Home Childcarer in Surrey

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY347339 Inspection date 06/07/2011 Inspector Teresa Elkington

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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 2007. She is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and two children in West Moseley, Surrey. The ground floor of the premises is used for childminding, where children have access to a designated playroom, lounge and dining room. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is close to public transport, schools, shops, parks and other amenities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four 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 caring for three children in the early years age range on a part-time basis.

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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's individuality is respected and valued because the childminder promotes an inclusive, welcoming childcare environment within her home. Highly effective steps are taken to promote the children's safety and well-being. Overall, the provision is well organised to support children's learning and development. Children benefit from the positive relationships that exist between the childminder, their parents and others who are involved in their life. The childminder monitors the quality of her service and attends training courses to develop her skills. As a result, she is able to critically evaluate and continuously improve the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the organisation of resources, to enable children to make additional independent choices.

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the early years provision

Safeguarding is prioritised. The childminder has an excellent understanding of child protection issues, and is knowledgeable about recognising any concerns and reacting appropriately. Regular and thorough risk assessments of all aspects of care and daily checks within the home contribute towards children's safety and well-being. A clear evacuation procedure is in place, which children practise at regular intervals, to ensure that they are familiar as to how to react in the event of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 an emergency. Great emphasis is placed on maintaining a hygienic and safe environment. The home is kept to a high standard of cleanliness and there are excellent procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection.

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the early years provision

The childminder shows a strong commitment to sustaining and developing the quality of her provision. The use of self-evaluation, including seeking regular feedback from parents, enables her to look objectively as to how she can improve her service. This enables her to prioritise her targeted areas for improvement. She has successfully gained a Level 3 in Childcare Practice, as she recognises that to retain her professional status, she should continually update her knowledge and skills. Good use is made of the available space within the home, to create a well- resourced play area. However, the organisation of the resources available does not fully enable children to become independent learners. Equality and diversity is promoted effectively within the childminder's practice. Every child is valued as an individual and all children and their families are supported according to their unique needs and wishes.

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the early years provision

The childminder fosters good relationships with the parents, which promotes a shared partnership approach in all aspects of children's care and learning. They have access to a wealth of information, through a comprehensive portfolio that the childminder has devised, in support of the service that she provides. Channels of communication are kept open, both written and verbal. Developmental records are discussed with parents, which promotes a shared understanding and agreements in the planning of children's next steps in their learning. Comments from parents show high levels of satisfaction. For example, they comment that the childminder provides 'high quality care' and 'children flourish in a home environment where they feel safe and valued'. Links with other providers of care are well established to ensure a cohesive approach to learning and care.

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and outcomes for children

Children thrive and progress well within a relaxed, homely environment where they benefit from the close relationships they have established with the childminder. This enables them to feel safe and secure. Children enjoy a well balanced range of activities. These are expertly planned by the childminder, ensuring that children are stimulated, enthused and that individual progress is continually developed. Sufficient time is given for children to explore their own ideas and move on to different activities, with the support of the childminder when they are ready. The childminder maintains carefully observed records, to identity and track the progress of each child. She makes good use of photographs, supported by evaluative assessments and focused observations to record all aspects of each child's learning and development. These are successfully used to plan stimulating activities and learning experiences.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop effective skills which contribute in the development of their skills for their future. These are well supported by the childminder's experience as a childcare practitioner. They have access to a range of programmable toys, which This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 help them to become familiar with technological equipment. Mathematical concepts are encouraged through the use of innovative activities provided by the childminder. For example, this includes sorting fresh fruits into colour groups, which are then counted or differences noted as children feel the fruits when blindfolded. The childminder provides many different activities to support children's developing interest in sounds and letters. They use a range of mark making materials, where they have opportunities to make spontaneous marks, encouraging their early mark making skills. They use a wealth of malleable

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and outcomes for children

materials, allowing them to express their emotions and develop their creative flairs. This includes the use of paint, messy play, modelling dough and dried pasta.

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and outcomes for children

Clear boundaries help children to understand the importance of acceptable behaviour. They receive ongoing praise and encouragement in all that they do. This helps them develop their self-esteem and a sense of belonging. Children gain a good awareness of the wider community, as they visit local places of interest, attend a range of toddler groups and socialise with children cared for by other childminders. The childminder helps children to develop respect for differences, by providing a good range of play resources that reflect positive images of cultural diversity. This is further enhanced by activities and discussions, reflecting their own cultures and traditions and those of others.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a safe, secure environment where the high standards of cleanliness minimise the risk of infection. The childminder establishes good personal hygiene practices and children learn the reasons for them, helping to develop their understanding that they need to wash their hands to get rid of germs. Children enjoy a range of freshly prepared meals and snacks which are reflective of their individual dietary needs and requirements. Drinking water is accessible to children at all times. There are ongoing discussions about healthy food options and activities, where children plant and nurture seedlings, which are harvested and enjoyed at the meal table. This promotes children's awareness and importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle from an early age. Children enjoy a wealth of excellent opportunities for plenty of fresh air and exercise. They walk within the local community, enjoy playtimes in the well-equipped garden and engage in regular

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and outcomes for children

visits to local parks. This allows them to develop their physical skills and their use of large apparatus. The childminder promotes an excellent understanding with the children of their own safety. Children receive support and gentle reminders, for example, when handling and using knives during the preparation of fruit snacks. They are encouraged to learn about fire safety, road safety and 'stranger danger'. Overall, children are cared for by a childminder who values the children as individuals, and provides many opportunities for them to grow and flourish. 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 1 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 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 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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