Childminder in Kingston upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY418767 Inspection date 13/07/2011 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 2010 on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her adult aged daughter and two young children who full-time education. Childminding takes place form the family home which is a three bedroomed ground floor flat which is situated within walking distance of New Malden town centre shops, community resources and public services. All areas of the home are registered for childminding use. There is a communal garden which children visit with the childminder and she makes use of local play-parks and wide open spaces.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered for a maximum of four children under eight years; of these no more than three may be within the early years age group. There is currently one child on roll who attends 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 are cared for in a child-centred environment, which is well supported by the enthusiastic and committed approach of the childminder. Overall, effective steps are taken to promote the children's safety and well-being. Children enjoy a flexible programme of activities which are generally reflective of their individual needs and interests. Partnerships with parents is well fostered which ensures a cohesive approach to children's care and learning. The childminder's capacity for maintaining ongoing improvement is good, as she has successfully begun to prioritise areas for development to ensure 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?

 maintain a record of evacuation drills in the fire log book, which includes details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  develop the opportunities for children to make choices about what they do, for example by providing pictures of resources not immediately accessible.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of her role in safeguarding children which enables her to act appropriately in the event of any concerns regarding a child in her care. Regular 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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensure that they are familiar as to how to react in the event of an emergency. However, no fire log is kept or assessments undertaken to record and evaluate the success of the evacuation. The home is kept to a high standard of cleanliness and there are effective procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection, which actively supports the well-being of the children.

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the early years provision

The childminder shows a strong commitment in sustaining and developing the quality of her provision. She is committed to developing her own future development as a childcare professional and has started to look objectively as to how she can improve her service through the use of self evaluation. Children use an ample range of good quality resources; however, due to the accessibility of some play equipment, children are unable to make independent choices as to what they wish to play with. Equality and diversity is promoted effectively within the childminders 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 parents. Policies and procedures are readily available to parents and provide a clear insight of the expectations of the service and the roles and responsibilities of both the childminder and the parents. Communication links are effectively maintained with parents through the use of verbal feedback and written exchanges. An equal partnership to learning is fully adopted and embraced between both parents and the childminder; informal and formal opportunities are available so that information can be exchanged as to achievements and progress of development both at home and within the setting. The childminder is aware to make links with other settings and agencies that children may be involved with, to ensure continuity in their care and learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very relaxed and happy within the care of the childminder, who is constantly on hand to offer support, guidance and reassurance where needed. They show delight and enthusiasm as they explore and participate in a range of purposeful play activities which are supportive of their individual needs and desires. The daily routines is consistently planned in accordance with children's own needs, ensuring that sufficient time is given for children to readily explore their own ideas and move onto different activities when they are ready. The childminder has suitable systems in place for the recording of what children do and achieve in order to track their progress. She skilfully uses her observations, together with her knowledge of each child's interests, enthusiasm and leaning styles to plan systematically for the next steps in their learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is supported well, as the childminder adopts a calm, caring and consistent approach, to help children develop an understanding of acceptable behaviour. Children receive constant praise and encouragement which promotes their self-esteem. Their sense of belonging is fully embraced as they see photographs of themselves participating in a range of activities, which are effectively used by the childminder to stimulate discussion of past events. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder helps children to develop their respect for difference by providing a range of play resources that reflect positive images of diversity. Children undertake outings, for example they visit the local mother and toddler group, which enables them to socialise with others within their community.

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and outcomes for children

Children engage in a range of activities that promote the development of their large muscle skills. For example; they regularly access a small garden area where they can explore and use a range of physical equipment; for example, slide, small trampoline and ride on toys. Children enjoy a range of freshly prepared meals and snacks which are reflective of their individual dietary needs and requirements. Children's awareness of the importance of healthy eating is encouraged as children make their own bread and enjoy other cooking and preparation of food activities. Children are encouraged to attend to their own personal hygiene needs and where need support given. They have access to individual hand towels which they use and then dispose of in the bin provided ensuring the prevention of cross infection. Children's awareness of their own safety is well fostered. For example they participate in regular fire evacuation procedures prompting their awareness of how

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and outcomes for children

to proceed in the event of an emergency.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop effective skills which contribute in the development of their skills for their future, which are well supported by the childminder's experience as a child care practitioner. They have access to a range of programme toys which helps them to become familiar with technological equipment. Mathematical concepts are encouraged through the use of practical activities. For example, as they count eyes and arms on figures that they make with modelling dough. They have access to writing materials which enables them to make marks on paper and develop their skills in using pens and pencils. They enjoy playing with a range of role play resources, which allows children to act out their own fantasies alongside familiar scenarios. Overall, children thrive in a setting where they are free to learn, explore, experiment and have fun, within the care of a childminder who values and nurtures the individual characteristics of each child in her care.

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and outcomes for children

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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