Childminder in Camden

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY335225 Inspection date 03/03/2011 Inspector Arda Halls

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and four children aged 13, 12, 8 and 7 years in Belsize Park in the London Borough of Camden. The whole of the 12th floor flat is used for childminding, which is accessible by lift. There is a shared communal award-winning garden for outside play and children are regularly taken to local parks. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of three children at any one time; she is currently minding three children under five, one on a full-time basis and two on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local drop-in groups and the public library. The family has no pets. The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language. She is a member of a childminding network.

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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

Children make good progress in their learning and are supported equally, so child is disadvantaged. Children's welfare is effectively promoted, although drinking water is not accessible at all times. Partnerships are extremely well organised to promote good quality education and care. Strong links with parents help to involve them in their children's care and education. The childminder has an accurate understanding of the strengths of the provision; however, fire evacuation is not practised and self-evaluation does not fully identify weaknesses. The childminder communicates her plans for effective steps to improve her service.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 carry out regular evacuation drills and ensure that these are recorded in a fire log book, along with details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved 11/03/2011

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further?

 make fresh drinking water available at all times 11/03/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 develop system of self-evaluation to ensure there is clear identification of targets for further improvements 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 is well organised and offers a clean and inviting setting. She demonstrates a sound understanding of how to keep children safe and what to do if she has a concern. Policies and procedures are unique to the setting and include what to do in the event of an allegation of abuse being made. The complaints procedure clearly informs parents how they can contact the regulator, should they wish to make a complaint. The childminder has an adequate understanding of how to evacuate the building in the case of fire. However, regular evacuation drills are not carried out and details are not recorded in a fire log book.

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the early years provision

The childminder's home is well-resourced. Children are engaged in their play for long periods of time, exploring a wide range of toys and resources that meet their needs. The use of low level storage means that children's independence is promoted, as they choose what to play with.

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the early years provision

Partnerships are exceedingly well established. Communication takes place with other providers when needed, to ensure information is regularly shared and used to promote children's achievement and well-being. The childminder obtains parents views by asking them to complete questionnaires. Parents are kept well informed about their children's progress at the end of the day, when they can also give their opinions verbally.

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the early years provision

Children's individual care needs are identified when they start at the setting and their daily routine takes these into account. The childminder makes the best use of diversity by learning words and expressions in children's first language.

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the early years provision

The childminder reflects effectively on her practice. She has developed a self- evaluation document that portrays her enthusiasm in enhancing and developing her childcare practice. The self-evaluation provides an accurate diagnosis of her strengths but any weaknesses are not fully identified. The childminder communicates ambition and drive to secure further improvements, such as attending regular training and inviting parents to share an international day supper.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder establishes well organised daily routines that help children learn about the order of the day. She works effectively within the Early Years Foundation Stage to consistently provide good quality care for all children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are actively engaged in their play and exploration smiling, laughing and talking confidently with one another. They are encouraged to be active and inquisitive,resulting in independent learners. There is a significant balance of adult- led and child-initiated activities, which means children are fully occupied and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enjoying their learning journey immensely. They enthusiastically make play dough and proudly show the childminder their finished work ; the childminder praises and encourages them in their efforts. She has a good understanding of how children learn and this is evident in the children's learning records. Observations are linked to the areas of learning with the next steps of children's learning successfully identified. It is clear to see how children's learning is progressing.

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and outcomes for children

Children are fully supported to express themselves through a variety of play materials such as programmable toys, mechanical vacuum cleaner and an ironing board. Children are free to access books, both in the home and at drop-in groups; the childminder recognises the importance of following children's interests and explains how she uses the public library.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing significant skills for their future. They learn about numbers through stories they read and learn to recognise shapes while assembling puzzles. Innovative creative and manipulative play materials help children develop further skills. Children's language is successfully promoted with consistent discussions throughout the day. The childminder is fully involved in all aspects of the children's play and learning. The childminder is effective at presenting well organised play opportunities where children of all ages learn to play together successfully.

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and outcomes for children

Children's personal development, care and understanding of a healthy lifestyle are easily visible, with children washing their hands frequently throughout the day. The childminder explains how she introduces potty training according to parent's wishes and when the children are ready. Children are frequently offered healthy snacks throughout the day. However, fresh drinking water is not available at all times but children are encouraged to ask for water when they are thirsty. All areas of the home are orderly and good hygiene is practised at all times. Risk assessments covering both indoors and outings have been systematically prepared, the childminder recognises the benefits of updating them at regular intervals.

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and outcomes for children

Children's safety is maintained successfully and the provider strives to raise children's awareness of how to keep themselves safe. They are reminded not to run inside, learn about road safety and the need to hold hands when crossing the road. They are beginning to learn about emergency evacuation but have not yet practised a full evacuation of the building; also, details of the emergency evacuation and any problems encountered and how they were resolved are not recorded in a fire log book .

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and outcomes for children

Positive behaviour is consistently promoted and recognised. Children are kind to one another. They have a good sense of belonging and self-esteem, which is reinforced throughout the day. 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 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 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 3 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 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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