Childminder in Richmond upon Thames

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY427836 Inspection date 07/02/2012 Inspector Martha Darkwah

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 partner and four teenage children in Sheen in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The whole of the ground floor of the home and an upstairs bedroom is used for childminding. Children have access to an enclosed garden area for outdoor play. The family pets include two cats.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, with no more than three in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently three children on roll in the early years age group, who attend on full and part-time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a National Vocational Qualification at level 3 in Childcare.

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

The childminder is very knowledgeable about what she wants the children to learn and planning covers most aspects of learning. Children are making good overall progress given their age and starting points. Good working partnerships with parents and other early years providers ensure the children receive continuity of care. Overall, the childminder's practice and supporting documentation are effective in meeting the children's individual needs. This newly established childminder has made a good start in the evaluation of her work with children. She is eager to secure continuous improvement through further training and she focuses on where development is best targeted.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 extend children's technological skills with access to more resources to support their interest in information and communication technology.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a secure knowledge of child protection and is aware of where to seek guidance if she has concerns. She shares information with parents so that they are aware of her responsibilities. Children are additionally safeguarded because the childminder carries out and records comprehensive risk assessments within the home and for outings. The childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 takes steps to maintain a safe home environment, for example, by making use of safety gates. Within the home children can move around freely and safely. Good arrangements are in place to prevent the spread of infection; for example, children do not attend when they are unwell and good nappy changing procedures are in place. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate, which enables her to deal appropriately with any accidents.

p.4

the early years provision

The lounge and dedicated playroom are organised well to enable children of differing ages plenty of space. They access to a good range of toys and resources. Learning resources are attractively arranged on the floor and on low-level shelving so that children can see what is available. The resources are of good quality and ample to support children's learning well.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder enjoys a good relationship with parents. She develops effective systems to keep them informed about their children's care and learning. Successful procedures ensure they receive information about the business arrangements, progress reports, policies and procedures. Parents are full of praise about the childminder's service. She seeks their views are verbally and through questionnaires. There is good support for children who have additional learning needs and the childminder works in partnership with parents to promote equal opportunities. The selection of resources promotes children's understanding of diversity and different cultures as they learn about the wider world.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder provides a service that is inclusive for all children. She supports them well and they develop a sense of belonging in the setting. The childminder welcomes children of all abilities. She discusses children's individual needs with their parents. She follows their instructions about nappy changes, sleep and feeding routines with care and attention to detail. Observation and assessments contain consistent updates to show clearly where the children are in their learning and development and their next steps. The childminder makes good use of photographs to show the children's progress across all areas of learning. She keeps samples of their creative work and written observations that include children's next steps.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is motivated and enthusiastic about her work. She is knowledgeable and reviews her service well through the self-evaluation process. This ensures successful continuous improvement. Links with other early years providers are well established in order to support children's individual needs effectively. The childminder maintains all of the required records and documents correctly and she keeps them ready for inspection at any time.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are calm and happy in the care of the childminder. They show in their relaxed body language that they feel safe and secure in her care. They are confident and eager to explore their surroundings and they clearly enjoy their time at the childminder's home. The childminder recognises when children indicate their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 need for sleep, food and drink and she attends to their needs promptly. They settle easily to sleep and awake refreshed. The childminder actively promotes the development of children's speech and understanding by talking to them as they play. Children are eager to move about and explore their surroundings. She notes their progress towards developmental milestones in all areas of learning. Children think critically and problem solve as they complete simple puzzles. Activities focus on children's interests, for example, playing with cars or enjoying music and songs.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder provides encouragement and learning opportunities for children that help to develop many of their skills for the future. Children hear mathematical language as the talk about shapes, count cars and listen to counting songs. They operate some interactive toys by pressing buttons, turning dials and exploring musical instruments. However, not enough use is made of information and communication technology to extend children's skills, for example, with the use of programmable toys.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder takes children out every day to extend their knowledge and understanding of the wider world. Children are becoming confident in meeting and playing with children and adults from diverse backgrounds. Children enjoy creative activities with the childminder, sometimes at her home though more often at local playgroups and children's centres. These activities include painting using vegetable shaped stencils, sticking, model making and exploring the properties of a range of media. Children learn the various colours of the paint and they use sand to build shapes. Children recall previous activities when they were digging and shovelling the snow using child-sized tools and a wheelbarrow.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is very well informed about children's nutritional needs. Children are extremely contented and settled because their individual health, physical and dietary needs are met to a good standard. They enjoy freshly cooked meals, which the childminder serves according to the children's needs. The childminder ensures that children go out every day to enjoy fresh air and healthy exercise. They use a good range of resources in the garden to develop their physical skills. Children develop a good understanding of safety through quality interaction and well- organised routines. Children behave well, as the childminder is consistent in her approach and enables them to make choices in their play and routine. Children are tired after a busy morning and cuddle into the childminder as she carries them upstairs and settles them cosily in a travel cot. 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 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 2 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 2

p.7

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

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