Childminder in Croydon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY246349 Inspection date 08/06/2011 Inspector Marcia Robinson

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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 2003. She is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for five children under eight years old, three of whom may be in the early years age group. There are currently six children on roll, who attend on a part time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and two adult children in East Dulwich in the London Borough of Southwark. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family have one dog. The childminder does not employ an assistant or provide overnight care. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are happy and settled in a safe, secure and inclusive environment where they are all offered a balanced range of adult-led and child-initiated activities. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure all children's specific needs are met. On the whole, most of the legally required documentation is being maintained to a good standard. The childminder has recently started to make use of self- evaluation and regularly attends training in order to maintain continuous improvement. There are some aspects of the provision that require minor improvement including further development to the systems for observation and assessments, partnerships with others and documentation to further promote positive outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the recording of the daily attendance register to ensure it is promptly recorded as children arrive.  strengthen systems for observation and assessment by gathering information from parents about children's starting points, consistently noting children's next steps in future planning to ensure that all six areas of learning are covered. Also encourage parents to contribute to the ongoing planning, observation and assessment process.  strengthen partnerships with other settings that children attend, in order to promote continuity in learning and care This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is effectively safeguarded overall. The childminder has attended safeguarding training and demonstrates a sound understanding of the associated issues. For instance, she knows the four types of abuse and the correct action to take if she has concerns about a child. Written procedures are in place and easily accessible contact numbers are available should she need to make a referral. Consequently, children are well protected. All of the required documentation that promotes children's health, safety and well-being is in place and is generally well kept. However, on the day of inspection, the daily attendance register was not promptly recorded as required. The childminder shows strong regard to promoting children's safety as she carries out regular risk assessments for all outings and trips, including journeys to and from local schools. She also completes risk assessments for the environment in order to remove all possible hazards and risks,

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the early years provision

such as monitoring that all fire exit routes are free from obstruction so children are kept safe on the premises. The childminder has devised a fire evacuation routine including a fire blanket that is fixed firmly in the kitchen as well as regular checks of her smoke alarms, ensures children's safety is well maintained. Furthermore, effective systems are in place for promoting children's good health. For instance, the childminder holds a valid first aid qualification and keeps a fully stocked first aid box. This means that children can receive appropriate treatment in the event of sustaining minor injuries. The childminder makes good use of resources to support children's learning and development. The home is well organised with space to play and children can easily access a good variety of toys and play materials that are suitable for their age and needs.

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the early years provision

The childminder works closely with parents to make sure she has a thorough understanding of each child's background and needs. She adapts care where needed and offers sensitive support to each child so that their individual needs are met and equality and diversity is well promoted. She has established good relationships with the parents. For instance, parents have access to a good range of useful written information including policies and procedures, and are given both a verbal and written update on each day's events and activities. However, although the childminder knows children and their families well, she does not formally gather information from the parents regarding the children's developmental starting points when they first start at the setting. Further to this, the observation and assessment systems are not yet fully developed to encourage parents and carer's contribution to the ongoing process, thus enabling parents to be fully

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the early years provision

involved in their child's continuous learning and development. The childminder is fully aware of other professional organisations involved within the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is regularly in contact with Speech therapists and other specialist workers, when visiting local Children's Centres and they are welcomed into the home to observe the children, if necessary, where their advice is valued. Contrary to this, the childminder cares for children who attend other early years settings but she is yet to fully establish systems to ensure a regular two-way flow of information is shared about children's learning and development. The childminder demonstrates a good commitment to ongoing improvement. She has attended a number of training courses in Safeguarding, Communication with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children, Food Hygiene and First Aid since her last inspection. This has a positive

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the early years provision

impact on the care and learning provided. She is beginning to use the Ofsted self- evaluation form, in addition to her own reflective practice, to identify where some future development should be targeted, such as developing her skills through plans to do a Foundation course in Early Childhood Studies. She makes use of some feedback from parents and contact with her early years coordinator as well as links with other childminders in order to keep up-to-date and evaluate her provision. She acknowledges however, that it would be useful to formally obtain parents and children's views on her setting at regular intervals, therefore, she is planning to further develop her systems of self-evaluation.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and has attended relevant training to further her knowledge. The wide range of resources ensures that each of the areas of learning is covered well. The majority of toys are stored at the children's height to promote free choice and independence. The childminder rotates these to inspire participation. She has a weekly plan in place, which is then added to in response to children's interests. The childminder's good knowledge of the children she cares for means that she quickly understands what children need to help them make progress. She makes regular observations of their interests and achievements, although the childminder does not systematically note the next steps into future planning to ensure all aspects of children's learning is completely covered. Children are well occupied, and stimulated throughout the day because the childminder is enthusiastic and

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and outcomes for children

activities are undertaken with a sense of fun. Children have good relationships with the childminder, who is calm, patient and responsive to their needs. As a result they are confident, independent and have good self-esteem. Children benefit from a flexible routine, including a balance of child-centred and adult-led activities, that is organised around their needs. They engage easily in conversation with the childminder and visitors, and photographs of previous activities effectively encourage children to talk about past and present events in their lives. Their early language skills are fostered well when the childminder talks to them as they play or they cuddle up for a story, learning new vocabulary and predicting what happens next. They use their imaginations when they create colourful pictures using glue and colourful shapes for sticking or make music playing on the drums. Through well organised routines children's independence skills are developing well.

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and outcomes for children

For instance, they make their own sandwiches or choose playing indoors or outdoors. Tentative systems are in place that are aimed at extending the range of activities and experiences that promote children's understanding of their own and others cultures and backgrounds. The childminder acknowledges this area for improvement. She demonstrates a positive attitude towards inclusion and diversity, particularly valuing children's home language in their play and learning. A good range of resources, such as dolls and books, which reflect diversity and positive images of differences is freely available. Children have access to a selection of battery operated toys that they explore and activate by pressing buttons. There are plans to extend the range of information and communication technology (ICT) This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 resources for older children to further enhance this area of learning. Taken

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and outcomes for children

together, the resources and activities available, help children to develop the skills that they need for their future learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is promoted well. The childminder has a range of appropriate safety equipment in place and this is supported by effective procedures such as practising fire drills and road safety with the children. They feel a sense of belonging as they are cared for in a homely environment where they move around safely and enjoy helping themselves to resources. Children show that they feel safe with the childminder in the relaxed way they snuggle up to her when she sits in the armchair and reads them their favourite stories. Accidents and the administration of medication is managed effectively to support children's health and wellbeing and keeping parents fully informed of such events. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and full public liability insurance to further promote children's welfare and safety. Children's good health is maintained effectively through daily routines. Hygiene practices are in place as children

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and outcomes for children

regularly wash their hands at routine times and use individual paper towels to dry their hands, which helps to prevent the spread of cross infection. Children have good opportunities to develop physical skills, for instance they play outside every day as part of a healthy lifestyle, either in the garden, at drop in groups or practising their physical skills on the equipment in the park. During dry weather children enjoy sand and water play set out in the garden. Children enjoy a variety of foods which are mainly supplied by their parents, although they receive a range of healthy snacks provided by the childminder, including fresh fruit and drinks of water throughout the day. Relevant documentation with regard to health, including specific dietary needs and consent forms are in place and up to date. These positively safeguard children's well-being. 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 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 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: 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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