Springboard Education

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 135180 Inspection date 22/03/2011 Inspector Jennifer Devine

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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 1995 and she lives with her husband in Queens Park, in the London borough of Westminster. The childminder uses the ground floor of her premises for childminding purposes and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight, of whom three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in the early years age group, of whom both attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and Westminster Accredited Childminding Network scheme. She helps organise three childminders' drop-in groups around the local area. The childminder holds a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in childcare and is currently studying for a foundation degree in early years.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The needs of the children are exceptionally well met and they are making excellent progress in their early development. This is due the childminder's excellent knowledge of providing a child-focused, stimulating environment where she plans activities to sustain their interest and develop their early skills. The provision for children's safety and welfare is exemplary. She works closely with parents to ensure she meets the unique needs of each child. The childminder is enthusiastic and fully committed to continually monitoring and evaluating the service she provides to ensure she maintains a high quality service.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 review the methods of observation and assessments regularly to ensure they continue to help in the planning of suitable activities as children grow and develop.

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the early years provision

The childminder fully understands the importance of safeguarding the well-being of children in her care and is very aware of her role and responsibilities in protecting children from abuse. Effective, comprehensive and well-written policies and procedures are in place to ensure children are protected. These are regularly This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 reviewed in line with requirements and to ensure the needs of all children are met. The childminder has an excellent understanding of overall safety and is vigilant in her supervision of the children. Comprehensive risk assessments for the home and for any outings are conducted and this ensures children are cared for in a very safe and secure environment.

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the early years provision

The childminder is extremely committed to her professional development and has developed an extensive self-evaluation process that is aimed at bringing about future improvements. Children benefit from the childminder's many years of experience and the extensive training she has undertaken to continually enhance her knowledge and skills. The childminder is currently studying for a foundation degree in early years which is helping her to reflect on her practice and develop her knowledge further. The childminder recognises the need to continually review her observation and assessment methods so that they give her clear information to support children's progress.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive environment for all children and families. They are well supported as the childminder is fully aware of individual children's needs, routines, likes and dislikes through having intensive discussions with parents before their child starts. This ensures children receive a smooth settling-in time and feel emotionally secure in the childminder's care. The childminder embraces diversity within her home and has obtained key words in the children's home language to enable her to offer support and develop their confidence. The childminder plans trips out to several community activities such as toddler groups and this helps children develop an understanding of the world around them.

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the early years provision

Children are able to move freely and independently around the home and garden, while still under the close supervision of the childminder at all times. The childminder organises her home and play resources extremely well, enabling children to make choices freely and safely. Children can choose from a range of age appropriate toys stored at a low level to support their increasing independence.

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the early years provision

The childminder works exceptionally well with parents to ensure continuity of care and education is offered. Detailed information regarding the children's care is obtained from parents when their child starts. This enables her to settle children in carefully and follow similar home routines. Parents are kept well informed about their child's day through the use of a daily diary, text messages and verbal feedback. The childminder also shares her developmental records with parents to enable them to become fully involved in their child's learning journeys. The childminder seeks parents' views in the form of a questionnaire and uses their comments to make improvements. Parental comments indicate they are very happy with the care provided. The childminder is fully aware of developing partnerships with other agencies. She provides a detailed developmental report for children when they leave her setting and this supports the transition to their next

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the early years provision

provision. The childminder takes a lead role in running a number of drop-in groups, supporting other childminders with training and coordinating the childminder's vacancy list for her area. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are incredibly happy and settled within the childminder's home and are making exceptionally good progress in all areas of their learning. The childminder fully recognises that every child is unique and she is highly skilled in creating a stimulating environment which allows children to develop their confidence and become competent learners.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and she has highly effective methods in place for observing children's progress. She uses the development matters guidance to link her observations to the six areas of learning and, as a result, she is able to clearly recognise the next steps for learning.

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and outcomes for children

Young babies' needs are exceptionally well met as the childminder provides a loving and caring environment and, as a result, they develop their confidence to explore their surroundings. The childminder sits with the babies providing a treasure basket to encourage them to develop their inquisitive minds and desire to explore. They sit for extended times engrossed in the different objects, reaching for their favourite clunky chain and placing it in a pot to make a noise. The childminder is highly skilled and passionate in singing with children and introduces songs to them as they explore. She finds a silk ribbon and sings a song making actions with the ribbon, and this encourages the babies to copy her and begin to wave their ribbons around as they babble. Young children have superb opportunities to develop their increasing physical skills as the childminder spends time encouraging babies to lie on their tummies and begin to roll and manoeuvre

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and outcomes for children

around. She supports them to bounce on their feet as she sings songs about marching and hopping.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has an excellent knowledge about children developing the love for books and reading. She has some wonderful age appropriate books which young children sit alone and together with the childminder to look at. Young babies sit for extended periods looking at their favourite books and interact by feeling the textures and pressing the sound buttons. Children have good opportunities for outdoor play as they visit local parks or play in the well-equipped garden. They enjoy many activities to develop their creativity and imagination with art and participate in planned sessions at the drop-in groups or children's centres, together with activities within the home environment.

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and outcomes for children

Children's individual dietary needs are well promoted. The childminder has a comprehensive practical understanding of nutrition and the requirements of a varied, healthy and balanced diet. Parents provide their children's meals and the childminder makes sure these are stored and heated appropriately to ensure they remain fresh and consumable. The childminder provides healthy snacks of fruit or vegetables and drinks are easily accessible for children. Young babies are offered their bottles of milk as required and snuggle up with the childminder to drink their bottle, feeling secure and content following their feed. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder takes reasonable steps to ensure children in her care remain healthy and free from cross infection. Children do not attend if they are unwell. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and this enables her to deal

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is appropriate for their age and the childminder has effective strategies in place by offering lots of praise to them to promote their self-esteem. The childminder makes effective use of her resources to distract children's attention when difficulties arise. For example, when one young toddler did not want to wear the safety reins when walking she introduced a toy dog on a lead that distracted the child and focussed her to caring for her pet.

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and outcomes for children

Children's safety is paramount. The childminder ensures her home provides a safe and secure environment for children and she reinforces children's understanding of keeping safe when outdoors by ensuring young children are safely harnessed into the pushchair or walking with safety reins on, only running freely when they are in safe place. Children take part in fire evacuation practices which helps them understand about leaving the home quickly and safely. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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