Lawrence, Noemi Rocio

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY421708 Inspection date 07/10/2011 Inspector Susan Marriott

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 2011. She lives with her husband and their two children aged seven and two years in Kempston, Bedfordshire. The whole of the childminder's home may be used for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outdoor play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She may care for up to four children under the age of eight years at any one time, two of whom may be within the early age group. She is currently caring for six children, of whom four are in the early years age range.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to use her husband as an assistant and she may care for one child overnight. She has links with local schools and pre-school groups and has support from the local authority. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are warmly welcomed into this culturally rich environment where different languages are truly valued and the childminder promotes many aspects of children's care and education in a suitably inclusive manner. However, risk assessment is not recorded appropriately because the childminder has not fully understood the requirement. Children make satisfactory progress in their learning and development, although observation and assessment systems are not sufficiently linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder builds sound relationships with parents to underpin children's welfare. She has begun to use self-evaluation as a process for identifying strengths and weaknesses in her provision to support continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve the recording of risk assessments for the home and garden  strengthen planning, observation and assessment systems; for example, through improved use of the Practice Guidance to ensure balanced coverage within the areas of learning.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder holds a relevant childcare qualification and has worked for several years in a childcare nursery setting. The childminding service is generally well- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 organised, ensuring that the childminder can devote her time and attention to each child so that they are happy and purposefully occupied. She demonstrates enthusiasm for her work and is keen to study towards further higher level childcare qualifications to improve the outcomes for children. She has begun to complete a formal self-evaluation document to record her actions to sustain continuous improvement. Children's welfare is appropriately safeguarded by the childminder, who has a sound practical knowledge of local safeguarding procedures and related issues, and all household members are suitably vetted and checked. Basic risk assessments for all areas of the house and garden used by children are in place,

p.4

the early years provision

helping to reduce hazards and potential accidents. However, the childminder has not fully understood how to record her risk assessment for the home and garden and although the records are adequate, there is room for improvement. Written policies and procedures are in place, together with parental permissions which secure children's welfare.

p.5

the early years provision

The learning environment sufficiently promotes children's progression towards the early learning goals. For example, children make independent choices about their play because they are able to easily access toys brought into the living areas. The childminder likes to set out her living room in areas which reflect the six areas of learning with, for example, a role play corner and a construction zone. The childminder ensures that children have daily walks in the fresh air as they take older children to and collect them from from nursery and school. The childminder's good understanding of anti-discrimination means that she provides a service which is inclusive for all children and their families. She ensures that her home environment, play resources and equipment are available to all the children in her care. The childminder ensures that she understands each child's background, cultures and beliefs. She uses this knowledge when she encourages children to

p.5

the early years provision

recognise differences, offering them information about other ways of life and encouraging them to respect diversity.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has a suitable understanding of the importance of maintaining close links with other professionals involved with the children to promote consistent care. For example, she exchanges information with staff at the local nursery. When planning play and daily routines, she considers the plans and routines of other settings which children attend so she can provide the best complimentary opportunities for each child. Parents are offered appropriate information about the setting, including information about how to make a complaint. They receive copies of policies, are aware of their child's activities and receive daily updates on activities and progress. The childminder's suitable relationship with parents and carers enables her to exchange information about the children and this ensures that the childminder can offer children individualised support.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children clearly feel safe and secure with their childminder and have good opportunities to develop their communication skills. The childminder is an experienced mother and has a suitable knowledge of child development, which she This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 has extended through working in childcare settings. This experience has a positive effect on the children's enjoyment and achievements. The childminder offers a continuous commentary on the daily routine, including teaching about colours, numbers and shapes. She capably guides the learning from child-led interests and play, sustaining competent levels of interaction with the children, which develops positive attitudes to learning.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder informally observes the children while playing and shares her assessment of their learning with parents and carers. She is competent in identifying the next steps in children's learning. However, she does not yet link her observations to the Early Years Foundation Stage criteria and use this to secure children's progress. Children are encouraged to contribute towards their own assessments and their future aspirations. For example, they discuss what they would like to be when they grow up. Children write their own names on their work and learn to count through number rhymes. The childminder teaches some words in Spanish and some of the children teach her letters and numbers in Hebrew.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children proudly display their artwork and they respond readily to the childminder's praise and encouragement. Children's behaviour is managed well and effective strategies ensure their social, physical and economic well-being is met. Appropriate paperwork is maintained relating to accidents, medication and incidents, and clear procedures are in place to protect the children's health and well-being. The childminder supplies a meaningful explanation about too many toys being a tripping danger and points out that the toys might be damaged if stood upon, effectively promoting children's awareness of keeping themselves safe and respect for their environment and belongings. When out and about with their childminder, children wear high visibility bands to enhance their safety. Children are becoming aware of healthy lifestyles and the relevance of hygiene practices. Children have plentiful opportunities to develop their physical skills. For example, they burn off

p.6

and outcomes for children

their energy as they enjoy dancing to their favourite music. The weekly routine includes daily opportunities to walk in the fresh air and play in the garden. The childminder is a very keen cook and encourages children to take an interest in different foods from around the world. 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 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

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

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