Childminder in Croydon

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY365350 Inspection date 06/01/2011 Inspector Elizabeth Coffey

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 2007. She works with her adult son, who is also a registered childminder, from her son's home; her other adult son works as their assistant. The premises is a house in Thornton Heath, in the London borough of Croydon. All of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes with toilet facilities located on the first floor. There is a back garden that is laid out over three levels for children's outdoor play and activities.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children, of whom three may be in the early years, when working on her own. When working with an assistant she is registered to care for eight children of whom six may be in the early years. There are currently eight children on roll of whom five are in the early years. Children attend a variety of full time and part time placements. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register as well as the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Croydon Childminding Network. She has recently completed a level three childcare qualification.

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

The childminder provides a generally safe, stimulating and inclusive environment. She has drawn up and implemented most required policies and procedures to underpin her service. The childminder provides a wide range of activities that meet children's interests and promotes their development, across the six areas of learning. There are effective systems in place to ensure daily communication with parents with regard to children's individual needs and their learning. The childminder's commitment to ongoing training and use of self-evaluation enables her to identify areas for improvement to ensure she offers good quality care and education.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 ensure that the safeguarding policy includes the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 20/01/2011

p.4

further?

 provide information for parents on the procedure to be followed in the event of a child going missing 20/01/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)

p.4

further?

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

p.5

further?

 develop systems of self evaluation to include the views of parents and others.

p.5

the early years provision

Children are generally kept safe and their well-being is promoted by the childminder. The childminder has devised written policies and procedures that she shares with parents. However, the safeguarding policy does not include the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of staff. Furthermore information is not shared with parents on the procedure to be followed in the event of a child going missing. These are breaches of regulations. The childminder updates her knowledge through attending training, reading associated journals and books and accessing support and resources from her local early years department. She holds a current first aid certificate.

p.5

the early years provision

Rooms used by the children are well laid out to enable them to move about freely and safely. Resources are effectively stored to enable children to self-select from a range of activities. Risk assessments for the premises and outings are completed and a record of these maintained. The childminder works closely with her two sons to ensure that activities are well organised so that children's daily routine's, including school runs, are accommodated.

p.5

the early years provision

Children demonstrate a strong sense of security in the setting and readily approach the childminder for help or reassurance. All children and their families are welcomed and valued. The childminder has developed effective communication systems to enhance partnership with parents and other settings children may attend, such as schools and nurseries. The childminder is aware of the strengths and weaknesses of her provision, and uses systems of self-evaluation to help identify targets for future improvement. She is keen to further enhance her self- evaluation by incorporating the views of parents and others in this.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children benefit from a very good range of resources, experiences and activities. The childminder and her sons are well organised and plan the day well around children's individual needs and routines. The childminder demonstrates a secure knowledge of the learning and development requirements. She provides a calm purposeful learning environment where all children are helped to achieve. Activities are well-planned; the childminder is resourceful and has a wealth of good ideas to engage children. Written and photographic observations of children's achievements help to evidence how well children are achieving in line with the early learning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 goals. Observations are used to plan for next steps in individual children's learning and are shared with parents.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are settled and eagerly engage in the wide range of activities available. They participate well and are enthusiastic and keen learners. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the children as individuals and provides activities accordingly, which offer appropriate challenge. Children are able to explore and select resources independently. Children benefit from a welcoming environment where very good relationships with the childminder and her sons are established. As a result, children feel safe and secure in their care. They are aware of the expectations and boundaries in place and are extremely capable of making their needs known. This enhances their sense of security and well-being.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder gives meaningful praise and encouragement to children. Their efforts are acknowledged and their achievements celebrated. Children form good friendships and bond well with their peers. They enjoy each other's company, for example, eagerly awaiting the arrival of one of the older children from school to join in their game. Children's art work adorns the walls promoting their sense of self-esteem and confidence. As a result, children make very good progress in their personal, social and emotional development.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Regular outdoor play and activities are included in the routine and children benefit from plenty of fresh air and physical activity, promoting their understanding of healthy life styles. They make very good use of the back garden where they ride bikes and cars, play with the sand and water and use the climbing equipment. They explore and learn about the natural environment as they dig and plant bulbs, which they nurture through the seasons. Children also visit the library, local parks and childminder groups where they have opportunities to develop their social skills as they mix and play with their peers.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's safety is prioritised on outings with attention given to road safety and teaching children to behave in a safe manner. Children sit together at meal times, making it a social occasion, which promotes their language and social skills. The childminder encourages healthy eating by providing freshly cooked meals and talking with the children about why they need healthy foods. Children develop good communication skills. The childminder talks and engages well with the children, asking questions that help to extend their vocabulary and conversation skills. Overall, children develop very good skills for the future. 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.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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 3 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.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 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.7

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8