Childminder in Harrow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY259794 Inspection date 10/03/2011 Inspector Katie Dempster

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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 registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two daughters aged four and six years. They live in Stanmore in the London borough of Harrow. The whole of the house is used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have one dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five. The childminder walks/drives to local schools to take and collect children, and she attends the local parent/ toddler group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts 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 offers a warm and welcoming environment where children are happy and content. She provides a good range of activities that engage and interest children. Overall, sound systems are in place to observe and plan for children's progress. The childminder has good working relationships with parents which contribute effectively to ensuring that each child's individual welfare and development needs are met appropriately. All of the required documentation is in place and systems to evaluate practise work well to ensure continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure links are made to the areas of learning when undertaking observations  make assessments for next steps in children's learning according to the development matters and use this to inform planning

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted by the childminder's good understanding and knowledge of the procedures to follow if she had concerns about a child in her care. She takes steps to ensure children are safe and secure in her home through the effective risk assessments she conducts. She performs daily visual checks, formal risk assessments for her home as well as outings and then This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 additional assessments for ad-hoc visits. This pro-active approach to minimising potential hazards ensures positive outcomes for children's safety.

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the early years provision

The childminder is very enthusiastic with regards to her childminding practise. She is aware of her own strengths and through her reflective practise, has a keen knowledge of the children and how to meet their needs. Furthermore, she has identified areas she wishes to develop which will have considerable impact on children's learning, development and outcomes in general. She uses her self evaluation form to record this information which allows her to use it as a tool for continuous improvement. Inclusive practise is promoted well. The childminder acts upon children's individual needs and encourages their awareness of diversity and difference. They have access to play resources such as books and enjoy festival celebrations. For example, they learn about Hanukah and have built a Succah in the garden. Furthermore, the childminder acknowledges the children's individual cultures. Celebrations such as St.Patrick's day support children's understanding of

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the early years provision

their own heritage as well as their feelings of self-worth.

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the early years provision

The childminder engages effectively with parents and positive relationships have been established. Discussions regarding children's individual needs take place and regular feedback helps maintain continuity care. The childminder and parents share a link book which includes details about the children's day, activities they have enjoyed, meal and sleep times. She also records information about children's development which helps keep parents involved in their children's learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are confident, happy and settled in the care of the childminder. They share warm relationships with her and her family, and enjoy her company as they play together. The childminder's sensitive understanding of each child's needs ensures every child makes good progress and settles well. Systems for observation and planning are in place, however, links are not yet made to the areas of learning and assessments do not refer to the development matters in order for appropriate activities and challenges to be planed for. The childminder is very aware of children's abilities and is able to give many good examples of things the children enjoy or are doing well at.

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and outcomes for children

Children are involved in a range of planned and spontaneous activities which support their development and learning. For example, they regularly visit the local park, engage in construction play or enjoy reading with the childminder in the cosy living room. They begin to develop skills for the future as they show an understanding of technology pressing the buttons on the keyboard or the touch screen computer. She makes good use of open ended questions to encourage children's thinking and communication skills, for example, when playing with the animal figures she asks children about the different animals, where we would find them and the noises they make. The childminder places high importance on developing children's social skills. She takes children to various play settings where they can engage with other children and develop their interaction and social skills. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

There is a range of toys, resources and equipment, for all ages of children that support their development across each of the areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about good hygiene habits as part of their daily routine. They know to wash their hands as they wait at the sink, meanwhile the childminder offers explanations about healthy habits to further promote children's understanding. Children understand the need for simple rules, for example, staying close to the childminder in car parks or holding hands when crossing the road. They are aware of the importance of being properly harnessed in the car as they say along with the childminder, 'check check check' as she checks their seat belts and car seats. This helps children's early understanding of how to remain safe.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is managed well, supported by the appropriate behaviour management policy in place. The childminder uses age appropriate methods to ensure children have understood the outcome of their actions. She ensures children offer an apology and uses positive reinforcement. 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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