Childminder in Southwark

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 159908 Inspection date 22/08/2011 Inspector Pamela Bailey

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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 registered in 2001. She lives with her two adult children and nine- year-old child in the London Borough of Southwark. The childminder's home is situated close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, all may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding nine children in this age group on a part-time basis. She also offers care to children over five years of age. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She also takes children to the local parks.

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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

Overall children make good progress towards the early learning goals. Effective arrangements exist to ensure children are cared for in a safe and welcoming environment. Careful monitoring of individual children enables the childminder to tailor learning experiences to suit the needs of each child. Well-established partnerships with parents and other settings children attend ensure consistency in children's welfare and learning. Self-evaluation procedures work well, enabling the childminder to make improvements since the last inspection and secure further improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve further the assessment arrangements to provide a clearer link of children's achievements with the expectations of the early learning goals  provide positive images through resources and activities that help children to become aware of and embrace differences in gender, ethnicity, culture and disabilities.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrate a competent understanding of safeguarding children procedures and is clear about her role and responsibilities. Very thorough risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessment and effectively organised indoor space supports independence, allowing children to move around freely and play safely.

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the early years provision

Toys and resources are carefully selected to ensure they are suitable for children's age and stage of development. However, few promote respect for diversity and positive attitudes to differences in culture, ethnicity, gender or disability. There is a strong focus on supporting language, communication and social skills to enable all children to achieve and participate. Although there are no children currently attending who speak English as an additional language, the childminder takes time to learn key words and phrases in other languages that some children speak. This helps all children recognise and develop respect for other languages and embrace different cultures.

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the early years provision

Positive relationships are well-established with parents/carers, ensuring each child's needs are met. The childminder works effectively with all parents to gain information about children's starting points. Good procedures are in place to help all children and their families. Parents are kept well informed of their children's achievements through daily diaries for younger children, freely accessible progress files and regular discussion. Parents are able to contribute to their children's learning. The childminder's policies and procedures inform parents about the setting. The childminder works closely with other settings children attend. For example, the childminder initiates contact. She liaises with the key person for each child, encouraging them to share information about children's achievements and keeps abreast of any topics/activities they are undertaking. This promotes continuity of learning and development for the children.

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the early years provision

Self-evaluation takes into account the views of parent/carers and is effective in raising standards. Parental feedback is positive and their suggestions have been acted on by the childminder. For example, the introduction of individual coat hanging with photographs of the children attending and individual care dairies. This gives children a sense of belonging and promotes continuity of care and their well-being. The action taken to tackle weaknesses identified during the previous inspection is effective in promoting children's health and safety. The childminder is confident about what she needs to do to improve further. As a result, plans for the future are well targeted to bring about further improvements to the provision and outcomes for children.

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and outcomes for children

Overall, the childminder's good knowledge of the learning and development and welfare requirements and Early Years Foundation Stage guidance promotes children's learning, emotional and physical well-being. Children benefit from a balance of interesting learning opportunities. The childminder regularly observes children's learning during play, using her findings to support children as individuals. However, assessments are not matched to the developmental expectations of the early learning goals. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are interested in the world around them and actively explore their surroundings with curiosity and interest. Young children learn about simple technology with interactive toys that make sounds or have buttons to press, developing their dexterity. Children learn to make connections, such as how to fit building blocks together or make models with recycled materials. Children are able

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and outcomes for children

to be creative using a range of materials and media such as paints, fabrics and play dough to develop their sensory skills. Children use their imagination to express their ideas, for example, enjoying role play with their friends. They use props, such as chairs, to make a train and develop their play. Children have access to a good range of books, they enjoy looking at the pictures and listen intently to stories. The childminder emphasises words, identifies different colours and repeats children's responses to encourage the use of language.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about healthy lifestyles including good hygiene procedures. The childminder supports young children to wash their hands before eating and explains the reason for this. Children receive and enjoy nutritious meals and snacks. Trips in the local community, such as shopping for fruits to make fruit salads, help children to understand foods that are good for them and to develop healthy eating practices. This is also extended to support children's understanding of different shapes and colours. Children regularly take part in a range of activities that help them gain physical skills appropriate to their stage of development. Very young children can crawl and learn to walk in a child friendly environment. Children play ball games and use large scale climbing equipment during trips to local parks, which helps to develop their balance and coordination.

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and outcomes for children

Babies and young children develop a healthy dependence on the childminder who is receptive to individual needs. They enjoy being cuddled and confidently express their feelings and needs through words and gestures. Good interaction and well organised routines help them to become secure and settled in the childminder's home. Older children learn to take responsibility for keeping themselves safe. They practise emergency evacuation and road safety when out and about in the community. 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 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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