Childminder in Hackney

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY263349 Inspection date 15/09/2011 Inspector Siobhan O'Callaghan

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her partner in Hoxton in the London Borough of Hackney. The home is close to local shops and schools. All areas of the home are utilised for childminding purposes apart from the master bedroom.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of these, not more than two may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for two children in the early years age group and three children in the later years age group. All children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local toddler groups and childminding network groups. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a formal childcare qualification.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming and inclusive home environment for children where their individual needs are fully valued and respected; this in turn supports children to make good progress in their learning and development. Children's welfare is given due emphasis within the provision; there are secure safeguarding procedures in place alongside generally good safety practices. The childminder has established successful partnerships with parents and the schools that the older children attend; overall this contributes towards children's continuity of care and learning within her provision. The childminder demonstrates an enthusiastic approach towards developing her provision; this can be seen within her commitment to pursing early years training opportunities and in her ability to reflect on her practices and initiate improved outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 review emergency evacuation procedures  develop ways in which parents are supported and encouraged to contribute to their children's assessment records. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has established a comprehensive range of records, policies and procedures which support the overall safe and efficient management of her childminding business. There are robust vetting procedures in place to ensure that all adults living in the household undergo essential suitability checks. The childminder has a competent knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children procedures and her duty to work in partnership with both parents and outside agencies to monitor and protect children's welfare. The childminder effectively supervises children and ensures that they can play, eat and rest comfortably in her home environment. She has developed risk assessments for her home and for all the outings that she embarks on with children, although her current emergency evacuation procedures do not consider a safe and suitable place to take children in an emergency situation.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a professional approach towards her role as a childminder; she embraces opportunities to attend regular courses to keep her knowledge and skills within the early years field up-to-date. Since her last inspection she has achieved a level 4 qualification in Children's Care, Learning and Development. She has also attended numerous other courses to enhance her overall practice with children. The childminder is beginning to develop purposeful self-evaluation systems to continually review and reflect on the quality of services that she offers to parents and all children within her setting. She has successfully addressed the recommendation raised at her previous inspection. For example, she has reorganised her playroom to ensure that all resources are easily accessible to children of all ages, and thus improving their ability to make independent choices about their play. The childminder organises a bright, inclusive and visually

p.5

the early years provision

stimulating learning environment for children. They have good opportunities to observe and play with a broad range of diverse resources which support children's awareness of their own home cultures and those of their peers and others within the wider community.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has established encouraging partnerships with parents as she converses with them daily regarding their children's care and time spent with her. She encourages their ideas and suggestions as she sends out parental questionnaires to seek their views. Recent communications demonstrate that parents are happy with the care their children receive. Parents comments include: 'The childminder provides excellent care for the children, providing opportunities for them to interact with other children' and 'the childminder does a marvellous job taking care of my son and he is always extremely happy to attend.' Overall, these positive partnerships support the integration of children's care, although the childminder is yet to encourage parents to contribute towards their children's ongoing assessment records which will further support their continuous learning. There are no children attending requiring additional support from outside agencies,

p.5

the early years provision

however, the childminder is fully conversant with the importance of establishing positive links with the schools that the older children attend and with outside professionals where this is necessary. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements. She effectively plans a broad range of opportunities for both adult-led and child initiated activities and experiences which give due regard to all areas of children's learning. Children benefit from their own designated playroom where they confidently access an extensive range of resources independently. Although the childminder does not have a garden, she ensures that children have daily opportunities to get fresh air and engage within physical pursuits. For example, children are able to run, climb and generally be energetic as they visit local parks, toddler groups and children centres. Overall children are happy and engaged as they enjoy the childminder's positive interaction. Children who are new to the setting receive secure and consistent care as the childminder reassures them through discussion and through lots of cuddles

p.6

and outcomes for children

that they are going to be fine and that their parents will be back soon. They are soon distracted by the many experiences available to them, for example, they enjoy problem solving pursuits as they make models and tall towers with bricks. They are delighted to receive lots of praise and encouragement which motivates them to persevere within their learning.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder continually monitors children's individual progression through regular observations of their achievements. This information is then utilised to set clear next steps for their future learning. Children are developing good communication, language and literacy skills as the childminder continually converses with them and encourages them to have an interest in books and mark- making activities. Children's art work is displayed within their playroom and thus supports a sense of belonging as well as boosting their self-esteem. The childminder promotes children's exploration and investigative skills as she provides babies with sensory treasure baskets and numerous electronic activity centres; whilst older children explore many scientific and problem solving concepts through regular cooking activities. Children have many opportunities to be creative as the childminder provides painting, drawing and dancing and singing games. Older

p.6

and outcomes for children

children are able to make jewellery with beads and to learn how to sew.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's well being and safety is given due emphasis as they learn through their play and general routines the importance of keeping safe and behaving in responsible ways. For example, children learn how to walk safely when they are outside as the childminder teaches them about potential dangers and how to stay safe. Children are developing good personal hygiene awareness as the childminder discusses the importance of hand washing; she ensures that children have individual clean towels on a daily basis. Children are provided with healthy snacks and meals which are prepared and cooked fresh each day. The childminder liaises with parents to meet individual dietary needs. She has also attended recent training to support her in dealing with children who have severe allergies. The childminder is calm and patient with children; she continually praises their efforts and encourages them to develop positive behaviour. Overall, children demonstrate

p.6

and outcomes for children

that they feel safe and secure. It is clear that they are developing many valuable This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 skills which help to set secure foundations for their future learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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

p.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

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

p.8

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.8

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

p.8

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.9