Mason, Ann

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY428855 Inspection date 29/02/2012 Inspector Siobhan O'Callaghan

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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 was registered in September 2011. She lives with her husband, and their adult children. The family lives in the Queens Crescent area in the London Borough of Camden. The home is close to local shops and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes. A bedroom on the first floor is available to provide undisturbed sleep with bathroom facilities also available. The second floor of the property is not accessible to children. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has a dog. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She is registered to provide care for a maximum of four children under eight years of age at any one time. Of these, not more than three children may be in the early years age group. The childminder is currently caring for one child in the early years age group who attends on a part-time basis.

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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

The childminder provides a welcoming home where children's individual needs are soundly promoted. Children make good progress in their learning although babies are not always provided with sensory play experiences. Children's safety and welfare is promoted through secure safeguarding procedures. There are sound partnerships with parents, although children's starting points are not fully discussed. The childminder has continued to improve her childminding practices, although she is yet to reflect on all aspects of provision. She demonstrates a satisfactory capacity to maintain ongoing improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the two-way flow of information with parents by involving them in gathering children's initial abilities, likes and dislikes before they attend the provision  develop further opportunities for babies to explore a range of sensory experiences  develop further reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of outcomes for all children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has robust systems in place to initiate suitability checks for adults. She has a good knowledge and understanding of safeguarding children issues having attended recent training. The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of the benefits of working in partnership with others to promote children's welfare. She organises a safe and secure home environment for children. There is a clear risk assessment in place for the home and for all outings that she enjoys with children. As a result, children's welfare is promoted effectively.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed an appropriate range of records, policies and procedures that promote equal opportunities for all children. She organises an accessible and inclusive environment for children. They have appropriate space to play, eat and rest in comfort. The childminder values the children's individual backgrounds, which are reflected in her daily practice. She has a generally broad range of resources available to support children's play and enjoyment. However, younger babies do not have opportunities to access a variety of natural resources to support their sensory learning.

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the early years provision

Overall, the childminder has developed sound partnerships with parents. She ensures that they are kept informed of their children's daily experiences. She also demonstrates that she is developing positive systems to involve parents in their children's learning. However, she is yet to fully engage parents in gathering information about children's starting points before they attend. The childminder is not caring for any children who attend other early years provisions. Nevertheless, she is aware of the importance of engaging with all partners to promote continuity of care. The childminder has only been minding for a short time and demonstrates a positive approach to developing her partnerships further.

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the early years provision

The childminder although only newly registered is developing some positive systems to promote ongoing improvement. Since registration, she has attended both compulsory and additional training. She has worked with others to review her policies and planning systems. This in turn has supported the development of many positive practices. The childminder is mindful of the importance of reflection through self-evaluation and promoting ongoing improvements. However, this aspect of her practice is not yet fully established.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in their learning because the childminder has a good understanding of the learning and development requirements overall. She plans a broad range of experiences to support children to enjoy and achieve. For example, babies enjoy adult-led activities such as the childminder reading stories and singing songs. Equally, they enjoy exploring their environment independently. Children have good opportunities to explore their local community as daily trips complement This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their learning. This in turn helps to support children to develop a healthy lifestyle. For example, children benefit from regular fresh air and exercise. The childminder has developed positive observation and planning systems, which help to support children's learning and monitor their individual progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy her positive and warm interaction. Babies become excited as they learn to stand and walk. The childminder praises their efforts and motivates them in their achievements. Babies confidently access resources to support the development of their physical skills. For example, they can crawl through tunnels and use push along toys. Children are confident to initiate their own play as they enjoy exploring electronic resources. They are delighted when they push buttons that create music and flashing lights. The childminder effectively interacts with children as they play to support their language development. Children also enjoy opportunities to visit the local library. These are further opportunities to engage in story and singing sessions. Children's creative development is promoted through a variety of experiences including painting, drawing and imaginative role-play. They are

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and outcomes for children

supported to develop good problem solving skills. For example, they confidently build with bricks and access puzzles and shape sorters.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare and general well-being is promoted through many secure practices overall. They are developing an understanding of how to stay safe through the childminder teaching them safe behaviours. Children do not have unsupervised access to the pet dog and they learn how to stay safe when out walking. The childminder discusses road safety rules to promote their awareness. Children demonstrate that they feel secure. They have developed trusting relationships with the childminder and enjoy her cuddles and attention. The childminder works in partnership with parents to promote healthy eating. She ensures that children always have access to milk or water to drink. Children are soundly supported to develop positive hygiene practices. For example, they wash their hands at appropriate times of the day and after handling pets. Children are learning to develop polite and cooperative behaviour. This is reinforced through

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and outcomes for children

the childminder who is a positive role model. Overall, children are developing many valuable skills, which help to set secure foundations for their future learning. 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 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 3

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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 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 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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