Childminder in Greenwich

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY434750 Inspection date 23/03/2012 Inspector Sarer Tarling

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 16 year-old daughter in a three bedroom house located in the millennium village area of Greenwich, London. All areas of the home are fully accessible and suitable to be used for minding. However, minding generally takes place on the ground floor in the open plan living room which leads directly onto an enclosed outdoor area. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are also located on the ground floor. The house is within walking distance of the underground Jubilee network and local bus routes. There are schools and local amenities close by.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years at any one time, no more than three of which may be in the early years age range, one of whom may be under one year at any one time. There are currently four part-time children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age range. The childminder also offers care for children over the age of eight; however there are no over eights on roll.

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 recognises the uniqueness of each child and provides a highly stimulating, inclusive and child-centred environment in which children truly flourish and make great strides in their achievements. All aspects of health and safety are outstanding and behaviour management is exemplary. The childminder expertly uses her systems of observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating experiences for each child. Overall, partnerships with parents are good, although those with other practitioners' need further consideration. The childminder has made a good start in monitoring the effectiveness of her service and has started to identify areas for further improvements. She demonstrates a very good capacity for continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 further refine the systems in place to monitor children's learning and development by offering opportunities for parents to take an active role in contributing to the planning for their child's next steps  develop systems for working with other professionals to promote consistency of learning for children attending other early years settings  strengthen the use of self-evaluation, to identify strengths and priorities for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development, by providing opportunities for children, parents and other professionals to be involved in the reflective process.

p.4

the early years provision

All required records and parental consents to promote children's health, safety and welfare are in place. Policies and procedures, including safeguarding, are shared with parents. The childminder is very confident of her role and responsibilities in safeguarding children. She has undertaken child protection training so is fully aware of the procedure to follow if she has concerns about a child. A strong emphasis is placed on ensuring children are safe whilst also affording them the freedom to explore. Records show that robust risk assessments are completed to identify, remove or minimise any potential hazards in her home, garden and for outings. The childminder's first aid certificate is up-to-date, affording children prompt care and attention. Excellent consideration is given to provide high quality, safe and suitable play resources. Well thought out evacuation procedures are in place and, by regularly practicing, children take an active role in protecting

p.5

the early years provision

themselves in an emergency situation. Children develop a wide ranging awareness of their own safety through the childminder's clear explanations. For example, by explaining to children how to differentiate between the hot and cold taps it minimises the risk of them being scalded in an unfamiliar bathroom. The childminder ensures children understand how to take care of themselves when outside, they practice their road safety skills and are taught, in an age appropriate manner, to be cautious around unfamiliar adults.

p.5

the early years provision

The environment is highly inclusive, all children and their families are welcomed. Great care is taken discussing the children's individual needs and routines with parents. This information is used to plan initial activities based on their interests, which in turn help them settle. The childminder's home is fully accessible and she goes to considerable lengths to enable all children to feel valued and included. For example, sinks and worktops are of child and/or wheelchair height, enabling young children to be independent in the bathroom and kitchen. Each child has a basket, identified by their photo, which stores their personal belongings and any craft work they wish to take home. Posters and books promote positive images of diversity and outings provide opportunities for children to socialise with others, developing an awareness of their local and wider community and valuing all people. The childminder is aware of how children learn differently and positively promotes each

p.5

the early years provision

child's learning, skillfully adapting activities to include all the children at a level appropriate to their understanding. The childminder is well prepared to work with other agencies to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder builds effective working relationships with parents through a good exchange of verbal and written communication. Parents are very positive about the care their children receive and are delighted with the excellent progress they are making. The childminder is skilled in observing and assessing children's progress and planning for future activities. Although she has not considered ways of involving parents in their child's learning journey. Partnerships with other providers This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are currently in their infancy. The childminder has a clear vision for the future and has started to reflect on how her provision promotes positive outcomes for children. She has begun to use the Ofsted self-evaluation tool to review her service and shows a keen interest in developing her skills and knowledge further.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder prepares very well before children arrive in order to make the most of their time together. She plans activities very effectively to cover all areas of learning both inside and outside. Children explore their surroundings enthusiastically while the childminder feeds their curiosity by joining in play to develop their ideas and make learning fun. This means children have a thoroughly enjoyable time, remain engrossed and productively occupied throughout the day. Children's confidence and self-esteem are high. They respond well to the calm, patient childminder and behave extremely well. She builds an atmosphere of sharing and caring and feels it is important to teach children to respect each other. Children are secure in their surroundings and have formed positive attachments to the childminder, reflected in the affectionate relationships they have with each other.

p.6

and outcomes for children

An impressive array of art and craft materials mean children can express themselves creatively. Recycling items supports children's understanding of environmental issues and some are re-used in craft activities. Children relish opportunities for role play, pretending to cook or to care for the dolls. While playing shops they write their own shopping list and learn to count using real money. Children's imaginations develop as they play in charmingly bizarre dressing up clothes, wigs and hats. They investigate the range of natural resources in the sensory box. Children sit together at the table and have fun playing with shaving foam or dough, learning to use tools safely and exploring the properties of a glitter, corn flour and water mix.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's' problem solving skills develop as they complete puzzles, build towers and thread beads. The childminder uses every opportunity to discuss size, position, shape, number and colour. Young children confidently use modern technology, exploring toys with buttons, lights and sounds. Older children practice their phonic skills and use child friendly applications on the latest gadgets. Children have easy access to pens, pencils and paint to develop their mark making skills. Their love of books is evident as they sit with the childminder listening to stories, looking at picture books, using puppets and singing favourite songs. Early communication skills are enhanced by using simple Makaton signs and giving children time to think and respond to skillful questioning. Children's excellent social skills, along with their high levels of achievement, help to prepare them to faces the challenges of the future.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are learning about healthy lifestyles through the daily activities and routines. Each child has their own cup and feeding utensils. They wash their hands before eating and after visiting the bathroom, drying their hands on their own This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 towels therefore minimising any potential cross infection. Children enjoy extremely nutritious snacks and meals, home cooked and carefully planned to reflect their preferences and dietary requirements. The childminder is well aware that keeping children healthy also involves them getting the right balance of exercise, rest and sleep. Children enjoy outings to the ecology park, pond dipping and feeding the ducks and explore a range of fixed play equipment at local parks where they gain confidence in their climbing. 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.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 2 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 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 1

p.8

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.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