Childminder in Camden

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY320922 Inspection date 07/03/2011 Inspector Arda Halls

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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 2006. She lives with her partner and a teenaged child in Belsize Park in the London Borough of Camden. The whole of the garden flat except the bedrooms are used for childminding, which is accessible without stairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play and children are regularly taken to the local parks. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of two children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local drop-in groups and the public library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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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 provides a stimulating and welcoming environment in which children's individual needs are effectively identified and mostly met. The health and welfare of children is well managed and successful partnerships promote good quality education and care. The childminder monitors and verbally evaluates her practice, which demonstrates her capacity to maintain continuous improvements and enhance opportunities for the children in her care. Although not all her procedures are fully in place to enable the easy identification of targets in order to further develop her setting.

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further?

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

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further?

 practice evacuation drills on a regular basis and record details in a fire log book of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  use the information gained from ongoing observations to clearly identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child.  develop the process for self-evaluation to ensure there is clear identification of targets for further improvements This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The provider is well organised in a clean and inviting setting. She has a good understanding of how to keep children safe and knows what to do if she has a concern about children. Policies and procedures are unique to the setting including what to do in the event of an allegation of abuse being made. The complaints procedure clearly informs parents how they may contact the regulator if they should wish to make a complaint. The childminder consistently updates her policies. Risk assessments covering risks both indoors and on outings have been prepared and the childminder recognises the benefits of updating them at regular intervals.

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the early years provision

The setting is well-resourced. Children are engaged in their play consistently for long periods of time as they are able to play and explore a good range of toys and resources that meets the needs of all children. Low level storage means that children's independence is promoted as they can make free choices about what they like to do.

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the early years provision

Partnerships are well organised and established and they make a successful contribution to children's achievement and well-being. Communication takes place regularly with other providers, which means information is effectively shared and used to promote children's achievement and well-being. Children's individual care needs are accurately identified as children start at the setting. This means their daily routines are designed to take children's needs into account. For example, the provider knows the signs of children wanting a change of activity or a drink of water. She knows when the best time is to go out for a walk in the park or visit a local drop-in centre.

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the early years provision

The provider obtains the opinions of the parents by asking them to record their views on the care provided. Parents are kept well informed about their children's progress at the end of the day at which time they may voice their opinions verbally. The provider has a good relationship with parents and carers which ensures each child's needs are met. Parents write about how happy they are with the care provided. Parents are kept informed about their children's achievement, well-being and development.

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the early years provision

The provider reflects effectively on her practice and is committed to enhance and develop it. She establishes effective daily routines that help children learn about the order of the day. She discusses with children when they will eat and when they may go for a walk. Children have access to drinking water at all times as their beaker is filled with water and near to hand. She works successfully within the Early Years Foundation Stage to consistently provide well organised care for all children.

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the early years provision

The provider takes steps to evaluate her provision for children's learning, development and welfare. She understands the value of involving parents and their children in helping to evaluate. She understands the strengths and weaknesses of the service she provides. However, the process for self-evaluation is not fully This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 developed to provide clear identification of targets for further improvements. Children achieve well and their development is good as a result of the setting they are in. The provider is taking appropriate steps to ensure resources and the environment are sustainable.

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and outcomes for children

Children are actively engaged in their play and exploration, smiling and laughing and talking confidently with the childminder. They are encouraged to be active and inquisitive and as a result are independent learners. There is a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities which means children are fully occupied and enjoying their learning journey. They like to be creative as they paint at the easel and are quick to put on their protective smock as they discuss the colours they will use on the paper. The childminder admires their finished work, encouraging them in their efforts. She has a good understanding of how children learn and she portrays this in the observations she makes of children at work. Systematic observations and assessments are completed for each child's achievements, interests and learning styles. However, they are not always used to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each

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and outcomes for children

Children are free to access books both in the home and when at drop-ins. They have their favourite stories which the childminder reads throughout the day. She recognises the importance of following the children's interests. She explains how she will use the public library to extend children's learning about their own cultures and those of others.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing good basic skills for their futures. They learn about numbers through the stories they read, they learn to recognise shapes when assembling puzzles. A good selection of board games and manipulative play materials help children develop further skills. Children's language is successfully promoted as the childminder talks consistently with the children as they play. The childminder is actively involved in all aspects of the children's play and learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children's personal development, care and understanding of a healthy lifestyle is easily visible. Children know to wash their hands if they get covered in paint and they are quick to wash them before eating snacks or lunch. All areas of the home are orderly and good hygiene is practised at all times.

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and outcomes for children

Children's safety is maintained successfully as the provider strives to raise their awareness of how to keep themselves safe. They are reminded not to run inside, they are beginning to learn about road safety and how they must use a safety strap if they are out walking. The childminder has a good understanding of how to evacuate in an emergency but does not practice emergency evacuations with the children. Positive behaviour is consistently promoted and recognised. Children are kind and considerate. They have a good sense of belonging and self-esteem which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 is reinforced throughout the day. 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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