Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY100393 Inspection date 04/03/2011 Inspector Denys Rasmussen

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 2001. She lives with her husband and their two children aged 15 and 11 years in Brockley in the London Borough of Lewisham. This is close to local and main bus routes, schools and parks. The ground floor sitting/dining room and garden are used as play space and the children can sleep in travel cots in the first floor bedrooms. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and there are currently four children on roll, of which two are in the early years age range. The family has a pet cat.

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 caring and motivated childminder has successfully created a warm and inclusive environment where children receive the support they need to make good progress in their learning and development. Systems to evaluate practice are generally effective in supporting the childminder to make improvements in her service and are a sound basis for her capacity to maintain continuous improvement. Her effective policies and procedures ensure children are able to play in a safe, secure and stimulating environment where their welfare is well promoted. Good relationships are fostered with parents and other settings to ensure children have consistency of care.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop children's awareness of communication systems such as signing, pictorial and Braille.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility and legal duties with regards to child protection issues. Her effective policies and procedures work well in practice to ensure children are able to play in a safe, healthy, secure and stimulating environment. . Her robust risk assessment procedures ensure measures are put in place to minimise the risk of accidental injury to enable children to play safely. For example, she has installed a fire guard and ensured her curtain cords are out of children's reach. The childminder has a current first aid certificate which means she understands how to deal with accidents appropriately.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder's self-evaluation systems are informed by parents, other This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder's and the local authority. This has enabled her to make a number of improvements since her last inspection. For example, she has a good balance of play resources and has increased them to include climbing equipment, a slide and a structure to encourage imaginative play in the garden and more opportunities for children to use technology by providing a camera and printer.

p.4

the early years provision

There is positive imagery within play resources to enable children to gain a wider understanding of the world and to embrace differences. The childminder values and supports children's home language by using key words in their home language and by introducing bilingual books. Good relationships with parents and other professionals contribute to the development of an inclusive service, where all children are valued. However, the childminder has not as yet introduced other communication systems such as signing, pictorial and Braille.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder respects parents' wishes in the care of their child and has all appropriate consents in place. The effective daily two-way flow of verbal information, ensures consistency. The parents are very happy with the service provided and comment on the 'good communication' of the childminder who 'always listens' to their concerns and 'offers advice and support'. Parents appreciate the childminder meeting their children's specific needs and her professional as well as personal support, very often going 'well beyond the call of duty'.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder uses her observations of the children and information she gains from parents and others to plan a good range of activities, which encourage children to settle quickly and take a keen interest in their learning. The children have access to a good range of play resources both indoors and in the garden and visit local groups on a regular basis, helping them to widen their learning experiences and grow in confidence. Loving and caring relationships with the children are evident; the childminder intuitively attends to the children's needs both physically and emotionally, ensuring they feel safe and secure. Children are relaxed enough to settle down quickly for a nap because the childminder knows them well and responds to their needs in a timely way. Meal times are relaxed and children are offered healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder talks to the children about what is healthy to eat and provides fresh fruit and vegetables

p.5

and outcomes for children

daily. Fresh air and exercise is an important part of the children's daily routine encouraging healthy lifestyles. The childminder protects children's health well by implementing effective policies and procedures and by gaining detailed information about their individual needs before they attend and on an ongoing basis.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder helps the children to develop an understanding of dangers and how to keep themselves safe. For example, when practising road safety and by practising fire evacuation to learn how to leave the premises calmly and safely. The childminder's realistic boundaries and skilful interaction ensure children behave well. She encourages children to be polite by her own example. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are regularly taken to local groups to support their social skills and there is a good variety of equipment to encourage creative and physical development. They learn about the world around them when they watch the birds in the park and discuss how nests are made; they dig the garden looking for worms and plant sunflower seeds. The children learn how to recycle and help the childminder to sort out the materials. The childminder uses everyday routines as learning opportunities, they

p.5

and outcomes for children

talk about the environment on the way to school and spot shapes, colours, textures and house numbers. Children are confident and good communicators. They clearly express their needs and they are confident in their interactions with the childminder. The childminder reads to the children and encourages language development by talking, singing and encouraging them to listen to each other. Children problem solve when they complete simple puzzles and sing number songs and stack blocks to understand early calculation. The children enjoy their time with the childminder. They are relaxed and happy, accessing play resources and interacting confidently with the childminder, who clearly enjoys her work. 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 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.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 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.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