Childminder in Merton

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY287426 Inspection date 03/02/2012 Inspector Angela Ramsey

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 2004. She lives with her husband and three older children. The family lives in a house on a residential road in the London Borough of Merton. Children have access to the ground floor and supervised access to bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a pet cat.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years, three of whom can be in the early years age range. There is currently one child in the early years age range on roll.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a reasonably sound understanding of the learning and development requirements. However, she does not confidently use her observations to plan how to support children in taking the next steps in learning. Her knowledge and understanding of the children in her care means she is able to meet their individual care needs well. Positive relationships with parents have been established and all required policies, procedures and documentation are in place. The childminder is beginning to identify some of her strengths and weaknesses, though self-evaluation is not thorough. Overall, she demonstrates the capacity to maintain steady continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve the use of observations, assessments and planning to identify learning priorities for each child to help them make good progress  develop the use of self-evaluation to identify aspects for improvement that benefit children in all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder follows sound procedures to help safeguard children. Through discussion and her documentation, she shows a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. The childminder is aware of child protection issues and of how to respond if concerns arise. All adults in the home have undergone vetting a process to assess their suitability. Children are protected from potential harm as items, such as stair gates, electrical This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 socket covers, a fire blanket and smoke alarms are in place. The childminder also conducts and records risk assessments for her home, garden and outings. The childminder practises an emergency escape plan with the children and she records the details of these drills. The childminder has completed first aid training and seeks parental consent to obtain emergency medical advice or treatment.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates that she has a growing knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Her documentation shows that she is developing systems to support children's learning and development. For example, the childminder has started to complete written observations of the children as they play. However, she does not use this information to inform the planning or to determine their next steps in development. Consequently, children may not receive appropriate challenge. The childminder provides a dedicated playroom and a suitable selection of resources for the children. She makes the environment attractive with posters of numerals and alphabet letters.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder respects each child's individual needs and abilities. The childminder works closely with parents to ensure she meets children's care needs. Daily discussions with parents keep parents informed of their child's day. Parents receive information about meals, sleep times and the activities. The childminder develops suitable partnerships with other providers and professionals involved in the children's care to provide consistency and coherence. Dolls, puzzles and books, which reflect diversity, are available. These enable children to learn about the wider society and other cultural backgrounds. The childminder has started to evaluate her practice. However, the systems are not currently robust to lead to a clear identification of targets for further improvements. Despite this, she does have a positive attitude to securing improvements to benefit the children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and secure within the childminder's home since they form secure attachments with her. Children engage in suitable activities and the childminder provides a selection of age-appropriate resources. The play materials are organised to 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. For example, children enjoy being creative as they paint, make cards and play musical instruments. They also take part in planned activities to bake cakes and biscuits. Overall, children are making satisfactory progress with their learning and development.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy outdoor play and understand the benefits of physical activity. They play safely on apparatus, such as the swings and slides, at local parks. An adequate range of opportunities for children to improve their physical skills is available. Younger children are able to explore interactive toys, pushing buttons and working out that one action causes another to occur. Children develop a healthy interest in books and enjoying sharing stories. They are developing some This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 basic skills for the future.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Through the childminder's knowledge of the local community, children benefit from visits to local parks and drop-in groups. This helps children develop an understanding of the world around them and enhances their social skills. Children receive suitable guidance to manage their behaviour. The childminder uses appropriate strategies depending on the child's age and stage of development to divert attention away from unwanted behaviour. Children eat healthy meals and snacks, which include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Young children are developing an awareness of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Children learn to develop self-care skills, as they are encouraged feed themselves and put on their coats and shoes. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

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

p.7

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

p.7

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8