Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY434228 Inspection date 11/04/2012 Inspector Linda Coccia

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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 2011. She lives with her husband and their three children in the London Borough of Lewisham, close to shops, schools, parks and public transport links. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. There are steps to the front of the premises. The family has three pet cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years at any one time; of these, up to three children may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding four children between the ages of 18months and four years. They are all within the early years age range. The childminder is available to walk or drive to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local parent/toddler groups and local childminding 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 effectively meets children's needs because she knows them very well and is able to support their individual learning and development. She uses effective communication procedures to discuss children's individual needs with their parents. Overall, safeguarding and self-evaluation is good. The childminder is able to demonstrate the continuous improvement of her setting because she has made changes to cater for children's individual needs.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain a record of evacuation drills in the fire log book which includes details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  strengthen the use of self-evaluation to identify strengths and prioritise improvements for development that will continuously improve the quality of the provision for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises her setting well. She has a good understanding of safeguarding issues and uses a number of good procedures to help her protect children. For example, she conducts regular risk assessments of the premises and acts to rectify any hazards she finds. Children understand why safety gates are in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 place and how to use toys appropriately. However, the childminder does not practise her emergency drills with the children, therefore, they have not had the opportunity to learn to stay safe in an emergency. The childminder effectively maintains her accident, medication and attendance records. She holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. All persons over the age of 16 years who reside on the premises hold current Criminal Record Bureau enhanced checks. Overall, through the use of good safeguarding procedures, the childminder promotes

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the early years provision

children's well-being. The childminder has carried out evaluations of her activities and resources but has not prioritised them for the most impact on individual children. However, she has identified some good areas for improvement and has implemented changes to benefit all children. For example, she provides more indoor physical play activities for inclement weather situations; therefore, children have more opportunities to develop their physical skills. Resources are of good quality and many are from sustainable sources. The children learn about the local community as they accompany the childminder on outings to local venues.

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the early years provision

The childminder teaches children to be kind to and respect each other. She promotes equality of opportunity because she allows all children to use all toys and be involved in all activities regardless of their age or ability. Children regularly mix with other children from different nationalities and backgrounds. Due to the childminder's good attitude towards equality and diversity children learn about each other's differences. The childminder knows each child very well and meets their individual needs effectively. The childminder regularly exchanges information about children's achievements and progress with their Key Person at nursery. She uses the information she receives for planning challenging activities to further support their learning. She also exchanges information with parents on a daily basis. Exchanges are usually verbal but some parents request written information. Parents report that their children have developed and made good progress since

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the early years provision

being with the childminder. They have noticed improvements in their children's speech, social skills, physical abilities and overall confidence. They also report that the childminder acts in a professional manner and has great enthusiasm in caring for their children. Children receive good consistent care because regular discussions of their needs take place.

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and outcomes for children

Children are eager to attend the setting even on their non scheduled days. They have a strong bond with the childminder and look to her for comfort when they need it. They are happy to talk to visitors. Children show they feel safe through their body language and demeanours as they confidently move around the setting. Children use a good range of toys and activities which they utilise well. For example, they use chalk in the garden to write on walls and paving. They can sort small world animals into groups, deciding on the various habitats they live in. They pretend to feed them with real food and care for them if they children decide they are sick. They role play hospitals and can talk about what happens in a real one. They use medical play equipment appropriately and take turns to be the patient and doctor. They enjoy being creative, either sewing felt flowers or making pasta This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

necklaces and enjoy different types of music. They all join in with the singing at the local toddler group. Children engage in many types of physical play activities. They safely use the trampoline in the garden as well as setting up a bowling alley in the childminder's hallway. The childminder uses good expressive language with the children. Parents have commented on their children's progress with language development which shows that children are making very good progress in this area. Children are developing a good repertoire of skills to help their future development. The childminder has a good understanding of the learning and development requirements. She observes children, assesses their abilities using the practice guidance, and plans interesting activities to challenge children individually. The childminder's knowledge of the children's achievements and the written records she keeps clearly show children are making good progress towards the

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and outcomes for children

Children eat healthy, nutritious food at snack and meal times. They have plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and home cooked meals. The childminder discusses children's individual dietary needs with their parents to ensure she caters for children appropriately. Children begin to understand that physical exercise is good for them as they engage in a variety of physical play activities each day. Children are beginning to adopt a healthy lifestyle because the childminder promotes healthy eating and active play. Children use the childminder's good hygiene procedures and know her routines well. They know how to use toys safely. They have choices in the toys they select and play with individually and demonstrate good co-operation when participating in group activities. The childminder promotes social skills with the children to help them learn about caring for and being nice to each other. All children receive regular praise and encouragement from the

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and outcomes for children

childminder and as a result have an enjoyable experience with her. 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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