Childminder in Merton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY266170 Inspection date 18/04/2012 Inspector Janet Williams

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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 2003. She lives with her children, one of whom is pre-school age and the other of secondary school age. They live in Colliers Wood in the London Borough of Merton. They live close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding, with the exception of the main bedroom.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than one may be in the early years age range. When working with an assistant she may care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently caring for one child in the early years age group. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is able to take and collect children from the local nursery and attends several toddler venues on a regular basis.

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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 enjoy a varied range of play opportunities which help them make good progress in all areas of learning. The organisation of all activities keeps them actively engaged. Good partnerships with parents enable the childminder to have a good knowledge of each child's background and needs. This contributes to positive inclusive practice. The childminder uses self-evaluation to identify areas for development, such as her knowledge of how to support children with special educational needs and /or disabilities should the need arise. She demonstrates a good capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 build on the foundations for future success, for example by improving knowledge of supporting children with special educational needs and/or disabilities should the need arise. 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 has a clear understanding of issues surrounding safeguarding children and her responsibility of care. She has completed numerous training courses which have enhanced her knowledge and understanding of know what to do if a child is at risk. Children's safety is maintained at all times. The childminder makes thorough risk assessments and checks safety on a daily basis both inside the setting and outdoors. She takes positive steps to minimise accidents. For example, sockets not in use are covered, and smoke detectors are fitted. In addition, the childminder carries out regular fire drills which help children know what to do in event of an emergency and how to keep themselves safe. The childminder organises activities and space well to create an effective and stimulating play and learning environment for children. She uses a good range of positive images and resources that reflects diversity and challenge stereotyping.

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the early years provision

This helps children to learn about differences and respect others.

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the early years provision

The childminder establishes good partnerships with parents. She gives them clear written information about her provision in the form of policies and procedures. She involves them in make informed decisions about her childminding service. For example, she frequently asks parents to complete questionnaires. She uses this feedback to plan for further improvement relating to children's development and care. The childminder has effective links with many of the local children's and childminder's groups and with the local authority. None of the children she cares for attend other settings. However, she has systems in place to enable her to work in partnership with other settings. This includes using a feedback form to record relevant information and keep her up to date on children's progress.

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the early years provision

The childminder has good systems in place to evaluate her practice. She is able to identify areas for further development and seeks feedback from parents to help her do so. She is keen to extend her knowledge and skills in order to improve outcomes for children. For example, she recognises that she does not currently have a full understanding of how to care for children with special educational needs and /or disabilities should the need arise.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals in relation to their starting points and interests. The childminder keeps up-to-date and clear observations of all children to help her identify and meet their individual learning needs. She uses these to inform her planning, as a result she provides each child with a variety of purposeful play opportunities both indoors and outdoors. Children develop good skills for the future. They develop an awareness of numbers as the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder counts with them and helps them to build towers. They develop a love of books through regular visits to the local library.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder gives good support to help babies feel secure and a sense of belonging. There is clear evidence that children are happy and settled in her care. She interacts with the children, encouraging them to focus on activities. She consistently talks to the children, helping them to learn new words and extend their vocabulary. The environment allows children to make independent choices about what they wish to play with. This contributes to their personal, social and emotional needs. Children enjoy playing with small musical instruments, pressing buttons and listening to the sounds. This effectively contributes to their small muscle control. In addition, frequent outings to the local park allow children to have plenty of exercise and fresh air which promotes their good health.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. The childminder provides healthy and nutritious meals and plans menus that take account of children's dietary needs and requirements. Fresh drinking water is offered at regular intervals. Children establish good hygiene habits from an early age, such as washing their hands before meals. In addition the childminder maintains good hygiene standards and acts as a good role model. She washes her hands after nappy changing and cleans the changing mat with antibacterial cleaner. Children learn how to keep themselves safe. The childminder teaches them about road safety when they go out and discusses stranger danger with them. 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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