Childminder in NewhamOfsted inspection, 13 Jun 2011

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 132626 Inspection date 13/06/2011 Inspector Amanda Allen

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 has been registered since 1999. She lives with her two adult children aged 22 and 20 years old. The family lives in a three bedroom mid terrace house in a residential area of East Ham, in the London Borough Newham which is within the London borough of Newham. The premises are within walking distance of local schools, shops, parks and public transport. Although the whole of the property is registered, childminding mainly takes place on the ground floor. A fully enclosed garden is available for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding xxx children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Child Minders Association, she collects children from the local school and attends local childminder drop in sessions on a regular basis.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good in-depth knowledge of each child as an individual, which supports her to successfully meet children's learning and welfare needs. Inclusive practice is good and the childminder is flexible to the needs of each child and their family. All documentation for the safe and efficient management of the setting is in place. The partnership with parents and other professionals is a key strength and this helps to contribute significantly, so the needs of all of the children are being met. The childminder reflects on her childcare practice and thinks about the service she offers, accurately identifying where she needs to make improvements.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve systems to monitor evacuation of fire drills and record details in a log book to include time taken, number of children and include any problems encountered and how they were resolved  improve systems so that all observations and assessments are dated to aid the further development of the children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a very good understanding of child protection and how to safeguard all children in her care. Effective written safeguarding policies and procedures are in place to make sure children are protected. For example, clear and robust procedures are in place for the arrival and departure of all children and she has a clear knowledge of her role and responsibilities in reporting safeguarding concerns. Robust visual and written risk assessments of her home are carried out regularly and she takes prompt action to minimise any risks to the children. Emergency fire evacuation plans are in place, however, the childminder does not currently log the drills when they take place and therefore any problems encountered or resolved are not recorded. All members of the household hold full Criminal Records Bureau checks and the childminder has a good understanding of how to protect the children from non vetted visitors to the home. She holds a

p.5

the early years provision

current first aid certificate. This means that she can give appropriate treatment if there is an accident to a child in her care. All accidents are recorded and signed by parents on collection.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is effective in sharing all relevant records with the parents, including daily information about activities and events. She is positive about the inclusion of all children and works to create an environment where they are provided with appropriate activities and experiences for their age and stage of development. The childminder promotes an inclusive environment in which all children feel valued and included. She has a good knowledge and understanding of how to meet any special educational needs. There is a wide range of attractive resources and pictorial images accessible to children, including some which reflect diversity. Children enjoy the freedom to choose from accessible toys and games and are well supported by the childminder as she joins in their play. They keep busy and happy, benefiting from the interaction of the childminder as she encourages an interest in different activities. The childminder is positive about the

p.5

the early years provision

inclusion of all children and works to make sure that children of all ages are provided with appropriate activities and experiences.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is beginning to reflect on her practice to accurately identify the strengths and weaknesses in her provision and to develop action plans for the continuous improvement of the provision. She continues with her own professional development by attending training and workshops and developing her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder is committed to building good positive relationships with both parents and other provisions and this is a key strength of her service. She has regular contact with her local authority development worker, has excellent relationship with the local primary school and regularly attends the local childminding drop in sessions. She demonstrates a clear understanding of how these partnerships are effective in supporting children's learning and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy, confident and exceptionally well settled in the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere of the childminder's home. The children are carefully nurtured by the warm close relationships they have with the childminder, which supports the children to be confident and feel secure to make choices from the activities and resources provided. They gain self-confidence and independence as they select play activities, often becoming absorbed in independent exploration. They are encouraged to develop communication skills as the childminder talks with them and consistently asks questions. Children's individual learning and development is very well supported by the in-depth knowledge that the childminder has of the children in her care. She is aware of each child's favourite resources, such as, interests in singing and dancing and reading books and responds to these appropriately, so that all children become interested and active learners.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder takes time to find out about the children when they start and their likes and dislikes which aids in their settling in process. She is beginning to keep an observation folder for each child in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Each child has an assessment folder which the childminder uses to note significant milestones in each child's development and she links these to the six areas of learning and their next steps for development. These assessments are also used to evaluate the activities that she provides. The observations are clear and focused although they are not consistently dated and as a result, there are missed opportunities to further enhance the children's learning and progress.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children play in the open plan lounge and dining area where they have direct and safe access to a wide range of toys, equipment and resources that are suitable for their ages. Children are playing with wooden jigsaw puzzles, books, cars and small world people and colouring books and drawing pictures. The children enjoy daily free flow access to the garden. They enjoy learning about the world around them through meaningful trips into the local community. For example, she takes the children to the local parks, farms and drop in sessions. This makes sure that learning is not confined to the home but they learn in all environments. This makes it fun and exciting for the children. Children feel safe and secure in the care of the childminder due to her warm and nurturing nature. They receive lots of cuddles and reassurance if and when they require it. This builds the children's self esteem and their confidence.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a very calming nature about her which results in well behaved children who respond well to praise. She is consistent in her approach to behaviour management and adapts it through consultation with parents to the age and understanding of the children involved. A clear understanding of the importance of the use of positive strategies to support children's behaviour reflects in her practice as children are very polite and consistently use please and thank you without prompting. She actively encourages children to share and take turns, and is careful to monitor the children at play to make sure that toys and equipment are used safely and appropriately. Children are carefully supported to learn effective hygiene skills through the use of consistent hygiene routines. Children are encouraged to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 take themselves to bathroom to wash their own hands prior to meals and after

p.6

and outcomes for children

coming in from the garden. Children are offered a good range of healthy and balanced meals and snacks which include fresh fruit and vegetables. The childminder takes detailed information about any special dietary restrictions and works closely with parents to ensure children's individual dietary needs are met. Fresh drinking water is available at all times and children have their own individual cups and beakers. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

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 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

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.8

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

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