Childminder in Ealing

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY409800 Inspection date 07/12/2010 Inspector Martha Darkwah

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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 2010. She lives in a three storey house in Ealing area of the London Borough of Ealing with her husband and three children aged six, four and two. The whole of the ground floor of the property are used for childminding apart from the kitchen. Children have use of the open plan living and dinning area and the front room. There is an upstairs bathroom for use. Children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. A maximum of three children under eight, of whom no more than two in the early years age group may attend at any one time. The childminder works during term time and is currently minding one child in the early years age range and one child in the later age range. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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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 secure knowledge of children's individual needs and spends quality time supporting children in their play and learning, which gives them confidence and a sense of security, all of which promotes their well-being. 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 use the self- evaluation process reflect on her practice and has a firm commitment to further improve and develop her service. However, she is yet to effectively reflect on her practice and identify strengths and weaknesses and any areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the tracking systems of learning plans to show clearer links to the information gained from observing the children and the next steps to support the planning future activities  further develop the process for ongoing self-evaluation that is reflective and covers all aspects of the childcare in order to identify the strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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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 a comprehensive knowledge on safeguarding and is clear about 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. This includes a procedure followed if an allegation is made against any household member.

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the early years provision

The childminder has sound 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 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.

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the early years provision

Children learn about safety as they are reminded how to play safely, be mindful of other's needs, sharing and taking turns. Children also take part in the fire drill of the premises regularly so they know what to do in the event of a fire. The childminder keeps a record of fire evacuation in sufficient detail of any problems encountered and how they were resolved. Additionally, she has fire blanket installed and ready to use along with carbon monoxide detectors in place for safety.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a strong commitment to providing a high quality service. There is a strong indication of plans for continuous drive for improvement of the service involving parents. Although she evaluates her practice, it is not sufficiently reflective to identify areas she wishes to improve, strengths and weaknesses. She listens to and acts on advice from outside professionals which are provided to support childminders with their practices.

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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. Additionally, dressing up clothes for role play are available in an upstairs bedroom, therefore not easily accessible to children. Although not caring for any child with English as a second language at present, she has systems in place to obtain information on home language and learn key words so that children feel valued and included. This ensures that all groups of children make good progress.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an effective partnership with parents to ensure that they are fully informed of their child's care and progress and is developing good links with other professionals to enable her to support individual children in her care. Useful information is posted in the entrance area for parents. The childminder provides parents with good information about the service, including an information pack along with policies and procedures. 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, learning journals and emails. Additionally she issues regular newsletters to parents giving an update on projects to help them support their children's learning at home. Written observations are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

shared with parents and they are encouraged to add their own information. There are a number of opportunities for parents to be involved in their child's learning and development in the setting.

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the early years provision

Comprehensive policies and procedures on all aspects of care are available and shared with parents. Parents are very happy with the childminding service. They comment on the effective communication they receive each day and how they children love coming to have fun in a nurturing environment.

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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. She uses her knowledge of their stage of development to provide activities which will motivate and stimulate them and extend their learning. The childminder obtains information about their starting points so that she can accommodate their interests. Sensitive observations and assessments are made in different ways, through written observations, contact diaries, photographs and examples of children's work. Although information from these is used to plan for individual children, further review of the tracking systems is required to make the identified next steps more secure to support the planning

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and outcomes for children

Children communicate confidently with the childminder 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 craft activities. For example, learn to cut with scissors, mix the right colours, and solve puzzles. Numbers and letters are introduced through play activities when appropriate.

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and outcomes for children

Children explore their toys and resources with rapt concentration, finding new ways to play. They 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. 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.

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and outcomes for children

Cultural diversity and inclusion is valued and respected well overall. A range of interesting activities is planned to help children to develop an awareness of the festivals and celebrations that are enjoyed in different cultures such as Diwali, Christmas and opportunities to learn about other cultures and backgrounds. The programme comprehensively reflects the background of all of the children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attending.

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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 parks and other local amenities such as library. Children are offered snacks and meals in accordance with parents' wishes. The childminder provides freshly prepared well balanced and nutritious meals. The children help to set the meal table; they are encouraged to help themselves and to clear away after meals. Activities such as cookery are used to talk to children about the food we eat and what makes us healthy so they develop an understanding of how to live a healthy lifestyle. The childminder has good hygiene procedures and children know why they have to wash their hands before they eat and after using the toilet. Paper towels are provided to ensure less risk of cross infection.

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and outcomes for children

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 on acceptable behaviour, learning to be polite and well-mannered. Children behave well as they are busily occupied and interested in the activities provided. They are involved in community activities which enable them to socialise with other groups, and take trips to the library or the shops. They are developing skills for the future as they develop independence skills, learn how to communicate and form positive relationships.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has established secure and effective links with other practitioners in settings children attend. This ensures continuity and progression by sharing relevant information with them to make sure that what is provided for each child complements the education they receive in other settings. 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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