Childminder in Hillingdon

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY320624 Inspection date 27/07/2011 Inspector Vicky Vasiliadis

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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 2006. She lives with her two teenage children and school aged child in Acton, in the London borough of Ealing. The childminder also has an adult lodger living in the home. The open plan living and dining room on the ground floor is used for childminding. The children have access to a secure garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years, with no more than three in the early years age range. She is currently caring for one child within the early years age range on an ad hoc basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children have the opportunity to engage in a suitable selection of age appropriate activities, within a safe environment. However, they have fewer opportunities to learn about other people's cultures, and about communication technology. The childminder is aware of the children's individual needs, as she communicates with parents to ensure consistency of care. Sound systems are in place to share information with parents and others. The childminder is in the early stages of evaluating her service, and has managed to identify some of her strengths and weaknesses.

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further?

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

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further?

 incorporate technology resources that children recognise into their play to increase their interest in information and communication technology  strengthen the systems for reflective practice, in order to effectively identify priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children  support children in developing positive attitudes to equality and diversity by acknowledging a range of cultural, religious and ethnic experiences.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of her role, in promoting the safety and welfare of the children in her care. As a consequence, children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder has a satisfactory understanding This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of child protection issues, and the reporting procedures to follow should she have concerns about the children in her care. She conducts risk assessments on the home, and has taken appropriate action to minimise children's exposure to potential hazards. For example, hazardous materials have been placed out of children's reach. The childminder has a selection of written policies and procedures in place that support her practice.

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the early years provision

The childminder is beginning to monitor and evaluate the quality of the service that she provides. She has obtained feedback from parents via parent questionnaires, as a means of identifying any areas that they would like developed or improved. Comments from parents have been positive. She demonstrates through discussion, a sound understanding of her own strengths and areas for development. For example, she acknowledges that she needs to continue to develop her systems for observation and assessment, and to increase children's understanding of equality and diversity. The childminder has addressed the recommendations from the last inspection, which ensures children's health and safety is promoted.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from the sound relationships between their parents, carers and the childminder. The childminder ensures that she obtains information from parents about the children's starting points, such as their likes and dislikes, and any comforters they may use. She also obtains information that will help her to provide consistent care such as, if the children have any allergies or dietary requirements that must be respected. She talks to the parents on a daily basis at drop off and collection times, and if necessary will send parents text messages, as a means of keeping them informed. Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the need to develop effective links with other professionals when the need arises.

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the early years provision

The childminder has made some efforts to support the children's understanding of equality and diversity. She provides children with a satisfactory selection of resources that are reflective of the wider community, such as books, figurines, posters and visual images. At present she mainly celebrates Christian festivals with the children. She does however recognise the need to increase children's understanding of other people's faiths and cultures, by acknowledging non Christian festivals. The childminder has formed positive relationships with the children. This enables them to explore their environment from a secure base. In addition, the children have access to an adequate selection of resources that are fit for purpose, well maintained and which provide them with suitable challenges.

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and outcomes for children

Children are helped to feel safe and secure, as the childminder is responsive to their needs. This helps them feel secure, comfortable and safe whilst in her care. The children are beginning to learn about how to keep safe, as the childminder has discussions with them during the course of the day. For example, the childminder reminds the children to use the outdoor equipment safely, otherwise they may hurt This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 themselves. In addition, the childminder conducts regular fire drills. This ensures that children know what to do in the event of an emergency situation. Children are adequately supported in developing a healthy lifestyle. The childminder provides children with a suitable range of resources in the garden to support the children's physical skills such as, push and pull toys, ball games and tricycles. The childminder also provides children with plenty of drinks to prevent them from

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and outcomes for children

becoming thirsty, and meals that take account of their dietary requirements such as, lasagne and fresh fruit.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder periodically conducts observations on the children's development, which she is beginning to use to identify the next steps in their learning. The childminder sits with children at their chosen activities, and they are suitably supported in their learning. This is because she demonstrates tasks and poses some open-ended questions, which encourage children to think for themselves. For example, whilst completing puzzles there are discussions about the different pictures represented on the puzzle pieces. The childminder talks to the children about what they are doing, and what she is doing, as a means of developing their communication and language skills. Children are supported in developing their early mark-making skills as they have access to resources such as, pencils and felt tips.

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and outcomes for children

Children are provided with an enabling environment, where they can easily access resources that are suited to their abilities, stages of development and interests. For example, children enjoy taking the soft toys and dolls for walks in their buggies. Resources are stored at the children's level, which ensures that children can make decisions, about what they wish to play with. The childminder has appropriate systems in place to manage children's behaviour. Children are well behaved and respond positively to consistent praise and encouragement. This ensures that children's self-esteem and confidence is suitably supported.

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and outcomes for children

Children use their problem solving skills, as they are beginning to sort and match shapes and complete puzzles of varying difficulties. In addition, the childminder introduces numbers into the children's play. For example, the children are encouraged to count form 'one to ten', whilst using the abacus. However, children have fewer opportunities to learn about information and communication technology, as these resources are not routinely available to the 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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