Mullion School

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 143993 Inspection date 10/10/2011 Inspector Angela Ramsey

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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 December 1992. She lives with her partner in a two bedroom flat in the London borough of Lambeth. Childminding takes place in the living room and one of the bedrooms which has been converted into a play room. Bathroom and toilet facilities are on the same floor. Children also have access to the garden. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years. Of these, no more than three children may be in the early years age group, and of these, not more than one child may be aged under one year. The childminder is currently caring for two children in the early years age range.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's knowledge and understanding of the children in her care enables her to meet their individual care needs. The variety of experiences the childminder offers gives opportunity for children to make sound progress overall. Positive relationships with parents have been established. The childminder has a basic knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. However, there are no systems in place for undertaking observations and assessments of children's progress and outings are not risk assessed. In all, the childminder demonstrates a satisfactory capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 carry out a full risk assessment for each type of outing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 31/10/2011

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further?

 undertake sensitive observational assessment in order to plan to meet young children's individual needs (Organisation). 31/12/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 introduce a system for the self-evaluation and monitoring of the service so that areas for improvement can be clearly prioritised, to further improve outcomes for children  carry out regular evacuation drills and record in a fire log book any problems encountered and how they were resolved. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder shows a sound understanding of most procedures, which help to safeguard children and protect them from harm. She has devised policies which are shared with parents, she is aware of child protection issues and how to respond if concerns arise. Children's safety is promoted through the use of items such as stair gates, electrical socket covers, a fire blanket and smoke alarms. The childminder's procedures help to ensure that children are safe and supervised. A record of risk assessments for her home are kept. However risk assessments for outings are not conducted. This is a breach of requirements and could compromise children's safety. The childminder has thought through how she would evacuate her home in an emergency to promote the safety of herself and the children. However, she has not practiced the drill with the children to help them become familiar with this procedure.

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the early years provision

The childminder has successfully completed a first aid course and the necessary parental consents are in place for the children. For instance, parents provide their written consent allowing the childminder to obtain emergency medical advice or treatment should the need arise. Improvements to the service are viewed as important by the childminder. She has attended further training and met the recommendations set at the last inspection. However, there is no clear method used for self-assessment to evaluate the strengths of the setting and any areas requiring development.

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the early years provision

The resources, toys and play materials available to children cover all areas of learning. These offer choice and variety and help children to freely select what they wish to play with.

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the early years provision

Each child's individual needs and abilities are respected. Dolls, puzzles and books reflecting diversity are available. These enable children to learn about wider society and other cultural backgrounds. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure children's care needs are met. Daily discussions with parents keep parents informed of their child's day. Parents are informed about what their child has eaten, sleep times and the activities they have enjoyed. No child in the care of the childminder currently attends any other provision or has any dealings with any other professionals. However, the childminder is aware of the need to make links with other providers working with the children if applicable.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and secure in the childminder's home and have formed secure attachments with her. She has created a dedicated play room. This has number and alphabet posters displayed on the walls to help reinforce children's early This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 number and letter recognition. The children are engaged in suitable activities and the childminder provides a selection of age appropriate play materials. However a system for observation and assessment of the children's development is not place. This is a breach of a specific welfare requirement.

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and outcomes for children

Resources are deployed well in containers and units, which enable children to be independent as they are able to self-select what they want to play with. The childminder spends time with the children in her care offering them support as they enjoy the activities. Children are offered a varied range of activities that enable them to participate in activities in her home, garden and Sure Start children's centres. They have access to a variety of toys and equipment that are suitable for their age and stage of development. Children are supported during their play as the childminder interacts well, asking questions to extend their learning. Children are encouraged to share and take turns, which enables children to learn about expectations of their behaviour.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy outdoor play and benefit from visits to local parks. Opportunities for children to improve their physical skills are provided. Children are able to ride tricycles in the outdoor play space of the local children's centre. Children enjoy looking at books, which helps with their language skills. Building with construction toys enables children to develop their problem solving skills. Children also have access to a range of art and drawing materials and tools such as scissors and glue sticks, which promote their creative development. Overall, the experiences provided help children to develop necessary skills for their future learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is suitably supported. The childminder uses appropriate strategies depending on the child's age and stage of development to divert attention away from unwanted behaviour. Children play with toys that appear safe and well maintained. They develop an understanding of safety as they play within safe boundaries and safely access the toys and resources available to them. Through the preparation of healthy meals and snacks, which include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, young children develop an awareness of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Children learn to develop self-care skills, as they are encouraged to feed themselves, wash their hands before and after eating their meals and tidying away the toys. 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 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

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Stage

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

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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

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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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