Childminder in Harrow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY362591 Inspection date 27/03/2012 Inspector Kim Mundy

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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 2007 and she lives with her partner, teenage and adult children in South Harrow in the London Borough of Harrow. The ground floor of the house, first floor bathroom and bedroom are available for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and she attends local pre-school groups. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight at any one time, of these three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding one child in this age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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

Children are having fun and are well cared for by this enthusiastic childminder. Effective planning for their individual learning means that overall, children are making good progress in all areas of learning. The childminder works positively with parents and others to place equal emphasis on meeting the children's welfare and educational needs. In the main, the childminder reflects upon her good practice and demonstrates a capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 increase positive images through resources and activities that help children to become aware of, and embrace differences  develop the current systems of self-evaluation to include the views of parents in order to improve the quality of the provision and outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good awareness of child protection issues in order to safeguard children. She knows the possible signs to look out for and the procedure to follow should she have concerns. Thorough risk assessments cover everything children come into contact with. For example, the childminder's home and the different environments children are taken to on outings. Children's records required for the safe and efficient management of the childminding provision are in place and well managed. These include contracts, accident and medication administration records. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder uses the Ofsted self-evaluation form well to help evaluate her service and accurately recognises the strengths of her setting. However, parents do not have the opportunity to influence the development of the provision by contributing their views as part of the childminder's self-evaluation. Since the last

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the early years provision

inspection, the childminder has taken positive steps to action the previous recommendations. This demonstrates her capacity to make continuous improvement. Furthermore, she regularly attends training courses to update her knowledge and skills, and in turn, this benefits the children.

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the early years provision

The childminder knows the children well and tailors their support to fit their needs. In clean and comfortable surroundings, babies are able to crawl, roll and walk around furniture with ease. There is a good range of toys and resources available for the different ages and stages of children's development, although there are too few toys and resources to help children to learn about diversity. There is a good range of nursery furniture and equipment to meet their varying needs, such as a high chair, travel cot and nappy changing facilities.

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the early years provision

The childminder establishes trusting relationships with parents. She places emphasis on settling babies gradually, so they are very happy to be left in her care. Whilst they settle the childminder carries out her initial observations of their learning and development. In addition, through discussion with parents, together, they plan the activities to help the children to progress to the next stage in their development. Each child has an assessment file which is shared with parents. This clearly records their child's progress and includes written observations, photos and artwork. The childminder liaises well with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure progression and continuity of learning and care for children. By observing outdoor early writing opportunities with water and paint brushes at the local children's centre, she extended this activity in to her home childminding environment to complement children's learning.

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and outcomes for children

Babies are adopting healthy lifestyles. Hand washing routines are followed to prevent the unnecessary spread of infection. They observe the childminder's good hygiene practices within the home. The provision of food is negotiable with parents and the childminder provides a sample menu of nutritious foods that she is happy to provide. She teaches the children to keep themselves safe in many ways, for instance, by practising the fire drill and learning to cross the roads safely.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise as they enjoy a wide variety of outings to parks and pre-school settings. The childminder makes good use of space; for example, babies giggle and squeal excitedly as they throw the ball to knock down the skittles in the hallway. Sturdy push along toys are available to support babies as they begin to walk. The childminder helps babies to begin to learn about sharing by playing turn-taking games. Consistent encouragement and praise means that babies develop confidence and self-esteem. They clap themselves in response to the childminder's constant praise for the smallest of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 achievements. The childminder places equal emphasis on the children's welfare and learning.

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and outcomes for children

When children first start, the childminder ensures that they settle happily before their parents leave them in her care. Consequently, they feel secure and play happily. The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop. She is well aware of children's current stage of development through observing them during their play and discussions with parents. Planning arrangements allow activities to stem directly from children's interests and support the development of individuals' skills. A picture of each child's development emerges through this assessment system. The lounge is set up with activities, toys and resources to entice children to play when they arrive. Furthermore, they are able to make choices as they help themselves to toys from boxes placed at their level, which are clearly labelled with words and pictures.

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and outcomes for children

Babies are developing skills for the future; they are curious as they investigate the toys and activities on offer. They mimic the adults around them as they rock their baby dolls and chat to their family on the toy telephone. Babies are developing their early-writing skills as they make patterns with their fingers in paint, rice and sand. They also begin to hold crayons to make marks on paper. Babies are showing a keen interest in books, especially those that make sounds. Furthermore, they enjoy visiting the library. Babies are developing their early problem-solving skills as they begin to sort shapes, stack cups, press buttons to operate toys and turn on lights. Babies' creativity and imagination is encouraged during different activities, such as painting and playing musical instruments. They enjoy observing the birds in the garden as part of their daily routine when they arrive each morning. Children are having fun as they learn through play with the support of

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and outcomes for children

this kind and caring childminder. 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 2 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 2 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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