Childminder in Islington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY263417 Inspection date 16/06/2011 Inspector Liz Corr

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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 lives with her adult son in a two bedroom ground floor flat in the N5 area of the London Borough of Islington. Children have access to all areas of the home. Children also have access to a garden for outdoor play. The family have pet cats

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to provide care for no more than six children under eight; of these no more than three may be in the early years age range with no more than one of these aged under one year at any one time. There is no provision for overnight care.

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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 cared for in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The childminder has developed good communication systems with parents so that the children's individual needs are well known to her. Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. Children's good health is exceptionally well promoted. Most of the required records are maintained and systems for self- evaluation are in place. The childminder has a positive attitude to making improvements to her service.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance children's progress towards the early learning goals by obtaining more information from new parents about their child's development in all areas, and develop strategies for parents to contribute to the learning records  maintaindetailed records of emergency evacuations and how any problems encountered were resolved

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the early years provision

The childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection issues and understands the procedure to follow should she have any concern about the welfare of a child in her care. She regularly updates her safeguarding knowledge which ensures that she is aware of any changes to procedures. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has developed a range of policies which underpin her service and provide parents with useful information about her service. The childminder is committed to providing a safe environment for the children. Clear risk assessments are in place both for the home and each type of outing. The childminder has a clear fire drill and emergency evacuation policy. However, records of each evacuation have not been kept to detail any problems encountered and how they were resolved.

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the early years provision

Children access a suitable range of resources to promote their learning and development. They are also beginning to learn how to care for their environment as they help the childminder to recycle items in the home.

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the early years provision

The childminder enjoys her work and has devised suitable systems to evaluate her provision. She demonstrates a positive attitude to making improvements to her service. The childminder has secure support systems in place including support from her local early years service. She regularly updates her childcare knowledge which helps to keep her well informed of new practices and information. This demonstrates that she is able to continuously improve her childcare provision.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established secure relationships with parents. Feedback from parents is positive. For example, they think the food provided to their children is outstanding. Parents are pleased that their children are supported with their homework after school and are very happy with the communication systems between themselves and the childminder. The childminder is committed to working in partnership with others. For example, she ensures she receives regular updates from teachers of the children in her care, so she is well informed of their progress at school and can support school initiatives where appropriate.

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the early years provision

Useful information is provided by the parents about children's individual needs at the start of the placement. However, this does not include their developmental starting points to identify their initial progress at the setting.

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the early years provision

Children are developing a positive awareness of people who are different from themselves as they are provided with a wide range of opportunities to learn about the diversity of people within the local community and the wider world. The childminder is committed to providing an inclusive service where all children and their families are valued and supported regardless of background or ability.

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and outcomes for children

Children appear very happy and demonstrate a strong sense of security and belonging. They confidently approach the childminder when they need support or want a change of activity. They are provided with a calm learning environment and are developing very useful skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

They have access to planned computer sessions and stimulating opportunities for developing early writing skills. For example, they have had practical opportunities This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to write letters and post them to their home addresses. They demonstrate a desire to learn and thoroughly enjoy opportunities to be creative. During mark making activities they use brightly coloured pens and paints and learn about colour and numbers as they are provided with good interactive support from the childminder. During creative activities such as cake making, the children learn about weights and measures.

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and outcomes for children

They benefit from the childminder's enthusiasm, and her interaction and involvement in their play. She encourages their enjoyment of early reading during story sessions as they sit comfortably on the sofa together to share the story and talk about what they have read. Children's individual development is very well supported as the childminder is committed to providing the right type of equipment to meet their needs and help them make progress. The childminder uses good use of questioning during activities which promotes children's interest in learning. As a result, they concentrate well and confidently demonstrate their skills. For example, they talk about the pictures in their stories and recognise colours and numbers.

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and outcomes for children

Children have good opportunities to extend their learning outdoors. For example, they are provided with their own plants to grow and care for in the garden. They are praised for their achievements and this encourages their good behaviour and helps to promote their self esteem.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals as they are provided with a wide range of activities and outings. The childminder regularly observes and makes written records of their development and progress. However, the records are not always organised into the six areas of learning. Although records are regularly shared with parents, the parents are not provided with opportunities to contribute to the records in order to share what children are learning at home.

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and outcomes for children

Children's good health is exceptionally well promoted by the childminder. They learn about the importance of following good personal hygiene routines. They benefit from well planned menus which support their good health and well being. They have wide ranging opportunities to develop physical skills both indoors and out. The childminder supports their individual choices for physical play such as riding their scooters to the local school to collect other children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning the importance of safe behaviour in a variety of ways. For example, they learn the importance of road safety and how to cross roads at appropriate crossings. Furthermore, they learn how to care for the childminder's cats and what makes the cats feel happy and contented. This supports their understanding of the need to care for others and an awareness of animals and the natural world. 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 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 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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