers everyday. This allows for regular communication and feedback on practice issues. Effective systems are in place for discussing, recording and sharing each child's starting points. All records are readily available to parents, alongside daily planning of activities, menu plans, photographs and examples of creative work. This means that parents are fully involved in their child's care and learning, and that all individual needs are acknowledged and met fully. The childminder has developed good links with other agencies, such as pre-school staff, to allow her to support children in areas of learning. Parents receive a copy of all policies and procedures

p.5

the early years provision

to inform them of how the childminder operates her service. Parental feedback is very positive and praises the care provided to their children. The childminder works very well alongside her assistants, who are aware of their roles and responsibilities. This contributes extremely well to the smooth running of the routine in place and ensures children receive good levels of adult support. Systems for evaluating and reviewing the childminder's strengths and weaknesses are in their early stages. She has already began to seek parental views via parental questionnaires and began to complete the Ofsted self evaluation form. She is beginning to reflect on her practice and demonstrates a clear commitment to continual improvement to develop her provision further. The childminder welcomes the support she receives from her childminder co-ordinator and regularly attends training. For example, she has attended the Introduction to Childminding Practice

p.5

the early years provision

course, Safeguarding, and Food Hygiene. She is in support for her assistants to also attend relevant training, such as training in first aid, and to support their developing English speaking skills. This will aid the children's health and communication skills. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time in the childminder's home and are making good progress in all areas of their learning. They access a broad range of activities that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder offers good levels of support and all children are included in the activities because they are adapted according to their ability. This caring and supportive attitude helps them to feel valued and raises their self-esteem. Individual planning is supported by the childminder carrying out observations, liaising with parents and consulting the pre- school staff that some of the children attend. She has developed assessment profiles for each child in her care, which includes written observations, photographs and samples of children's work. The current system has not been clearly established to fully use the information gained from observation, to address the learning outcomes, and to link these to identify the next steps in children's

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children discover and explore their indoor and outdoor environment. For example, they enjoy the daily visits to the local park, where they are familiar of the range of resources on offer. They also attend local community groups and visit the local book library, allowing them to explore additional learning opportunities and socialise with others. They move freely between activities and assist with setting up play materials. Resources are easily accessible which encourages their independence and enables them to make choices in their play. Every day routines are used to help children learn to solve problems, count and recognise numbers. For example, they match pictures with the same colour or use number puzzles to recognise figures. The childminder is beginning to support children to develop skills in communicating in English, although this is only at specific times and mainly with children who attend pre-school. The childminder uses a range of books with dual

p.6

and outcomes for children

language print. Children persevere for long periods as they become engrossed in interesting activities, for example as they build interesting models with construction bricks.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is developing resources and planning activities to reflect positive images of others in society. For example, exploring the different cultural dress of others. As a result, they are beginning to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the wider world. Children's individual needs are discussed with parents in detail so that any special requirements are recognised and personal preferences are observed, to ensure that additional needs are met sensitively. The settling-in of new children is very positive and this is enhanced with the childminder and her assistants speaking the same home languages as the children attending. This contributes to children developing strong relationships with their carers and being understood.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder applies a consistent approach to handling children's behaviour and this contributes to the positive behaviour of children present. Boundaries are in place to help children understand what is expected, with praise and encouragement given to reinforce good behaviour. Children play cooperatively with others and are learning to share and take turns. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are developing skills in how to keep themselves safe. This is because the childminder reminds them about the house rules and includes them in regular fire evacuation drills. Their health and well being is effectively promoted. Meals provided reflect the children's individual cultural diet; food provided reflects a healthy diet and reflects the hours the children attend. Children enjoy being included in cooking activities, such as helping to prepare vegetables to make a

p.6

and outcomes for children

salad. The childminder promotes children's health by ensuring they have daily access to fresh air, exercise and times for rest according to their individual needs. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

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 2 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 2

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