Childminder in Tower Hamlets

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY407115 Inspection date 15/02/2011 Inspector Martha Darkwah

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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 2010. She lives with her partner and two children aged seven and 11 years. The setting is a two bedroom flat on the third floor of a new development in the Mile End area of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Children have access to the living room and bathroom. There is a communal garden available for outdoor play. Children are taken to local pre-school parks and playgrounds.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of two children under eight may attend at any one time, of whom, two may be in the early years age range. The childminder works term time only and is currently looking after two children in the early years age group who attend part time.

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Description of the childminding

She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary 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 has a secure knowledge of children's individual needs and spends quality time supporting children in their play and learning, which gives them confidence and a sense of security, all of which promotes their well-being. All children make good progress towards the early learning goals although the process in place for observing and reflecting on children's play does not sufficiently influence the planning for future activities. Cultural diversity and inclusion is valued and respected overall. The childminder accurately evaluates her provision with good understanding of where most improvements are needed. She acts on these, and demonstrates a strong drive for further improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide positive images and activities to challenge children's thinking and help them develop respect for equality and for differences in culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, learning difficulties and religion  extend the partnership with parents to involve them in their child's learning and development and how to support children's learning at home  link observations effectively to plans for individual children's future learning and development This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures by attending training and therefore supports children's well-being. She has a good knowledge on safeguarding and is clear about what to do if she has a concern about the welfare of a child in her care.

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the early years provision

Children's safety is given full priority as robust risk assessments are completed to ensure that the environment is safe and secure for them. Comprehensive risk assessments are in place for all the outings undertaken with children. The childminder has devised a fire drill procedure of the premises. She practices these regularly so that children know what to do in the event of a fire and a record of fire evacuation is kept.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a strong commitment for continuous drive for improvement of the service involving parents. She evaluates her practice sufficiently and reflects on her practice to identify areas she wishes to improve, identifying strengths and weaknesses. She clearly enjoys her work with children, which is evident in her positive interactions with them.

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures that her toys and resources are attractive, clean and in good order. Resources are appropriate and deployed effectively for the children attending. The range of resources is swapped to sustain children's interest and are organised well to give children easy access and have ample space to play and rest in comfort.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage; therefore, learning and development opportunities provided for children support each child's individual development well. However, the tracking systems need further development to ensure effective use in planning future learning to fully support the planning for their individual learning. The childminder has folders for each child which is being developed into profiles for children's learning journeys.

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the early years provision

An inclusive service is provided for all children and their families through strategies such as obtaining detailed information about individual needs when children first begin attending. Their individual home backgrounds, languages and cultures are valued by the childminder. However, resources and activities help to promote a positive approach towards diversity and inclusion is limited; an aspect she has identified by reflecting on her practice.

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the early years provision

The environment is effectively organised to promote an accessible and stimulating range of experiences for children. The childminder chats to children and maintains eye contact to encourage the development of early language skills. She helps children with their language skills by pointing to objects, repeating and emphasising descriptive words and engaging with children in their play, using laughter and fun as a communication tool.

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the early years provision

Successful partnerships with parents are established as they are fully informed This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 about all aspects of their children's care and progress through daily feedback sheets. For example, daily dairies and a carefully organised system of sharing and recording children's daily activities with parents to keep them fully informed. However, she is yet to organise systems of involving parents in their child's learning at home. Partnerships with other supporting services are encouraged and information relating to individual children's progress and needs is shared efficiently.

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the early years provision

Useful information is posted in the entrance area for parents. The childminder provides parents with good information about the service, including an information pack along with policies and procedures.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder's close, loving care supports children in feeling secure as they have their individual needs successfully met. She successfully supports them in becoming independent and active learners. The childminder enthusiastically engages with children as they play and skilfully follows their interests. Younger children receive one to one attention and comfort to make them secure.

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and outcomes for children

Children are treated as unique individuals, which enables them to grow in confidence and self-esteem as they begin to understand that they are valued and special within the home. Children are learning about sharing toys and being kind to each other, which is helping them develop their understanding of respecting others and developing positive relationships. Children behave well and are learning to share and take turns. They respond positively to praise and encouragement, which raises their self-esteem.

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and outcomes for children

A range of resources are set out creatively in low level containers so that children can access them independently and initiate their own play. Young children approach the childminder easily and are eager to listen to stories. The childminder knows each child well and creates a balance between adult-led and child-initiated activities. As a result, children are able make choices in their play and select activities for themselves, which develops their independence. Children are supported in their communication language and literacy, they use books and puzzles and electronic equipment where they identify colours, shapes and use appropriate words to describe what they are doing. The childminder sits alongside gently guiding the child what to look for next, using sound questioning techniques and contributing to their speech and vocabulary. Whilst using construction toys, they talk about numbers, colour and problem solve.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is a positive role model, which has a successful impact on children's behaviour. She is very responsive to their needs, communicating with them and explaining clearly when certain behaviour is not encouraged. They are content and settled because their individual health, physical and dietary needs are met to a good standard. Children are developing skills for the future as they develop independence skills, learn how to communicate and form positive This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 relationships. Children learn about cause and effect through programmable toys and learn how to problem-solve through puzzles and cookery activities.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes good standards of hygiene through modelling good practice and safe and effective routines which minimises the risk of cross infection. For example, children use wipes before meals and snacks. As a result children develop an awareness of their own personal hygiene. The premises, toys and equipment are clean and well maintained. Children benefit from healthy, balanced meals and snacks. She makes sure children take regular drinks to prevent them becoming dehydrated. Children enjoy physical play outdoors and have opportunities to use large equipment while visiting parks and other settings. All records relating to the children's individual health and general welfare are well maintained. Children are taught to be safe during trips to local facilities and those further a field. Children enjoy learning about the world around them as they are taken to places of interest, which enhances their experiences. This includes visiting local

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and outcomes for children

pre-schools, the Mud-chute Farm; play sessions at Meath Gardens, library and local playground. 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 3 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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