Home Childcarer in Merton

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY265768 Inspection date 08/06/2011 Inspector Justine George

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her daughter, aged 14 years, in the London Borough of Lambeth. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom and play/sleep room are used by children and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The home is within walking distance of the local library, parks, pre-school and parent/ carer toddler groups. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Registration is for a maximum of six children at any one time, three of whom may be in the early years age range. The childminder currently minds four children in the early years age range on various days throughout the week. She also cares for three children from five to nine years outside school hours.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides an excellent environment for children where they thrive in her care. She has a very warm personality and children clearly enjoy their time with her. Children's needs and interests are generally met very well as there is an excellent range of activities and experiences for children to explore. The childminder is incredibly well-organised as all the required documentation is in place and maintained to a high standard. Children benefit as the childminder is committed towards driving improvement and is proactive in seeking information to ensure her knowledge reflects current practice

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 developing further personalised learning, development and support, for example by increasing knowledge of how to encourage young children as they explore particular patterns of thought or movement, sometimes referred to as schemas.

p.4

the early years provision

Children's safety is of high regard. There have been no changes to circumstances since the last inspection and the childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities in ensuring children are protected from unvetted adults. The home is safe and secure This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 since thorough risk assessments are in place to eliminate any hazards. The childminder complies with her registration conditions which ensures that child to adult ratios are adhered to. She has excellent knowledge of the required documentation to ensure the safety and welfare of children. For example, children's records are maintained and the required written consent is in place from parents. Therefore, children are cared for in line with parents' wishes. The childminder has excellent knowledge of child protection safeguarding procedures and the well-written policy and supporting documents provides an excellent

p.4

the early years provision

reference tool. As a result, vulnerable children are protected well.

p.5

the early years provision

Equality and diversity is promoted very well in the setting. The childminder gathers wonderful information from parents about children's interests, important family members and family experiences. As a result, the childminder truly embraces parents' contributions which ensure that children's identities are recognised and valued, aiding confidence and high levels of self-esteem. The childminder makes the most of local facilities within the community which supports children in developing their social relationships and learning about the diverse society in which we live. In the home, children's needs are beautifully met as routines ensure their well-being. Children have developed wonderful relationships outside the family home where they enjoy sitting together on the sofa to share stories or seeking a cuddle from the childminder if weary. The deployment of resources is very effective in meeting the needs of children. There are ample toys and activities

p.5

the early years provision

which are set out for children to explore, or children go into the playroom to choose what they would like to play with. All toys are labelled with both words and pictures, making an accessible and inclusive setting.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnership with parents and others involved in the care of children are outstanding. A professional and friendly service is provided where excellent information is shared outlining the childminder's responsibilities in caring for children. The childminder has also recently devised a website to improve accessibility. Regular communication is shared whereby information informs both the childminder and parents of the children's needs ensuring their emotional security. The childminder shares wonderful information about children's progress through photos, children's creations and regular written progress reports. The childminder strives hard to maintain positive relationships with parents seeking their views through use of questionnaires. The childminder also recognises the importance of working with all those involved in the care of children. Channels are explored to develop partnership working resulting in continuity and consistency of

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is incredibly committed towards driving improvement and excellent systems are in place. For example, the childminder makes the most of training opportunities both on line and through attending courses. She has kept her first aid and safeguarding knowledge up-to-date and has recently completed a National Vocational Qualification level 3 childcare qualification. She attends the local children's centre to gain information about childcare issues and through liaison with other practitioners; she constantly seeks out information to ensure her knowledge reflects current practice. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children truly enjoy and achieve and develop excellent skills for the future. Children show a clear enjoyment of books and music, and there is a lovely range of resources to extend this further. Children independently look at books or sit with the childminder to enjoy stories and props are added to fully develop children's understanding and enjoyment. Children very much enjoy listening to music; they play instruments, sing along and also watch online versions, providing them with rich language and technology opportunities. Children participate in a wide range of experiences which covers the different areas of learning. At present children are involved in growing sweet peas and sunflowers and they observe the changes over the course of time. The garden is very well used and again there are truly fabulous experiences for children to enjoy. They participate in exciting mark making opportunities using the large chalk boards or painting with water. Children enjoy

p.6

and outcomes for children

blowing bubbles, exploring sand and using wheeled toys. Children also participate in recycling food scraps which are added to the wormery and they often take a peek inside to spot the fattest worm. The childminder has devised learning journals for all children which shows the excellent progress they make and plans are also devised to extend children's learning and development further. The observations are clearly linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, resulting in a challenging and stimulating environment. The childminder recognises the opportunity to further personalise learning, development and support by developing her knowledge of children's repeated play patterns, sometimes referred to as schemas.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children make a positive contribution and they are developing high levels of self- esteem and confidence. They feel safe which is due to a settling-in procedure suited to their needs. In addition, the childminder is well-informed of their routines and comforters which foster children's emotional development. Children are very well-behaved as they are stimulated and challenged. They are supported very well in their moral development. The childminder provides a good role model for children as she listens and responds, showing genuine interest in their contributions. Children are learning about fairness through sharing and turn-taking and the childminder uses excellent strategies to support children during this challenging stage in their development. The environment is very well thought out for children whereby they play and relax in the living room and toys and books are set out according to their interests. In addition, children also access the dedicated

p.6

and outcomes for children

play/sleep room where there is a fabulous range of resources. As a result, children show a strong exploratory impulse setting the path for enthusiastic learning.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's health is promoted very well. They are active and have excellent opportunities for fresh air and exercise. Hygienic procedures are in place to minimise the spread of infection, for example through washing hands and excluding children in the event of any illnesses. The home is very clean and hygienic whereby children and adult remove their shoes and children eat together in the kitchen. Families provide meals and snacks for children and the childminder also provides parents with information to ensure the food provided is healthy and nutritious. Children are provided with drinks throughout the day to ensure they are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 well hydrated. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

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

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

p.8

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

p.8

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9