Childminder in Barking and Dagenham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY357242 Inspection date 24/11/2011 Inspector Rufia Uddin

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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her four children aged 17, 14, six, and six months, in a four bedroom semi-detached house in Barking in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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 four children under eight years, of whom two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding two children in the early years age group. She also cares for older children. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children, and attends local carer and childminder support groups, and is a member of an approved childminding network. She holds a recognised childcare qualification at level 3. The family has fish in a large tank and a pet cat.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's individual needs are effectively met by the skilled and experienced childminder who knows them extremely well. Children's welfare is fully promoted, overall, and they make excellent progress in their learning and development. The childminder regularly reflects on, and improves her service and has successfully addressed previous recommendations. She has undertaken training, and is highly enthusiastic in implementing new ideas. This demonstrates her full commitment to continually improving outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

p.4

further?

 providing time to support children's understanding of how hygiene promotes good health, through the use of individual towels, for example.

p.4

the early years provision

Children's welfare and safety are fully promoted by a childminder who has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She is fully aware of what to do should she have a concern about a child. Thorough and regularly reviewed risk assessments, alongside comprehensive daily checks, ensure This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 risks and hazards are minimised. The childminder has an outstanding array of resources which supports their learning exceptionally well. Children play in a very well organised and child-friendly environment. They are able to independently choose from the high quality toys, equipment and activities as they make significant progress and development to the early learning goals.

p.4

the early years provision

The provision is highly inclusive as the childminder removes any potential barriers to children's learning. She passionately believes in all children reaching their full potential. Children take part in enriching play experiences which give them an insight into their diverse world. Displays of the children's artwork and photographs of them engaged in activities are displayed to welcome the children into the provision. The childminder has a secure and in-depth knowledge of the children in her care and all are valued and fully included, which helps them develop high levels of self-esteem. The childminder's confident approach to equal opportunities actively contributes to children's positive attitudes to the wider community. This is complemented by children's access to a wide selection of resources and the celebration of a broad range of festivals that represent their own and other cultures.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder builds highly positive relationships with parents, which helps to ensure children's individual needs are met. Parents' knowledge of their own child is actively sought and taken account of, ensuring children settle well. This effectively contributes to the accurate initial assessment of children's capabilities. Parents are very well informed of their child's progress. They are encouraged to play an active role in their child's ongoing learning, through contributing to detailed developmental records. Discussions regarding children's routines enable a collaborative approach to children's learning. There are very effective partnerships other providers and professionals. This provides consistency in children's learning and helps to ensure that children who may require additional support are identified, and helped to make progress to reach their potential.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder uses self-evaluation highly successfully to identify the strengths in her service and priorities for development. She has high expectations of herself and works towards ambitious targets for improvement. The childminder embraces training opportunities. She has booked training to improve her knowledge of the different forms of communication to aid younger children's development, for example. The childminder has made excellent progress since the last inspection. She has addressed all recommendations and demonstrates a high commitment to making ongoing improvements to outcomes for children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has effective systems in place to understand children's starting points, interests and learning styles. Well developed observation and assessment techniques give the childminder a secure understanding of children's progress. Assessment information is used extremely well to track progress and plan individual learning journeys. Consequently, children make excellent progress as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they take part in stimulating play activities. The childminder has an outstanding understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. She also fully understands the significance of play as children learn from relevant experiences.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children benefit greatly from the childminder's skill in evaluating when children should be enabled to play independently, with their friends or when she should intervene to extend their learning. Children are safety conscious and develop a strong understanding of how to keep themselves safe both in the home and on outings. Clear guidance enables children to use tools safely and effectively. Books and props are used effectively to promote discussion and enhance children's understanding of hazards such as stranger danger and crossing roads. They are eager to take responsibility by tidying up because they are aware of the possible consequences if they have too many toys on the floor.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder is a positive role model and engages with children well. Consequently their behaviour is exemplary as they share and take turns. Activities are provided to help children develop effective listening and language skills. The childminder involves them in conversations and encourages them to express themselves. Children encounter early mathematical ideas when using modelling dough and these practical experiences enable them to learn about shapes and sizes. Rhymes, songs and listening to familiar stories significantly build on children's language. Opportunities are provided for children to use information and communication technology to support their learning as they carefully use interactive toys. These opportunities enable children to successfully develop skills for the future.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy excellent opportunities to be creative and use various media and materials to express themselves, including dough, paint and water. From a young age, children enjoy experimenting with the musical instruments, listening to familiar songs and dancing to music. Children are developing a very secure understanding of keeping healthy. They benefit greatly from fresh air and exercise every day, using the safely enclosed garden and a wide selection of outdoor resources. Consequently, children learn the importance of regular physical exercise. Children enjoy healthy, home-made nutritious meals and snacks. These incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables and foods from their own and other cultures. Children understand the importance of washing their hands, although use of the shared towel does not fully support children's understanding of how hygiene promotes good health. Children show great enthusiasm for activities and have a

p.6

and outcomes for children

close and trusting bond with the childminder. This makes children feel very confident and safe and positively impacts on their progress and self-esteem. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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