Childminder in Croydon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY342064 Inspection date 10/05/2011 Inspector Angela Ramsey

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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 has been registered since September 2006. She lives with her husband and their three children aged 12, nine and two years. They live in a three bed roomed house in the London borough of Croydon, close to parks, shops, schools and public transport services.

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Description of the childminding

The dining and living rooms on the ground floor are used for childminding. The children only go up stairs to use the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two rabbits.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children aged under eight years at any one time; of these, not more than two may be under the age of five years. At the time of the inspection there were three children on roll.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a network childminder.

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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 children happily play, learn and thrive in the caring, stimulating and welcoming environment provided by the childminder. An extensive range of home based activities as well as planned visits to places of interest, such as museums, are planned. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework is implemented well, ensuring that the children develop and progress through the early learning goals and achieve in reaching their individual potential. Effective channels of communication have been established with parents and other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Parents are kept informed of their child's development and achievements. The childminder strives to continually make improvements to her service. This is achieved through completing of Ofsted's self evaluation form, which is used to monitor and identify any areas for improvement. Since her last inspection, the childminder has attended various training courses to

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

further improve her knowledge of child care practices and initiatives.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain professional development to keep up to date with child care initiatives 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 devised and provided parents with copies of her policies and procedures which underpin her practice. All required records for the safe and efficient management of the childminding service are well maintained. Children are safeguarded by the childminder's excellent knowledge and understanding of her role in protecting children. She is aware of the possible signs of abuse, the importance of recording her concerns and she is aware of which agencies to contact if a referral needs to be made. The childminder takes all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children, both indoors and outdoors, are kept to a minimum. For example safety gates, smoke alarms and a carbon monoxide alarm are in place and are in working order. Regular fire drills are carried out with the children, the details of which are recorded. Risk assessments for her garden, home and outings are completed. She also has, in case of emergencies, the details of

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the early years provision

two other childminder's who are known to the minded children, who are able to provide emergency cover if required.

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the early years provision

Positive and trusting partnerships with parents have been established. Parents are kept well informed about all aspects of their own children's, care, well being and development. The childminder has a clear commitment to her professional development and puts her self forward to update her knowledge and skills through training. She has also completed Ofsted's self evaluation form which highlights her areas for improvements. The childminder is keen not to become complacent and views the attending of courses as important. Parents views are also sought these are gathered through a questionnaire that the childminder has devised.

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the early years provision

Through discussions with parents the childminder actively promotes equality and diversity. She works closely with parents and she becomes familiar with each child's individual needs, such as their likes and dislikes with regards to food and sleep routines. The childminder understands the importance of promoting equality and diversity. She has books that reflect diversity and uses these, as well as discussions with the children, to explain in a way children will understand the positive consequences of valuing and respecting others. Children are also able to play with dolls, small world figures and complete puzzles that depict people with additional needs. Activities are also adapted to ensure all children are able to participate.

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the early years provision

Parents are also kept informed of their child's development. Daily verbal discussions, contact books, notes on her notice board, newsletters, photographs, emails and telephone calls ensure good communication. This enables parents to have a picture of their child's day to day experiences and time spent in the childminder's care. Systems to observe and assess children's progress are in place; these identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child. Some children in the childminder's care receive education and care in more than one setting. For example, a child may also attend a nursery class or school. The childminder ensures that relevant information is shared with teachers and other members of staff to ensure continuity and coherence. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Resources are well deployed and easily accessible in containers and on low shelves

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the early years provision

enabling children to make choices about what they want to play with. The environment both indoors and outdoors is conducive to learning and supports children's learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are settled, happy and secure in the childminder's care. She has created a welcoming, comfortable and child-centred environment in her home and garden where children are able to enjoy the activities on offer. Resources are easily accessible and the childminder provides a wide range of experiences and learning opportunities that stimulate and challenge children's knowledge and understanding. The childminder organises outings to children's centres, parks, museums and the library. She has implemented a system to monitor children's development and progress using the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The observations identify how children's next steps in learning will be targeted. Photographs and children's examples of their creative works are also included.

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and outcomes for children

Children take part in an excellent range of stimulating and interesting activities. Activities are planned and based around themes; the current theme is mini beasts. Children look for ladybirds and snails and have even found a newt in the garden. Children's communication, language and literacy are enhanced as they develop a healthy interest in books. The childminder sits with the children and encourages them to point, recognise and name the animals in the illustrations.

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and outcomes for children

Toys and resources are well deployed enabling children to choose the toys they wish to play with. Children also love to investigate toys, pushing buttons, opening flaps working out that one action has an effect on others. Children's knowledge and understanding of the world is emerging as they engage in projects such as learning about different forms of transport. The childminder also encourages the children to help to plant potatoes and herbs such as thyme. Children have ample opportunities to enjoy the fresh air and outdoor activities. Children are able to bounce on space hoppers, ride push along toys and experiment with sand and water. Children's behaviour is appropriately supported. If required, the techniques used are suitable for the age and stage of children's development, for example, distraction and explaining to children in language they understand why the behaviour is not acceptable.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has successfully completed first aid training. A written procedure is in place that details the procedure to be followed if a child becomes ill. Records are also kept of any medicines administered. Parental permission to seek emergency advice or treatment has also been obtained.

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and outcomes for children

Children's good health and well-being are supported and positive steps are taken This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder's home is clean and the children are taught the importance of hand washing. Nappy changing procedures are hygienic. The childminder has devised menus that include healthy and nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder also ensures that children drink water during the day.

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and outcomes for children

Parents are extremely pleased with the care their children are receiving. Written comments from parents state 'our daughter loves coming to you and enjoys all the outings and various different things you do with her'. An e mail from a grand parent states 'I have heard nothing but good things about you.' Another parent says 'my daughter tells me you keep her busy and you have lots of different toys'. Another set of parents said 'it is very clear to us that this is more than just a day job. We are very pleased to have found you and look forward to many years of your service.' 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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