Childminder in Kingston upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 132092 Inspection date 25/07/2011 Inspector Elaine Douglas

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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 2002. He lives with his wife, who is his registered co-childminder, and has two adult children, one of whom lives at home. They live in a house in Kingston-upon-Thames, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the property is used for childminding, including a play room. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play and a fully enclosed deck area for free-flow all year. The family has two tortoises.

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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 six children may be in the early years age range, when working with his co-minder. He is currently minding two children in this age group. He also offers care to children aged over five years to nine years. The provision is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. He attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local park and library.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

An excellent range of activities and an enabling environment promote children's whole development and consequently they make rapid progress. The childminder knows the children and their families exceptionally well. This enables him to routinely meet their individual welfare and learning needs. Highly effective partnerships with parents and his co-minder ensure a highly inclusive provision where no child is disadvantaged. Most documentation and daily discussions keep parents well-informed. Comprehensive systems including self-evaluation monitor the provision and ensures continuous improvement in order to meet the needs of his users.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 extend the information for parents on the excellent procedures followed with particular regard to equal opportunities.

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the early years provision

Children's safety is given the highest priority. For example, extensive daily checks of the garden ensure children remain safe and secure within the grounds. Excellent This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 documentation is in place for the childminder to refer to in the event of a child protection issue. Procedures, such as having an emergency bag containing first aid equipment, emergency contacts and doctors details, help to protect children's welfare. Risk assessments carried out on the whole provision, outings, travel and unusual weather, such as snow and ice, ensure all risks to children are minimised. These have been recently updated to include fitness activities.

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the early years provision

The highly effective child centred environment enables children to be independent learners. For example, children use puppets and a theatre to make up their own stories, and build dens from natural resources. All areas of the provision are extremely well resourced, including a dedicated play room. The childminder and his co-minder work extremely well together to ensure all children's needs are met. For example, younger children do not need to be disturbed from their play or sleep, as one childminder is able to collect children from school while the other remains at home. An outstanding range of activities and resources promote children's positive awareness of equality and diversity.

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the early years provision

Parents receive excellent information on their child's development. They comment on the valuable use of the diaries and high standards of care. Parents receive extensive information on the provision including written policies and procedures. Some of these, such as the equal opportunities policy, do not inform parents of all the outstanding procedures followed. However, it is not a requirement to inform them in writing. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's dietary requirements are met. The childminder is pro-active in working with other providers who share care of the children. This ensures consistent care and learning.

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the early years provision

Excellent systems including self-evaluation identify the childminder's strengths and ensures continuous improvement. He has attended a workshop on working with children with disabilities, as recommended at his last inspection. Questionnaires are used to gain parents' feedback and he works closely with his co-minder to evaluate their provision and identify any actions for development. For example, they have installed an enclosed deck area to enable children to have free-flow all year.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder and his co-minder provide excellent role models, which means children show respect for each other and develop very high self-esteem. The childminder takes time to listen to children and displays obvious enjoyment in looking after them. Excellent use is made of impromptu situations for children to explore through first-hand experiences, such as snowfall. Plans are extended through children's own interests. For example, children make three-dimensional birds after a trip to the park. This motivates children to learn and promotes their skills for the future. Regular reviews are carried out with parents in order to identify children's next steps in learning and ensure continuous development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children take care of the environment and animals. They grow herbs, discover insects and make feeders for the birds. They develop a very positive awareness of

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and outcomes for children

diversity through celebrating each other's backgrounds. Consequently, they build excellent relationships. Children are confident communicators and are encouraged to enjoy books through an imaginative range of activities. For example, they dress up as animals and act out the characters in the story. Older children enjoy supporting the younger children's learning. For example, one child plays a game to promote the younger children's knowledge of colours. Older children are challenged through their daily routines, such as counting pieces of fruit on plates and adding the total together.

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and outcomes for children

All children display an extremely strong sense of security and belonging. They are encouraged to take appropriate risks to challenge their development under close supervision. For example, older children climb the low-level branches of trees. The childminder is a qualified fitness instructor and devices appropriate activities to challenge children's physical development and enhance their awareness of a healthy lifestyle. Children demonstrate an outstanding awareness of healthy eating and safe practices, such as care in the sun. 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 1 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 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 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 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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