Childminder in Lewisham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY356905 Inspection date 16/04/2012 Inspector Lara Hickson

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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 2007. She lives with her adult son in a three bedroom house, in New Cross in the London Borough of Lewisham. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. Children also have access to the bathroom and one bedroom on the upper floor. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The property is close to local schools, parks and transport services. The childminder is willing to take and collect children from local schools and nurseries.

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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 three children aged under eight years; of these, three may be in the early years age range. At present, the childminder is caring for three children in the early years age group on a part-time basis and one child who is at school. The family has a cat.

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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's developmental and welfare needs are met well as a result of the childminder's knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop. The childminder makes observations of children and effectively uses these to inform planning. Although she has not completed formal self-evaluation, she shows good commitment towards ongoing improvement and is aware of her strengths and areas for further development. She maintains comprehensive documentation that contains all required information. Partnerships with parent/carers have been well established and information is exchanged regularly regarding children's progress and development. Resources are easily accessed by children so they can independently select their choice of activity.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the use of reflective practice to identify strengths and priorities for development that will continuously improve the quality of provision for all children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of safeguarding. A short, written policy is shared with parents, clearly outlining procedures the childminder would follow in the event of a concern regarding a child. Effective arrival and collection procedures underpin children's safety. For example, only persons authorised by their parents/carers may collect children. The childminder completes comprehensive risk assessment on all areas of the home with daily visual checks to assure children's safety. The childminder reviews this regularly and, from evaluations made, she puts additional safety measures in place. For example, she is going to remove a rose bush to prevent any risk to children. Detailed, risk assessments are in place for all children's outings, both locally and further afield. A fire evacuation procedure is in place and demonstrates how the childminder will evacuate children safely in an emergency. Regular fire drills are completed with

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the early years provision

children so that they are familiar with the procedure to follow in the event of an emergency.

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the early years provision

Children feel safe and secure because the childminder supports and reassures them. She is effectively responsive to individual needs and routines. For example, she understands the signs of children being tired or hungry and immediately responds. This helps children to feel secure. The childminder encourages children to explore their surroundings and to start being aware of their own safety through gentle reminders. For example, she calmly explains that climbing on a chair could be dangerous and reminds a child of a recent accident where they fell when climbing. She also explains that a chair is for sitting on and once prompted the child sits back on the chair.

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the early years provision

The childminder values and respects children's unique needs and individuality so that her practice is robustly inclusive. Children explore different festivals through art and craft activities and food. For example, at Chinese New Year they enjoy making lanterns and creating and tasting prawn crackers. The childminder has extended her range of resources that reflect diversity, which was a previous recommendation. The childminder enables children to develop positive self-esteem and confidence by praising their attempts and achievements. For example, when a child recognises different animals and completes a puzzle, the childminder praises the child's attempts enthusiastically. The childminder has built positive relationships with children and is well aware of their individual needs and characters.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear capacity for improvement and reflects well on her practice. She has not completed formal self-evaluation; however, she is able to identify areas of strength, as well as areas to develop. The childminder has completed all previous recommendations, which has improved outcomes for children. For example, she now has a fire log in place; she has liaised closely with the local network childminding team to follow additional advice given at annual review visits. She liaises regularly with other childminders at weekly childminder groups, where she shares good practice. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Partnership with parents is good and the childminder values parents' input as their children's primary educators. The childminder keeps them well informed about their children's care, learning and developmental needs and liaises with them

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the early years provision

verbally on arrival and collection. Parents are extremely complimentary about the childminder, highlighting her behavioural management strategies and strong links with the local community. One parent comments, 'I have always considered her to be a childminder of the absolute highest calibre.' Partnerships with other settings have also been well established. The childminder exchanges feedback regarding what a child is doing in each setting and how their development can be supported by both parties. This clearly has a positive impact on children's progress and development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the warm, welcoming, family orientated setting and enjoy exploring a wide range of activities and resources. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and of how young children learn and develop. The childminder has introduced an observation and assessment system in which she records children's progress and development. She is working on highlighting next steps for children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are introduced to new ideas through the range of activities the childminder provides, both in her setting and on outings. For example, children's counting skills are developed through number rhymes, number puzzles and counting during everyday routines, such as climbing the stairs. Children are effectively encouraged to develop their language and communication skills because the childminder talks to them continually and makes time to listen for their response. The childminder clearly understands how language develops and smiles with encouragement as younger children repeat what she has said or begin saying new words or phrases. As children play with different activities, the childminder introduces ideas of colour, shape and number, as well as new vocabulary. Children gain good skills for their future learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children gain an excellent understanding about healthy lifestyles. They fully learn about healthy choices, choosing from a selection of healthy snacks. Home cooked nutritious meals are provided in line with individual, dietary requirements and fully encourage children to explore new tastes. Children have very good opportunities for fresh air and exercise through playing in the garden area and going on outings to local parks. This enables them to experience a wealth of additional play apparatus to extend their physical skills further. Hygiene procedures are extremely effective in preventing the spread of infection and are introduced to children from a very early age. For example, when children cough, the childminder reminds them to cover their mouths to stop germs spreading. 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 1 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 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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