Childminder in Hillingdon

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY283405 Inspection date 29/09/2011 Inspector Jennifer Devine

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 registered in 2004. She lives with her husband and child aged 12 years in Hillingdon, in the London borough of Hillingdon. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with toilet and sleeping facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, of whom three may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for two children in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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

Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. The needs of the children are well met and they are making good progress in their early development. This is due the childminder's good knowledge of providing an overall child-focused, stimulating environment, where she plans activities to develop their early skills. Most resources are available and used generally well to support children's play. She works closely with parents to ensure she meets the unique needs of each child but has not considered how to use parental feedback to help in the self-evaluation process. The childminder identifies and addresses areas for her continuing development. This demonstrates that she has a good capacity to make improvements in the service she provides.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop ways to involve parents in the self-evaluation process  match observations of children's play and learning to the expectations in the development matters column of the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage to assess the progress children are making  increase the opportunities to support children's curiosity and exploration through a variety of arts and natural materials.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder understands the importance of safeguarding the well-being of children in her care and is aware of the child protection procedures to follow if she was concerned about a child. The childminder ensures her home and garden is safe, and has written risk assessments in place for the home environment and for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outings to identify and minimise any hazards.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder organises her home and play resources well, enabling children to make choices freely and safely. Children can choose from a range of age appropriate toys stored at a low level to support their increasing independence. The childminder's good organisational skills mean that all the required documents, polices and procedures are maintained to support the safe and efficient management of her practice.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is committed to her professional development and self-evaluating her practice. She clearly understands why this important for her continuous development. For example, she attends regular training courses and childminder's forums to keep up to date with changes. This helps to improve her practice and it benefits the children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive environment for children and families. Children receive appropriate and consistent care because the childminder establishes effective relationships with parents. She ensures all relevant information is obtained at the start of a child's placement to ensure they receive a smooth settling-in time and feel emotionally secure. Parents are kept well informed about their child's day through the use of a daily diary and verbal communication. She seeks parents' verbal comments about her service but has not, as yet, considered how she can formalise this to link in with her self-evaluation.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder plans trips out to community activities, such as to toddler groups, and this helps the children to socialise and develop an understanding of the world around them. The childminder embraces diversity well and has a selection of multicultural toys to promote positive images to children. The childminder has a good awareness of working in partnership with others, as she had recent regular contact with the local school and ensures information is shared for continuity of care.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and settled within the childminder's home and are making good progress in their early learning. The childminder has developed good methods for observing and assessing children's development. She is aware of the importance of these observations as soon as children start settling and this enables her to provide activities and experiences which are individual to each child's needs and interests. She monitors children's progress, by taking photographs of them at play, and recording their progress in individual daily diaries. Although, she does not clearly link her observations to the areas of learning, she identifies the next steps needed in learning to build on every child's interests and learning needs.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Young toddler's needs are well met, as the childminder provides a loving and caring environment; as a result they develop their confidence to explore their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 surroundings. They are provided with resources to encourage their inquisitive minds and their desire to explore. They have great fun exploring the posting toys and sit for some time with childminder posting and emptying the containers over and over again. She provides a stimulating environment to encourage toddlers' early communication skills. She is aware of children's non-verbal communication and is beginning to identify their likes or dislikes. Children can access their favourite books and sit with the childminder, listening to her read a story. They particularly enjoy the lift-the-flap books and musical ones.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children have many opportunities for outdoor play and regularly spend time outdoors in the well-equipped garden. They eagerly sit down and help put on their own shoes and excitedly wait at the door. They have great fun exploring the garden and are developing their physical skills as they learn how to climb up the ladder and sit carefully to slide down. The childminder makes the best of this outdoor experience by encouraging the toddlers to look more closely at the flowers as they toddle around and they look intently at the sunflowers. Although children take part in some creative activities when out at groups, there are fewer planned creative opportunities within the home to enable children to express and explore their thoughts and feelings through a variety of artwork. The childminder is aware of promoting good behaviour. The childminder gently reminds young toddlers about sharing and taking turns; her calm approach promotes a relaxed and

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's individual dietary needs are well known by the childminder. Currently parents provide their children's lunches and snacks and the childminder ensures these are stored and reheated appropriately. Personal hygiene routines are well established to support children in developing their understanding of the importance of good hand washing.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder ensures her home provides a safe and secure environment for children and she reinforces children's understanding of keeping safe when outdoors, by ensuring young children are safely harnessed into the pushchair and can only run freely when they are in a safe place. Children take part in fire evacuation practices which help them understand about leaving the home quickly and safely. Young children demonstrate that they feel secure and safe in the childminder's care, as they become absorbed in their play. They smile and laugh with the childminder and are confident to explore their surroundings. 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.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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.7

Stage

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

p.7

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.7

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8