Mrs Pauline Housen

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY248415 Inspection date 17/01/2012 Inspector Jennifer Devine

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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 2003. She lives with her husband, two teenagers and one younger child in Hayes in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time; of these, three may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding three children in the early years age range and one older child. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts the Childcare Register. The family has a pet cat.

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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 benefit from the warm and affectionate care the childminder provides. The childminder plans overall a suitable range of activities, although exploratory play is not fully supported. Systems to monitor and plan for children's progress are developing but are not yet fully effective. Most of the required documentation is in place. However, the childminder has not obtained parents' written permission for administering medication and has not recorded every type of accident. The childminder recognises areas for her continuing development and demonstrates she has the capacity to make some improvements in her service.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)(also applies to the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register) 07/02/2012

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further?

 keep a record of accidents and first aid treatment (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare)(also applies to the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register). 07/02/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 develop observation and assessment methods of children's development in order to plan support for the next steps of each child's learning  improve the opportunities for young children to explore and investigate This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 objects using a range of everyday materials.

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the early years provision

The childminder is caring for more children than the conditions of her registration allow. The childminder gave a reasonable excuse for doing so and on this occasion Ofsted does not intend to take further action.

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the early years provision

The childminder safeguards children's welfare appropriately. She has a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities with regard to child protection. She knows the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child. Children play safely indoors because the childminder spends time supervising them closely. She conducts and records risk assessments of the home and for outings. The childminder maintains most documentation to support her practice. However, she has not obtained prior written permission from parents to administer medication or kept a record of an accident that has occurred. These are both breaches of the Early Years Foundation Stage welfare requirements. They have a minimal impact on children's overall safety since the childminder has spoken to parents about these issues.

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the early years provision

Play resources are clean and safe. Toys and play materials are stored in the living room and are accessible for children to make choices about their play. There is sufficient space available to allow children to investigate their surroundings in comfort. The childminder is beginning to self-evaluate her practices and identifies some areas for improvement. She recognises that she needs to develop her knowledge of observation and assessments to support her delivery of the learning and development requirements. The childminder attends many training courses and demonstrates sufficient capacity to maintain continual improvement of her provision.

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the early years provision

Overall, the childminder provides an inclusive provision to children and parents. Children receive suitable support, as the childminder is aware of their individual needs and routines. She holds discussions with the parents before their child starts, to build up her knowledge. The childminder has a small range of resources, such as books, dolls and puzzles, reflecting different cultures. This helps children develop an awareness of others. The childminder makes good use of local toddler groups, which enables children to learn how to mix and socialise. This also supports their growing knowledge of the wider world.

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the early years provision

Children receive appropriate and consistent care as the childminder establishes sound partnerships with parents. The childminder provides parents with verbal feedback everyday. She is planning to introduce more formal meetings to enable her to work closer with parents and discuss children's progress in more depth. The childminder has a sound awareness of working in partnerships with others. She communicates with the teachers in the nursery that some of the children attend, to promote continuity of care and learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are settled and happy within the childminder's care. She shows warmth and kindness to each child and provides a secure environment. This helps them grow and make steady progress in their development. The childminder has a sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is beginning to keep some records of observations and many photographs of the children's development. However, she is less confident in identifying the next steps of learning to aid planning of future activities and experiences. Overall, she provides suitable toys and activities to develop children's interest and eagerness to learn.

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and outcomes for children

There is a generally good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities to allow children chance to think critically and become active learners. The childminder sits with the children, helping them in posting different shapes and talking about the colours. She then leaves them for a while so they begin to try out these new skills for themselves. Children clap in delight as they master the posting and enjoy trying this out a number of times.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a sound awareness of developing children's skills for the future. She understands the importance of children developing a love of books. They enjoy looking at the books independently and learn to turn the pages carefully. The childminder supports their interests and encourages them to share the picture book with her. The childminder has various toys to support children's technological skills, such as press button toys and musical toys. Older children enjoy some time on the computer playing suitable educational games. Children's behaviour is appropriate for their age and the childminder has suitable strategies in place to guide them. She offers lots of praise to children to promote their self- esteem. Toddlers enjoy investigating some natural materials such as pasta and rice. However, the childminder has not considered providing more everyday objects to support their interest in exploring different textures.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning how to lead healthy lifestyles. The childminder places emphasis on children's physical development and using the outdoor environment. They have sound opportunities to develop their physical skills as they go out daily to the park or toddler groups. They also play outdoors in the well-equipped garden, where they can run around and play on push-along toys. The childminder takes reasonable steps to ensure children in her care remain healthy and free from cross-infection. Currently parents provide their children's meals and snacks and the childminder ensures they are stored appropriately. Children are developing awareness of hygiene as they follow appropriate routines. The childminder ensures she talks with them about the importance of washing their hands before eating their meals.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing their understanding of keeping safe. On outings, young children are safely harnessed into the pushchair. The childminder ensures she talks to children about road safety and crosses roads at safe points when out walking. Children demonstrate that they feel secure and safe in the childminder's care as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they become absorbed in their play. 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: 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

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Records to be kept)(also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 07/02/2012

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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 early years section of the report (Records to be kept). 07/02/2012

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