Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY221814 Inspection date 10/05/2011 Inspector Gillian Cubitt

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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 2003. She lives with her two teenage children in a house in Forest Hill, in the London borough of Lewisham. The home is situated on level ground and is easily accessible for wheelchairs. Parking is available outside the home. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for minding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for six children under eight years; of these, three can be within the early years age range. There are currently three children attending, who are in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has a relevant childcare qualification. She takes children to local children's groups, parks and libraries. She also collects children from local schools.

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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

Children's welfare is supported very well and they make excellent progress in their learning. The childminder's approach to equality and diversity is a particular strength, ensuring that her provision is totally inclusive for all. The excellent partnership with parents and others help to support outcomes for children. Most documentation is in place to support practice. The childminder evaluates her provision extremely well constantly identifying areas to improve, demonstrating her enthusiasm and professionalism in her role.

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further?

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

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further?

 update written procedures paying particular regard to the complaints policy to ensure it is in line with the Welfare requirements and prepare a record book in which to record complaint outcomes

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the early years provision

The childminder's good understanding of safeguarding children ensures they are safe in her care. All adults living in the home are vetted through the Criminal Records Bureau and she makes a note of visitors who arrive at the home. Furthermore, the childminder has robust risk assessments for both inside and outside the home, which ensures possible hazards are kept to a minimum for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's safety.

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the early years provision

The childminder's portfolio is comprehensive and informative for parents. All the required documentation pertaining to effective working is in place. However, some policies outlining procedures are not up to date; for example, the complaints policy makes reference to the previous National Standards and not the current welfare requirements under the Early Years Foundation stage. Although the childminder has not received any complaints there is no system for recording these, should they arise. The childminder is extremely committed to making improvements in her provision. She works hard in her training programme and has completed a childcare qualification and is working towards a higher certificate. She is also an active network childminder, helping and supporting other childminders as well as working closely with the local authority to constantly review her practice.

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the early years provision

There is an excellent trusting partnership with parents. The childminder values the diversity of families and is proactive in promoting inclusion in her home. She has an exceptional range of resources and toys for children that are deployed effectively, to both support children's individual needs and inform them of differences in others. This is particularly evident when caring for children with special educational needs. The childminder uses specialised adapted resources, such as the picture exchange communication system and Makaton, children feel fully included and valued.The childminder's ability to work effectively in partnership with others, alongside adapting her programme and home to meet children's specific needs is outstanding.

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and outcomes for children

Children are extremely settled and happy. They show an eager and positive attitude to learning, which is fostered by an enthusiastic childminder who provides many varied high quality stimulating toys and resources. This results in children being active learners, who demonstrate the desire to build on their skills and knowledge, helping them to move forward and tackle more complex activities in the future. The childminder makes excellent use of the guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage to assist her with observations and assessments for children's learning. As a result, planning for children's individual needs and next steps is strong, which ensures children achieve as much as they can in relation to their starting points and capabilities.

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and outcomes for children

Exciting and meaningful activities in a high quality learning environment totally engage children, who receive individual and caring support. The childminder draws on her wealth of experience, sensitive intuition and recent training to provide a range of activities that children enjoy. This is particularly apparent during settling in periods, when she provides engaging activities to make the children feel comfortable and at home which increases their confidence. For example, children who have only attended for a short time make considerable progress; the childminder provides activities that relate to their interests, such as singing nursery rhymes and songs with the computer. Children love to sing as well as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 being able to interact with technology. They become animated as they remember words and start to count. Children's play areas are exceptional. They have the

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and outcomes for children

whole of the downstairs rooms to engage in activities as well as a purpose designed garden, with a play house full of toys and resources. Children love painting and displaying their work, which makes them feel valued and completely at home with the childminder. Children show real curiosity in creating different shapes with play dough. Their language skills increase as the childminder chats with them, using new words to extend their vocabulary. Garden play is an extended part of the children's learning; they move about with baby dolls in pushchairs, play with water and plant flowers to support their growing understanding of nature.

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and outcomes for children

Children's sense of right and wrong is reinforced through the warm and responsive attitude of the childminder. Children begin to understand to respect others and look after toys. They form loving bonds with the childminder who praises the children's achievements. Children's health and welfare are very effectively promoted. The childminder is an excellent role model and ensures children learn good and lasting hygiene habits, through consistent daily routines. Children enjoy tasty and nourishing homemade meals. These are specially prepared by the childminder, who gives particular regard to children's dietary needs and parent preferences. Children's early awareness of safety is promoted in many ways. They receive certificates after completing emergency evacuation practice and learn procedures to keep them safe, especially when going on outings. 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 2 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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