Childminder in Camden

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY429516 Inspection date 17/01/2012 Inspector Helen Steven

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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 has been registered since July 2011. She lives with her husband and one adult child. Their first floor, two-bedroom flat is in Swiss Cottage in the London borough of Camden. The home is accessible via stairs and lift. The living room is the main area of the home used for minding, with one bedroom used for children to rest. There is a secure outdoor area used for play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time when working alone. She is currently minding one child in the early years age group. She is also registered to work alongside up to two other registered childminders; all together they may care for a maximum of eight children under eight years, all of whom may be in the early years age group. In addition she is registered to care for one child overnight. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is currently undertaking a NVQ at level 3 in Childcare.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in the care of this childminder. She provides an inclusive and welcoming service, in which children are treated as individuals and their welfare needs are effectively met. Good working partnerships with parents ensure the children receive continuity of care. Overall, policies, procedures and documentation are effective to safeguard children's welfare and learning. This is the first inspection since registration and the childminder is striving to develop her practice through reflection and is undertaking training to support the continuous improvement of the service she provides to parents and the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 carry out regular evacuation drills and record details such as any problems encountered and how they were resolved  strengthen the process for observing and monitoring children's progress towards the early learning goals, so that this can be shared with parents more effectively. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of possible abuse and is aware of where to seek guidance. She undertakes detailed risk assessments for each type of outing and for her home. The living room is organised well to afford children of differing ages space and access to a good range of toys and resources. Required documentation and relevant policies and procedures are maintained well in order to promote children's good health and welfare. Good arrangements are in place to prevent the spread of infection; for example, children do not attend when they are unwell, and nappy changing procedures are suitable. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate which enables her to deal appropriately with any accidents.

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the early years provision

The childminder is undertaking an NVQ in Childcare course at level 3. This has supported her in evaluating and improving her practice and demonstrates a commitment to improve her service. The childminder provides a service that is inclusive for all children; they are supported well and are encouraged to develop a sense of belonging in the setting. The childminder has asked parents for key words in children's home languages and uses these to communicate with children. She has implemented systems to observe and monitor children's progress, by using photographs, samples of their creative work and written observations. These include children's next steps, however, the records currently do not show parents the minders evaluation and links to the areas of learning. The childminder reports that she has a good relationship with parents, and obtains useful information with them at the start of the placement and during verbal exchanges. Parents views are

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the early years provision

sought soon after the placement starts; they report that they already witness improvement in their young children's progress, such as in numeracy, language and their social skills. The childminder is keen to work alongside other agencies as and when the need arises in order to support children's individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children form good relationships with the childminder and are developing friendships with each other. They feel safe and secure as they seek reassurance from the childminder when a visitor arrives. Children are able to make choices about their play, as resources are arranged attractively at a low level, encouraging them to become independent. Activities are based around children's interests; for example, children adore playing with dolls and are keen on music and songs. Children, including those with English as an additional language, learn to become skilful communicators as they absorb the childminder's routine commentating. She supports them in understanding simple commands, such as getting their shoes, and extends their vocabulary by talking about bumpy and smooth fruits. This develops their skills for the future. Children are introduced to the pleasure of reading as they share stories with the childminder and their dolls! Children hear

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and outcomes for children

mathematical language throughout the day as the childminder talks about folding This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 blankets in half and they count the steps when going out of the home. They move objects around the dolls house to fit all the furniture in the rooms. Free-flow play in the garden and outings to the park ensure that children have opportunities for physical play and fresh air. They stretch, twist, turn and shake their bodies as they join in action songs.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn how to keep themselves safe, as the childminder reminds them to take care on an area of the ground that is slippery. However, the childminder has not yet carried out a fire drill to develop children's understanding of how to evacuate the home efficiently in the event of an emergency. Children behave well, as the childminder is consistent in her approach and enables them to make choices in their play and routine. In partnership with parents the childminder ensures that children are provided with nutritious meals in line with their dietary requirements.

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and outcomes for children

There are pots in the garden for children to plant produce such as tomatoes and sunflowers. This successfully supports their understanding of how to live a healthy lifestyle and introduces them to sustainability. Young children develop an understanding of good hygiene as they are encouraged to wash their hands before to eating. Visual prompts are in place as a reminder. 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 2 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 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 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 2

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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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