Launchpad Centre

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 132033 Inspection date 04/03/2011 Inspector Lorna Hall

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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 1992. She lives with her husband and one adult child in the borough of Kingston upon Thames. The whole downstairs of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years, and of these, not more than three may be in the early years age group at any one time. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Currently, three children in the early years age group are on roll and the childminder offers after school care to children from the local school.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are broadly contented and resources are effectively organise so they initiate their play. They enjoy learning about their local community and make progress in numeracy, communication, language and literacy. However, the childminder is yet to develop formal systems to use observations and assessments to plan for the children's learning and to assess their progress to the requirements of the Early Learning Goals. Records required for the efficient running of the provision is generally up to date. However, the written safeguarding policy lacks important information. The childminder regularly meets up with other childminder to reflect and review her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve knowledege and understanding of the requirements of the Early Learning Goals to plan for the next step in the children learning and to assess their progress

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the early years provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding issues and has good information to refer to identify and report concerns. Most of the records required for the safe and efficient running of the service meet requirements. However, the safeguarding policy lacks information about procedures to follow in the event of an allegation against adults. Parents receive information about the business arrangements and the policies and procedures. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 There is a strong emphasis on working in partnership with parents and they can access information on the notice board. During, the settling period the childminder gathers information about the children and their family, where possible she adapts her service to meet individual needs. Daily conversation ensures information to promote the children's welfare is passed. However, the childminder is yet to

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the early years provision

develop systems to formally meet with parents to discuss their children's progress in the early learning goals. To show her commitment to the care and development of young children. The childminder has permission from past parents to share written reference with new and prospective parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder is motivated and committed about her work. Links with others such as the early years and the children's centre enables her to seek advice and access appropriate training. Her commitment to meeting children's individual needs is evident in the way she organises her home so the children can engage in free and structured play. The organisation of resources promotes equality of opportunity, which enables them to see at a glance what is available. Although, some of the children are very young, the childminder is skilled at ensuring they are involved as she sits with them and follows their lead. Resources are beautifully presented on the children's level on brightly coloured mats on the floor, on child size tables and on low level shelves.

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the early years provision

The childminder regularly meets up with other childminders to discuss best practice and also to review her practice. Through the self evaluation the childminder identifies areas of strengths in her work and also areas for development. Such as the need to use observations and assessments to plan for the next step in the children's learning and also to assess the children's progress. Her knowledge and understanding about community resources and links with the Early Years Advisory team at the local authority secures improvement and sustainability. The childminder is passionate and committed to meeting the care needs of young children.

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and outcomes for children

Children make satisfactory progress in their learning and development because resources are effectively deployed. As a result, children can see what is available to initiate their play. The childminder offers a relaxed environment to children before and after school. Children are broadly contented and engage in activities appropriate to their age and development. They are confident, and make decisions about their play, relate well with the childminder, think critically and show persistence as they use different size containers to build high towers.

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and outcomes for children

Children are well behaved and a written list supported with pictures of house rules is prominently displayed in the main play room. Linguistic diversity is valued and the welcome poster is printed in other languages. Outings within and outside of the local community promote the children's understanding of community resources. It also allows them to closely examine mini beasts and participate in art work. Through art activities, books and beautiful artefacts about different religions This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children learn about other cultures.

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and outcomes for children

Children make progress in communication literacy numeracy development and enjoy listening to stories. Older children use books to reinforce topic at school. For example, lots of books about the Romans reinforce their learning. Through, daily conversation children gain confidence to use language to express their needs. They have lots of opportunity to mark make and to understand that print carries meaning. Children explore shapes and numbered peg boards to recreate shapes.

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and outcomes for children

Through observation and assessment, the childminder identifies progression in the children's learning and achievement. Especially in their language and communication. However, she is in the very early stages of using the information she receives from parents and school to plan learning activities and to access the children's progress to the requirements of the Early Learning Goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks as part of a healthy lifestyle. The childminder uses visual aids to ensure all the children have the same opportunity to make healthy choices, especially at snack time. Effective systems are in place to ensure children receive the correct treatment in an emergency or if they need medication. Parents receive information about the care and exclusion of children who are ill. This minimises the spread of infection. Daily walks to and from school enable the children to enjoy the fresh air and engage in physical activity.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a sound understanding of safety because effective systems are in place to promote their safety within the home and on outings. Detailed written information supported with pictures promotes the children understanding of safety, so they know what actions to take in an emergency. As an extra safety measure, the childminder carries the children's details with her on outings. She also ensure her car and buggy are well maintained to transport children safely. The home is well organised to enable the children to move around freely to access play resources and extend their play. 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 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 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 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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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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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 improve the written safeguarding policy to include information about allegiations 04/03/2011

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