Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY103027 Inspection date 08/03/2011 Inspector Josephine Geoghegan

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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 2002. She lives with her two adult sons in Forest Hill area of the London borough of Lewisham. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for five children, four of whom are in the early years age range. Children attend a variety of sessions. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association. The chidminder does not employ an assistant or provide overnight care.

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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 shows a strong capacity to maintain continuous improvement as she has successfully improved many aspects of her provision since the last inspection, including attending a variety of courses that extend her knowledge of childcare and education. The needs of all children in the Early Years Foundation stage are met effectively as the childminder provides a good range of activities that reflect all areas of learning. She ensures children are supported well during play and is able to clearly identify their learning needs and interests. Children's welfare is promoted well as the childminder successfully implements a broad range of policies and procedures that reflect the requirements of the Early Years Foundation stage.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the use of assessment to ensure children's progress in all areas of learning is tracked effectively.  reassess the risks in relation to the route through the conservatory to enable children to gain access the garden.

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the early years provision

The childminder shows a clear understanding of the procedures that help safeguard children and protect them from harm as she has recently attended safeguarding courses and keeps all relevant documents easily accessible. This ensures that she is able to take prompt action if she has any concerns regarding children's welfare. The childminder ensures all required documentation is used and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 stored appropriately, ensuring records show children's attendance and any accidents or medication administered. The childminder ensures the home is safe and well maintained and ensures that children participate in regular fire drills so that they are familiar with emergency procedures. The childminder has a good range of policies and procedures in place to support the management of her service. She conducts risk assessment of the home and prior to outings, although

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the early years provision

the risk assessment has not yet been updated to reflect the new use of the garden. The childminder shows an awareness of working partnership with other agencies as needed, although no children attend any other educational settings or have involvement with any professionals at present. The childminder has made good progress since the last inspection by meeting all recommendations raised appropriately. She shows a strong commitment to driving improvement as she has completed a self evaluation that reflects all areas of her childminding service and clearly identifies her own learning needs. The childminder has experience of supporting children who have identified special educational needs and/or disabilities; ensuring any care offered promotes inclusion and supporting the identification of any additional learning needs. Children participate in planned activities and outings that help them learn about cultures and beliefs and use a

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the early years provision

range of toys that show positive images of people in the community. The childminder ensures parents are kept well informed about their children's progress and makes time to discuss all events of the day when children are collected. The childminder ensures children's individual needs are known and respected and shares all documentation effectively

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a homely learning environment where children can make choices and feely select toys and books that are all easily accessible; this helps children develop their independence and follow their own learning interests. They have access to a good range of toys and books that are well organised and reflect the age and abilities of the children attending. Children's physical care needs are catered for as the childminder has a range of child sized equipment and furniture available to meet their needs. The childminder shows high regard to maintaining good hygiene practice as the home and toys are clean and well maintained. Children are able to play safely as the childminder takes positive steps to reduce any hazards and provides clear playspace, enabling them to move freely. The childminder did not previously use her garden for childminding purposes and she has recently re-furbished her garden with grassed and decking areas to create a

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and outcomes for children

large enclosed play area that is suitable for outside play. Children are also escorted through the conservatory to gain access to the garden; however, the childminder has not yet updated the risk assessment to reflect these new areas of her provision that will now be used. Through discussion the childminder shows a clear understanding of children's abilities and their individual learning needs, however, systems of recording children's progress are in their infancy. For example, the childminder has taken photos of children during play and has begun to link these to the areas of learning along with some written observations. Children are supported well during play as the childminder offers choices of activities and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 follows children's interests well. Children are offered a good balance of activities including free play and adult led activities such as playing card games such as

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and outcomes for children

finding pairs and art and craft activities. They also have opportunities for outside play and participate in outings during the school holidays. Children are learning good hand washing routines, helping to stop the spread of infection. The childminder ensures children's meals that are provided by parents are stores and re-heated appropriately; ensuring food safety standards are maintained. Good systems are in place to ensure any accidents or illnesses are dealt with appropriately as the childminder keeps appropriate records and holds a current first aid qualification. Children show good relationships with the childminder and each other. They benefit from lots of cuddles and freely approach the childminder if they are upset, showing that they feel safe and secure in her care. Children are supported well in learning to share and take turns during play and respond well to the daily routines, such as helping to tidy away toys after use; this helps them

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and outcomes for children

make a positive contribution to their learning environment. Children are also supported in learning about safety while on outings as they talk about road safety with the childminder. Children have good opportunists to develop their free creative expression as they use a range of art, craft and malleable materials. Their art work is displayed in the kitchen, creating a welcoming learning environment. Children enjoy being imaginative as they use the play food, kitchen set along with the dolls and buggies; this enables them to re-enact real life experiences. They learn about sound as they use the musical instruments and dance along to the music. Children show a good awareness of number as they count accurately with the childminder and recognise some written numerals. They develop their problem solving skills as they use a broad range of puzzles and construction sets. Children are supported well by the childminder in developing their language skills, for

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and outcomes for children

example, their speaking and listening skills are enhanced effectively as the childminder is calm and encourages children to speak in their own time and encourages their listening skills through story time which is followed by conversation about the story. Children have good opportunities to develop their drawing skills and make purposeful marks. Children are able to develop their awareness of technology as they use a range of electronic toys and use the computer with the childminder. They have opportunities to develop their physical skills through outings to local parks and they walk to and from the local school, enabling them to gain regular fresh air and exercise, helping them to adopt healthy lifestyles. Children benefit from relaxed meal times where they sit together and talk about the food they like to eat while being supported in developing their self care skills such s feeding themselves and washing their hands and faces. Children

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and outcomes for children

have good opportunities to develop their skills for the future as they are offered a good range of actives and outings that reflect all areas of learning and the childminder shows a clear understanding of their learning needs. 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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