Childminder in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 107132 Inspection date 24/05/2011 Inspector Pamela Bailey

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and three children; two are adults and the other in his teens. They live in the London Borough of Southwark, close to shops, schools, parks and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor and master bedroom on the first floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range and of these no more than one may be aged under one year at any one time. She is currently minding a total of seven children in this age group, all of whom attend various sessions and on a part time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both 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 provides an inclusive service where each child is valued and their individual needs known and met. Children respond well to the care and support they are given and make positive progress in their learning and development overall. Effective partnerships have been established with parents and generally good systems are in place to promote children's health and safety. The childminder is constantly reviewing and evaluating her service to help improve outcomes for children and demonstrates a good capacity for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the use of resources to increase children's understanding of the different purposes for writing  improve assessments to provide a clearer picture of progress  improve systems for maintaining the cleanliness of all toys and equipment  assess the risks in relation to the gap between the garden fences and take action to minimise these.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of child protection and safeguarding issues and of procedures to follow should she have any concerns This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 about the welfare of a child within her care. All adults in the household have been suitably vetted. However, she does not currently have a written procedure to follow should a complaint be made against her by a parent.

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the early years provision

A wide range of safety precautions are in place and a combination of thoughtful consideration, daily checks and written risk assessments ensure that potential risks to children are identified and minimised in most areas. However, the gap between the garden fences poses an element of risk to children's safety. Children's independence and freedom of choice is increased because resources are plentiful and thoughtfully stored. However, the childminder does not ensure that all play equipment, particularly those used for role play, is maintained to a satisfactory level of cleanliness.

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the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic about what she does. She makes good use of local community facilities to extend children's learning and is committed to improvement of her setting. She has attended a wide variety of training courses and regularly meets with other childcare professionals to exchange ideas and share good practice. The childminder is constantly reviewing her practice. All recommendations raised at her last inspection have been addressed. This has improved children's health and safety and her partnership with parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder uses the Ofsted self-evaluation form to assist with her reflective practice. She confidently describes her strengths and the things she wishes to improve. For example, she is working towards becoming a network childminder. She regularly seeks the views of parents and has implemented changes as a result. For example, the childminder has devised systems to ensure that parents now receive information about their child's day and the menu. Completed questionnaires and letters received from parents include very positive comments in respect of the good service provided by the childminder.

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the early years provision

Children's individual needs are known and consistency of care assured because the childminder has formed good relationships with both the parents and the children. She exchanges appropriate information about individual children and talks to them about what they enjoy doing so that she can extend and support their learning whilst in her care.

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the early years provision

Written and photographic observations linked to the early learning goals are completed on all children and shared with parents. These are used by the childminder to plan for next steps in children's learning, taking into account their individual likes and dislikes and preferred learning styles. However, assessments are not sufficiently evaluated in order to show a clear picture of progress overtime.

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the early years provision

The childminder has appropriate systems in place for multi agency working and is aware of the need to ensure effective communication takes place to promote the learning and well-being for children. For example, those attending other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage, those who speak English as an additional language, and for those who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities, although none currently attend. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She plans and provides a range of adult-led and child-initiated activities that help support children's learning and development. Children are settled, and feel safe and secure in the childminder's home; she has a very warm and caring manner that helps to put them at ease. They enjoy a good level of interaction, support and experiences that reflect their individual needs, preferences and interests.

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and outcomes for children

Children are becoming aware of the expectations and boundaries through the childminder's gentle reminders about behaviour. They are beginning to show a developing sense of responsibility as they help with simple tasks, such as tidying away toys and including others in their play. Their efforts are acknowledged and their achievements celebrated through meaningful praise and encouragement. This enhances their sense of security and self-esteem.

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and outcomes for children

Children are able to explore and select toys and resources independently. The childminder has a good commitment to promoting equality and diversity. There are toys and resources that help children to develop an awareness of similarities and differences of people within their community. For example, children have access to diverse range of books, dolls with different skin tones and there are a variety of imaginary play items that positively reflect gender, age, culture and a range of disabilities.

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and outcomes for children

They have opportunities to examine living things as they take part in themed topics, such as, 'The life cycle of the caterpillar', thereby extending their knowledge of the natural world.

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and outcomes for children

Children are inquisitive and ask questions. They show an interest in the lives of other people and those familiar to them. For example, they enquire about the inspector's role and talk about themselves and friends in photographs. The childminder inspires their conversation by talking to them about things that interest them and showing them that their contributions are valued by actively listening to their responses. Children confidently prompt the singing of familiar rhymes and show an avid interest in books. The childminder introduces props to support children's learning in counting, saying what is 'one less', and mentioning colour, size and shape. Children's imagination is flourishing as they enjoy acting out familiar experiences and dressing up. However, they currently have little opportunity to increase their awareness of the different purposes for writing during different role-play situations.

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and outcomes for children

Children's good health is promoted well as they follow good hygiene routines, enjoy a variety of fresh fruits at snack time and help with preparing and selecting the ingredients for lunch. Regular outdoor play is included in the routine so that children benefit from plenty of fresh air and physical activity, further promoting their understanding of healthy lifestyles.

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and outcomes for children

Outings are frequent and include visits to the park, community groups and to local This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 soft play facilities. These outings, combined with playing outside in the childminder's garden where they manoeuvre wheeled toys, use the trampoline and play with the sand, support the development of children's social and physical skills, and help to increase their self-confidence. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as they practise road safety on outings and take part in regular emergency evacuation drills. 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 2 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: 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: Not Met (with actions)

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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

 devise a written statement of procedures to be followed in the event of a complaint being made against you and share this with parents (Arrangements for safeguarding children) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register) 06/06/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary 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

 taken action as specified under the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Arrangements for safeguarding children). 06/06/2011

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