Childminder in Hounslow

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY273565 Inspection date 12/03/2012 Inspector Marilyn Joy

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 has been registered since 1990. She lives with her husband and adult child in a house in Isleworth. The house is close to local schools and amenities and there is a park nearby. The ground floor of the house is used for childminding and includes toilet and sleeping facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has two cats. The childminder attends the local childminder drop-in groups. She is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time and of these, three may be in the early years age group. She is currently caring for three children in this age group.

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 offers a warm and welcoming home environment, where children make sound progress overall in their learning and development. However, the childminder does not regularly monitor or assess children's achievements, or work with parents and other settings to encourage continuity in their learning. Children experience a variety of activities and outings, although the childminder does not always offer sufficient challenge. Most documentation is organised appropriately; however, the childminder does not request all of the regulatory information from parents. Generally, the childminder ensures her home is safe, although she has not fully reviewed risks in all areas that the children encounter. The childminder is keen to develop her practice and demonstrates a sound capacity overall to maintain continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 request parental consent, at the time of the child's admission to the provision, to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 13/03/2012

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop knowledge and understanding of the early learning goals to help with observing what children can do, assessing their achievements and planning This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 their next steps  plan and resource a challenging environment to extend children's learning through play and encourage their independence by, for example, enabling them to select resources for themselves  establish a two-way flow of information with parents and other providers offering the Early Years Foundation Stage by sharing information about children's next steps to ensure continuity and progression  review the risk assessment to ensure it covers anything with which a child may come into contact and implement identified safety measures.

p.4

the early years provision

Overall, the childminder safeguards children's welfare appropriately. She has a suitable understanding of child protection issues and is aware of the procedures to follow if she has concerns. The childminder completes risk assessments and implements safety measures in most areas of her home. However, she has not fully taken account of children's ages and what they can reach in the hall if the internal door is not closed. The childminder is not significantly compromising children's safety because she supervises them well. The childminder is particularly careful about keeping children safe on outings. She takes emergency supplies with her and helps children learn about road safety. Most documentation relating to children's welfare is in place and organised efficiently. However, the childminder has not sought written parental consent for emergency medical care or treatment. This breaches a specific legal requirement of the Early Years Foundation Stage

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic about her care of children. She wants to develop her practice and is willing to attend training. In her self-evaluation, she recognises some areas she needs to improve, such as observing and assessing children's progression. She has addressed the recommendations raised at the last inspection and improved her understanding of child protection issues. Children have access to a good range of toys and activities to support their development. However, she does not store them so that children can develop their independence by making choices and selecting their own resources. The childminder promotes equality and diversity appropriately. Toys and books reflect difference in the world around them.

p.5

the early years provision

Positive relationships develop with parents. The childminder spends time sharing information when children first attend and agreeing arrangements for their care. As a result, children are settled and secure. Ongoing discussions keep parents and the childminder up to date. The childminder regularly takes photos of children's activities and gives these to parents. However, arrangements for involving parents more fully in their learning are not in place. Some children attend another setting, and the childminder gathers information about general activities children experience. However, she does not establish a two-way flow of information to ensure continuity and progression for individual children. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to work in partnership with other agencies to support children when required. Parents are highly satisfied with the care provided. They This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

the early years provision

appreciate daily texts and feedback about their child's day.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled. They demonstrate a strong sense of belonging in the manner in which they play and respond to the childminder. Babies smile and put their arms up to be held. The older children eagerly talk about what they have been doing at nursery and what they would like for lunch. Generally, the childminder encourages their language and communication well. She models conversations with babies and usually echoes their attempts at speech. Young children eagerly explore the selection of toys she sets out for them. They begin to make connections as they shake a rattle and it makes a sound. Older children are keen to explore the arts and crafts box, and the childminder helps them recall some of the activities they have experienced previously, such as playing with bubbles and painting. Children enjoy painting their hands and making prints on card for Mother's Day. They have satisfactory access to resources that help them

p.6

and outcomes for children

gain some skills for the future. They learn about information and communication technology as they explore how things work using a variety of electronic and push- button toys.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a simple plan of activities for the week, such as making cakes, cards and necklaces, as well as her regular visits to toddler and childminder groups. The childminder takes photos of activities, which she shares with parents. For example, they show children enjoying water play in the garden, exploring a range of equipment at the park and playing games at Halloween. Children play imaginatively as they sit in a box and pretend it is a car. However, the childminder is not confident about the early learning goals or monitoring and assessing children's progress. Consequently, she is not clearly identifying their achievements or next steps for learning, which means she is not always challenging them to reach their potential. For example, there are plenty of books for children to choose from, but few other opportunities for them to become familiar with words, letters or numbers. There are plenty of resources available, although children cannot

p.6

and outcomes for children

always easily reach them in order to develop their play freely and independently.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children receive good encouragement to adopt a healthy lifestyle. They play in the fresh air, enjoy healthy meals and learn good hygiene habits. The childminder follows effective hygiene routines herself, which helps prevent the risk of cross- infection. She gathers information from parents to make sure she is fully aware of children's individual health and dietary requirements. Older children enjoy making their own sandwich for lunch. They learn how to use knives safely and make healthy choices about the fillings. The childminder works with parents to help establish regular routines for babies. They sleep downstairs so that she can carefully monitor them. Children receive consistent support from the childminder and clear boundaries. This helps them to understand what is expected and stay safe. Children learn about road safety when going for walks and travelling in the car. They confidently explain they need to stay on the pavement and wait for the

p.6

and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder when getting out of the car. Children benefit from frequent praise and encouragement, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

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.8

Stage

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

p.8

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 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9