Cassidy, Jasmine Angela

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY265096 Inspection date 26/04/2012 Inspector Sharon Henry

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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 husband and two children in the Finsbury Park area of the London Borough of Islington, within easy walking distance of shops, parks and schools. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time; of these, no more than three may be in the early years age range. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is currently caring for two children in the early years age group. The childminder holds a level 3 qualification in childcare and education.

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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

Overall, children's individuality is well recognised and nurtured by the childminder, who has a good knowledge of their interests and capabilities. Children enjoy access to a varied range of good quality toys and interesting activities that promote their interest and enjoyment. Children's health and safety is effectively promoted, although the record of risk assessment does not include the garden. The childminder demonstrates an enthusiastic and positive attitude towards her provision and has identified future plans to ensure continuous improvement.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure the risk assessment identifies all aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis; maintain a record of these particular aspects and when and by whom they have been checked with particular reference to the garden (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 19/05/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the use of self-evaluation to support ongoing improvements 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 recently updated her safeguarding training and has a clear understanding of possible signs and symptoms which may give cause for concern with regards to child protection. She understands the procedures to follow should she have a concern and refers to her own written policy to ensure appropriate action is taken to promote children's safety. Children are well supervised and risk assessments are regularly completed for the home, garden and outings. However, the record of the risk assessment does not contain the required information regarding checks carried out on the garden. However, the childminder carries out visual checks daily to identify and minimise hazards to children and there is no impact on children's safety. Records are used well to support children's ongoing safety and welfare, and are stored securely to ensure confidentiality is maintained.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are well established and ensure each child's care needs are met. In addition to a daily verbal information exchange, the childminder completes individual daily diaries to keep parents up to date with their child's well- being and progress. For example, she records what the child has eaten, how long they have slept and other pertinent information. Questionnaires and testimonials such as 'excellent childminder who is good at ensuring children have structure in their life' provide evidence that parents are happy with the service provided.

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the early years provision

The childminder actively promotes the uniqueness and individuality of each child. She provides age-appropriate activities and a range of resources to ensure all children can participate in all play opportunities regardless of gender, background, ability or disability. All children and families are highly valued. Good use is made of available space, allowing children to move freely and independently. Daily routines ensure time is used effectively and meets children's individual needs; for example, with regard to their meal times and sleep patterns. There are currently no children on roll who attend other settings or need support from other agencies. However, the childminder is aware of the need to work in partnership with any other settings if the need arises.

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the early years provision

The childminder is keen to improve all areas of her practice. She seeks advice and support from the local early years team and attends training to increase her own skills and knowledge. In addition, the childminder has extended her knowledge of child development and methods of supporting children's progress through completing a level three qualification, and reading relevant documentation. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to continuously improve her provision. For example, she has met the recommendation set out at the last inspection, and has attended several training courses, including safeguarding. This has improved outcomes for children as she is more confident in her ability to be aware of child protection issues. Furthermore she has started to implement a programme of self- evaluation to ensure that the service continues to develop. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a warm and caring environment, where the childminder establishes good relationships with the children. Young children are making good progress towards the early learning goals in all areas of learning. They are motivated and interested in a broad range of activities and take responsibility for choosing what they do. The childminder carries out regular observations that reflect children's achievements, and the children's progress is documented, detailing the next steps in their learning. These are attractively presented in children's individual folders and scrapbooks. Children's welfare is promoted; they are secure and develop a sense of belonging to the setting. Children know what is expected of them because boundaries are clear and consistent. Good quality interactions and well-organised routines help all children to feel secure and confident. As a result, children enjoy their time at the setting.

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and outcomes for children

Children's communication, language and literacy skills are well supported as they enjoy snuggling up and listening to familiar stories. Additional language programmes such as Makaton further support children's communication and literacy skills. Creativity and exploration is promoted as all children enjoy access to a variety of art, craft and imaginative activities, such as role play and small world play. Younger children become engrossed in the kitchen, where they put objects in the frying pan and pretend to cook and then show the childminder. They spend time opening doors and turning knobs, and then react with excitement. Children learn about the world around them and about diversity through discussions and activities relating to different people and cultures, supported by books, resources. They celebrate events such as St George's day. Children begin to adopt healthy practices as they take regular exercise by walking to and from venues, and visit

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and outcomes for children

places of interest such as local parks and have full access to the garden. Children's personal and social development is well supported, with regular visits to venues such as children centres and stay-and-play sessions.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is supported well. The childminder follows good practices to reduce the risk of cross-infection and provides children with healthy snacks, meals and drinks throughout the day, according to their individual dietary needs. Accident and medication records are appropriately maintained and the childminder holds a current first aid qualification which safeguards children's health. Children's behaviour is age-appropriate, and the childminder helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe; for example, they participate in regular fire drills. The childminder ensures she regularly praises and encourages children when they do well to help build their self-esteem and confidence. 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 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 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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