Childminder in Tower Hamlets

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY426663 Inspection date 03/11/2011 Inspector Shaheen Belai

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 one year old child. The premises are situated in Bethnal Green, within the London borough of Tower Hamlets. The premises are situated on the top floor within a tower block of flats. The lounge, one bedroom and associated facilities are used for childminding purposes. Access to the premises is via two lifts or stairs.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years; of these, not more than one maybe in the early years age range, and of these, one may be under one year at any one time. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently minding one child in the early years age group, attending on a part-time basis.

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 make significant developmental progress, as they receive high quality care from the childminder who is attentive and recognises children's uniqueness. An extensive range of play experiences, and highly effective observation and assessment programmes support children to make consistent progress towards the early learning goals. Partnership with parents flourishes, as the childminder uses a range of robust systems to ensure a consistent flow of two-way communication is in place. Partnership with other agencies is being developed to support continuity of care for children who may attend other settings. Documentation is very well organised and contributes in the main to support children's overall well-being. The childminder reflects upon her practice and is beginning to address self-evaluation for ongoing improvement of her provision.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 maintain details of visitors' arrival and departure times in system log that is currently used for supporting children's safety  develop further the use of self-evaluation, using systems available to encourage a culture of reflective practice and identify aspects of the childcare provision that require further improvement . This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

Efficient arrangements are in place to safeguard children. All adults living on the premises have undergone suitability checks and the childminder is aware of safeguarding procedures that she has developed. For example, policies and procedures for child protection and dealing with complaints. Although the childminder maintains a record of visitors to the premises, she does not record the times of their arrival and departure to contribute to overall safety. The childminder is trained in current first aid and follows procedures competently when addressing injuries or should she be asked to administer medication to children by parents. Thorough risk assessments take place of the setting and outings, allowing the childminder to address any potential risks to children.

p.5

the early years provision

The play areas within the home are very well organised, well equipped and expertly arranged to provide children of all ages to develop high levels of independence in selecting play resources. The extensive range of resources includes a full range of materials that fully reflects all areas of diversity in a highly positive manner. This allows children to be valued as individuals and develop respect for members of the wider community. Although the childminder does not have the use of a garden, she is very creative in her planning to ensure children access daily opportunities for outdoor play. This is explored through daily walks, and use of the outdoor play areas in the local drop-in groups and parks.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are robust and given high priority to support continuity of care for children. Excellent systems allow for the relationships to flourish, this includes a prior home visit to the child's home before they start, exchange of relevant information to support individual care and learning. A comprehensive range of paperwork with parents is completed to support children's safety and identify the unique needs of each child. For example, written parental consents are sought for emergency medical treatment, details of medical conditions and details on children's starting points in their development are fully explored. Communication is thorough; various systems are used to ensure information is exchanged on a regular basis. For example, verbally, by text, the use of daily record sheets sent home and periodic meetings held. Parents receive copies of the childminder's policies and procedures, which she reviews and updates as required.

p.5

the early years provision

The service the childminder provides is highly praised by parents; they praise the developmental progress made by their children. Parents express praise for the confidence instilled in their children, the support given by the childminder for transition to moving onto other settings and the range of activities provided to the children. Parental feedback is explored via parental questionnaires. The childminder uses the feedback as part of self-evaluation. The childminder recognises the importance of working with other professionals, such as with staff in other early years settings where children move onto. This supports continuity of care and learning for children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates her commitment to ongoing improvement. Self- evaluation is in the early stages, allowing the childminder to identify some of her strengths and areas for development. For example, she has explored further This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 training in safeguarding in the forthcoming month. She is a member of her local childminder's group and regularly meets with her coordinator. This enables her to receive support and feedback on the service she provides.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are extremely happy in the care of the childminder. Children arrive eager and settle quickly into play that is set out prior to their arrival. They have developed trusting and secure relationships with the childminder. This is evident as they cuddle up to the childminder and share experiences from home. The premises are organised to reflect the individual abilities of the children attending. For example, all the areas used for childminding are free-flow, allowing children to play in the hallway and bedroom if they wish. Children move from one area to another, they show great interest in their work, photos and posters displayed at low level. Self-selection and independence are given significant priority, as clear picture labelling and low storage aid this area of development. Children enjoy role play and imaginative play, props and resources are rich to engage children's interest. A range of mediums and tools are explored, such as when children learn to explore

p.6

and outcomes for children

the use of paints, glue, and corn flour with oil.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a comprehensive range of books to support children's interest in early reading. The range is bright, colourful and captures children's interest. In addition, the childminder has developed a wide range of props to accompany stories to engage children's interest further. Children show interest to operate resources that support them to explore technology, such as operating a toy vacuum and watching the colourful parts inside whirl around or play with the cash register. Indoors, children learn to skilfully steer the shopping trolley, pushchairs or ride the small bike. Children enjoy making music with a wide range of varied musical instruments. Picture cards have been developed to support children with developing language or English as an additional language. These are used in a variety of ways, such as when children want to indicate which song they wish to sing or to help children to learn the sequence of hand washing. A carefully

p.6

and outcomes for children

selected range of resources have been developed for children to explore, to support their sensory and exploratory skills. This includes shells, wooden pegs, different textures, movement of water in shapes and sounds. Outdoor play and exploring the local area is an integral part of the daily planning; this includes visiting the local museum, taking picnics in the parks and using a range of large equipment to promote physical development. The celebration of festivals enriches children's experiences, as they learn to value the practices of others.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a thorough knowledge of observational assessment to monitor and support children's learning and development. Robust systems are in place that promote all aspects of children's learning are supported and monitored through regular observations. Individual planning is detailed and based on the individual progress of each child and the next steps in their learning being identified. All six areas of learning are fully catered for and evaluated periodically. Children's progress is carefully detailed and shared with parents daily. The systems used, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 support children to make effective progress towards the early learning goals and develop skills for the future.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in clean and well maintained premises. Good hygiene measures are followed to minimise the spread of infection and germs. For example, all outdoor footwear is removed prior to entering the play areas. The childminder provides a very healthy and nutritious diet, which takes into account special dietary requirements. This also includes a varied range of different cultural foods. Children have a good understanding of how to keep safe, as they benefit from strategies and reminders provided by the childminder. For example, young children confidently talk about road safety and recognising traffic signals. To further support their sense of safety, the childminder includes children in regular evacuation drills. Children's behaviour is exceptional as they benefit from high levels of adult interaction, supervision, consistent praise and being stimulated at all times in age appropriate play.

p.7

and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.8

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 1 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 1 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 1

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