Childminder in Waltham Forest

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY264811 Inspection date 21/03/2012 Inspector Jill Nugent

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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 registered in 2003. She lives in a house in Forest Gate in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. She has a pet cat.

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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 a maximum of six children under eight, of whom three may be in the early years age group at any one time. Currently, she has six children on roll; of these, four children are in the early years age group.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder offers a welcoming and inclusive provision for children. She prioritises children's well-being through her vigilant approach to health and safety. A key strength of her practice is her use of resources to actively encourage children to explore. She supports children effectively and consequently children make very good progress in most areas of learning. The childminder liaises closely with parents in order to cater for children's differing care needs. She is committed to continually developing her childcare practice and improving the outcomes for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 explore different ways of using the garden to extend children's learning and development in an outdoor play environment

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the early years provision

The childminder's documentation provides a sound framework for her practice. She has effective procedures in place to promote the safeguarding of all children in her care. She is particularly thorough in carrying out regular risk assessments of her home, as well as each type of outing that children take part in, so that any potential risks are minimised appropriately. She has a good understanding of safeguarding issues and knows what to do if she has any concerns relating to child protection. She maintains an up-to-date qualification in first aid and is attentive to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good hygiene. Parents are given the opportunity to inform her of any allergies that may pose a health risk to their children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a wide range of attractive resources that are suitable for children of different ages. These are set out in see-through containers, so that children can easily make choices. Each day, the childminder arranges a selection of toys on mats on the floor, presenting a stimulating play environment for children and encouraging them to explore. The childminder uses her time effectively in supporting children, helping them to follow up their own interests as they move from one activity to another. Children learn more about diversity as they play with resources that reflect different cultures. The childminder encourages all children to feel valued through her attention to their care needs and routines.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good working partnership with parents. She provides clear information about her practice and requests information from them about their children's needs. She shares her observations of children's learning with parents so that they are encouraged to become involved in their children's learning. Parents are happy with the care their children receive and particularly like to view photographs of them enjoying different learning experiences. The childminder uses questionnaires to find out the views of parents. She takes these into account when reflecting on her overall practice and making plans for the future.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed professional links with local schools, nurseries and a children's centre. She has attended a training course to increase her knowledge of special educational needs. As a result, she is able to work in partnership with other professionals to ensure continuity of care for individual children. She uses a process of self-evaluation to reflect on the different aspects of her practice and is keen to access further training to extend her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has relevant ideas for improving the outcomes for children, for example, redeveloping the small back garden so that children can use it all year round.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop very close relationships with the childminder and especially enjoy her involvement in their play. They are aware of the boundaries in the setting and respond positively to the childminder's requests. They benefit from the time she spends with them as they play. In this way, she enhances their enjoyment of each activity, for instance, children listen closely to the childminder, carefully reading stories, copying her words and sharing their thoughts with her. Children develop an open attitude to learning, often showing excitement at the play settings on offer, for instance, a collection of dolls and play foods or a farm and toy vehicles. Children often become absorbed in their exploration, learning to use their imagination creatively and develop their use of language. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder collects her written observations of children's learning into

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and outcomes for children

individual files, creating attractive records of their individual progress. She makes good use of her observations to plan interesting activities based on children's developmental needs and so move children on in their learning. For example, she introduces different books and puzzles, or organises cooking activities, to help children practise and develop new skills. She interacts effectively with children to extend their learning by suggesting ideas, engaging them in conversation and encouraging discussion. Children enjoy regular visits to play groups, where they are able to participate in a variety of alternative play activities, for example, arts and crafts or outdoor play. Children have opportunities to take part in activities in the childminder's garden, although at present these are limited, due to the wear and tear on the grass area.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe in the setting because the childminder has various safety measures in place which promote their safety and security. She encourages children to feel emotionally secure through her attention to their well-being. Children enjoy individual attention and also opportunities to make friends with others. They learn to behave in ways that keep themselves and others safe. The childminder encourages an awareness of healthy lifestyles through providing healthy and nutritious meals. Children have good access to drinking water during the day and can rest according to their needs. They enjoy taking part in trips, for example, to a park, forest or farm. These offer opportunities for them to enjoy the outdoors and find out more about the natural environment. In addition, they participate in special activities linked to festivals which increase their knowledge of diversity and the wider world. 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 1 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

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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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 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 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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Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

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