Childminder in Islington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY424355 Inspection date 31/10/2011 Inspector Samantha Smith

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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 2011. He lives with his wife, who is also a childminder, and child in a three-bedroom house. The home is situated within the London Borough of Islington and is in walking distance of shops, parks, nurseries and schools. The ground floor, which includes a bathroom, is used for childminding. Access to the home is via a flight of stairs and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local nurseries and schools to take and collect children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, three of whom may be in the early years age range. When working with another childminder they may look after eight children under eight years, four of whom may be in the early years age range. There are currently two children on roll, both are in the early years age range and attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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

Children are happy and well settled in the childminder's care. The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of his role in supporting most aspects of children's learning. He supports children's individual care needs appropriately overall, though is not always using risk assessments thoroughly. Partnerships with parents are positiveand contribute towards the continuity of care children receive. The childminder's capacity to maintain continuous improvement is sound. He demonstrates a sufficient awareness of his strengths and is keen to improve his knowledge of childcare and improve his practice. However, he has yet to introduce a fully effective system of self-evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 take reasonable steps to ensure hazards to children, indoor and outdoors, are kept to a minimum by conducting a risk assessment and review it regularly. This must identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis; maintain a record of these indicating when/whom they have been checked (Suitable premises, environment & equipment)(also applies to Childcare Register) 16/11/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 improve observation and assessment systems to show how the next steps in supporting children's individual learning are followed through to future planning of activities  develop the use of self-evaluation systems to identify strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder works closely with his co-minder to take equal responsibility for the generally efficient running of their practice. Arrangements for safeguarding children are suitably robust with clear policies and procedures in place, which he shares with parents. Appropriate steps have been taken to minimise most potential hazards to children within the home. Safety gates have been strategically placed around the home to prevent children gaining access to restricted areas. Suitable fire safety equipment is in place, including smoke alarms and a fire blanket. However, risk assessments are not always thorough and some potential hazards in the garden have not been addressed, which is a breach of a welfare requirement.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises his home effectively. He creates a stimulating and child-friendly environment, where children can play and explore freely at their leisure. Toys and resources are well maintained. They are thoughtfully stored so that children can independently and safely select what they wish to play with. The childminder's practice is suitably inclusive and children's individual needs are fully considered and respected. He demonstrates a positive attitude towards diversity and provides a welcoming environment for all children and their families.

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the early years provision

Strong partnerships have been established with parents. Relevant information is gathered from parents at the start of their child's placement and there continues to be a regular exchange of information. This contributes successfully towards continuity of care for the children. The childminder is currently not caring for any children attending other settings but demonstrates an appropriate awareness of the benefits in such partnerships.

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the early years provision

As the childminder's practice is still in the early stages, he has not yet devised a fully effective system of self-evaluation. From discussion, he demonstrates a positive attitude to promoting outcomes for children and providing a good quality service for parents. The childminder is aware of areas for improvement and is keen to increase his knowledge of childcare issues. The childminder completes training courses to implement new ideas appropriately into his practice. The childminder makes good use of local facilities. He is establishing appropriate working relationships with development workers and other key people within the borough to support his practice. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children settle well and are happy in the childminder's care. They benefit from the secure and caring relationship they develop with him and enjoy the positive interactions they share. Children are well behaved. They respond positively to the childminder's calm, caring and consistent approach. Children are valued as unique individuals and the childminder takes into account their interests and personal routines from home. The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of his role in supporting children's learning, by conducting simple observations and assessments. However, he does not yet use the information to identify purposeful next steps and show how these are followed through in future planning. Children enjoy an interesting and challenging play environment. They engage in an appropriate range of activities to support and extend their learning in all areas. Scrap books that contain examples of children's work and photographs are used to

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and outcomes for children

capture and illustrate children's experiences; these are regularly shared with parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and well-being is promoted successfully. Daily routines that reinforce their understanding of good hygiene practice are in place. Meals and snacks consisting of vegetables, fresh fruit, raisins and rice cakes encourage children to make healthy choices. Drinks are freely available throughout the day so children can respond easily to their own needs if they become thirsty. Mealtimes are a social event when children usually sit together at the dining table to enjoy their meal. The childminder liaises with parents to find out about any dietary requirements or other preferences and these are consistently met and catered for. Children have regular access to the outdoors to promote an active lifestyle. They play in the childminder's garden and enjoy regular visits to the local park, where they use the large equipment to extend physical skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children are supported in developing appropriate skills for the future through the continual flow of conversation. The childminder constantly talks to children while engaging in a task. When changing a nappy he talks and sings to a child and when engaged in play he responds to their gestures and sounds. Children have independent access to a selection of books as well as listening to stories read by the childminder. Children are beginning to develop early social skills as they play alongside each other. They enjoy regular visits to various groups, where they socialise and play with a wider group of children. Children's understanding of number concepts is encouraged as they count in songs and engage in play. Children receive regular praise for their efforts and achievements, which builds their self-esteem and confidence. They are taught to be safety conscious through gentle reminders from the childminder whilst engaged in their play. Children also

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and outcomes for children

take part in an emergency evacuation practice of the home to introduce safety awareness. There are appropriate systems in place to manage children's behaviour, supporting their understanding of right and wrong. 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 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 2 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 undertake a risk assessment of the premises and equipment: at least once in each calendar year, and immediately, where the need for an assessment arises. Ensure that all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment)(also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 16/11/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 16/11/2011

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