Childminder in Harrow

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY248023 Inspection date 20/04/2012 Inspector Vicky Vasiliadis

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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 with her partner, adult daughter and four other children in the London Borough of Harrow. The ground floor of the home is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years, with no more than two in the early years age range. She is currently caring for one child in the early years age range, who attends on an ad-hoc basis. She also cares for one child in the later years age range, who attends on a part-time basis.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children have access to a satisfactory selection of resources and learning opportunities to meet their needs. However, resources that are reflective of the wider community are limited. The systems for observation and assessment are adequate, but these are not securely linked to planning for children's next steps. The childminder has implemented a sound process to share information with parents. She demonstrates an adequate capacity to improve and has begun to reflect on her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide time and relaxed opportunities for children to develop spoken language through sustained conversations  provide positive images that challenge children's thinking and help them to embrace differences in gender, ethnicity, language, religion, culture, special educational needs and disabilities  develop learning plans for each child based on information gained from observing the child.

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the early years provision

The home is appropriately organised to provide a secure environment in which children's safety and welfare are suitably promoted. All adult members of the household are vetted. The childminder conducts regular risk assessments, and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 takes action to make sure that possible hazards are minimised. For example, low- level cupboards are fitted with locks and the kitchen and utility area are inaccessible to children. The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding issues, including the reporting procedures to follow if there are concerns.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates an adequate capacity to improve. For example, she is beginning to monitor and evaluate the quality of the service that she provides. She is able to identify some of her strengths and areas for improvement, and recognises the need to develop her systems for observation, assessment and planning. The childminder continues to attend training courses, in order to try to improve outcomes for children. She has addressed the recommendations from the last inspection. Children have access to a satisfactory selection of resources and learning opportunities. Toys are at children's level, so that they can make some choices in their play.

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the early years provision

The childminder makes suitable efforts to support the children's understanding of equality and diversity. She acknowledges some festivals such as Diwali, Christmas and Easter. However, children have limited access to resources that are reflective of the wider community. The childminder works with the parents, with whom she has developed positive links, to find out information about children. For example, parents complete an 'all about me' form, which includes information such as health requirements, allergies and dietary requirements. This helps the childminder to offer consistent care for each child. In addition, she shares information with parents at collection and drop-off times, via text and through social networks. She also has a notice board accessible to the parents, with information about her insurance and registration details. Adequate information about children's development is available to parents. For example, the childminder shares her

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the early years provision

observations of the children with them. There are currently no children on roll who attend other settings or need support from other agencies. However, the childminder demonstrates an adequate understanding of the need to develop these links with others, as and when the need arises.

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and outcomes for children

The quality of children's learning and their progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their starting points is satisfactory. The systems for observation and assessment are adequate and the childminder identifies some future learning priorities for children. However, the next steps in children's learning are not securely referenced in the childminder's planning. The children have access to an adequate range of age-appropriate resources and learning opportunities. For example, they enjoy playing with the cars and watching as they 'zoom' past when wound up.

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and outcomes for children

Children are encouraged to respect their resources as the childminder gently reminds them to put away toys before getting more out. Some of the resources This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are stored at the children's level, which enables them to begin to make choices in their play. Children receive praise for their efforts and achievements, which encourages their self-esteem. The childminder has formed positive relationships with the children. For example, they demonstrate through their actions and gestures that they are content and secure in her care. They seek her out for comfort when unfamiliar people are present, and she responds appropriately. She spends time sitting with the children at activities and poses some open-ended questions. However, sustained conversations are not maximised, to fully support children's language development further. Children attempt to mark make while

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and outcomes for children

using crayons and paper, and they are beginning to develop an awareness of numbers. For example, the childminder counts the different toys the children use in their play. Consequently, children's skills for the future are supported satisfactorily.

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and outcomes for children

Children follow appropriate personal hygiene routines as implemented by the childminder. The children are active as the environment is set up for them to move about freely and safely. They have regular access to the outdoors where they can play with equipment such as slides and swings. In addition, the childminder takes the children out for regular walks to the park and shops. There are appropriate arrangements in place to store and heat the food provided by parents. The childminder has devised a number of written procedures to promote children's well-being and health. For example, she has a policy that requires parents to keep children at home if they are infectious.

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and outcomes for children

The children are cared for in a safe and secure environment and are beginning to learn about how to stay safe. For example, the childminder reminds children not to put toys in their mouths and she regularly practises her evacuation procedures with the children. In addition, babies feel safe and secure as they have healthy emotional attachments with the childminder. For example, they enjoy snuggling into the childminder when they wake up from their naps. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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