Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY438649 Inspection date 26/04/2012 Inspector Elizabeth Mackey

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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 2011. She lives with her young daughter in a two bedroom, ground floor flat in Beckenham, in the London Borough of Bromley. Minded children have access to all areas of the home, with play mainly taking place in the living room. Children use the master bedroom for sleep purposes only. The property does not have a garden; however, the childminder takes the children to a local park daily. The house is within walking distance of transport links. There are schools and local amenities close by. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years at any one time. Of these, three may be in the early years age range and two may be under one year. The childminder is currently caring for three children, of whom two are in the early years age 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

Children are cared for by an enthusiastic childminder who has a good understanding of their individual characteristics and their needs. Children make good progress in the welcoming environment, which offers an ample variety of learning and play opportunities. There are good quality systems in place for observation, assessment, and tracking of children's progress. The childminder works in successful partnership with parents and other settings. Information is readily available and overall, communication is effective. The childminder evaluates her provision well. She demonstrates an ambitious commitment to ongoing development to ensure sustainability and maintain continuous improvement to outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 implement a system for parents to contribute to children's development records

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the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes children's welfare. She demonstrates a good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding of her safeguarding responsibilities. The arrangements for safeguarding children are robust and set out in a transparent policy. It outlines clear procedures for dealing with any safeguarding concerns, including referrals to the correct agencies. The childminder has clear policies and procedures in place. These effectively underpin her practice and she shares them with parents. The childminder provides a safe, stimulating, and comfortable environment, which reflects children's backgrounds and the wider community. She undertakes thorough risk assessments to minimise any potential safety hazards and implements positive age-appropriate strategies to manage children's behaviour. Areas used by children are very clean and organised to encourage independent

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the early years provision

The childminder interacts with the children warmly and consistently. She takes natural opportunities to encourage their communication through developing conversations. The childminder is proactive in her commitment to diversity, which is evident throughout the setting. The childminder displays children's photographs and artwork. She provides resources and activities, which positively reflect the diversity in society and enhance children's knowledge and understanding of the world. For example, the children are currently learning about St George. Previous themes have included Chinese New Year when the children learnt about the meaning of the festival. They also made Chinese food and lanterns. The childminder plans activities appropriately to ensure all the children can take part. She adapts them individually according to children's ability and level of understanding.

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the early years provision

The childminder is developing strong partnerships with the parents, and the school. She obtains pertinent information about the children which enables her to fully support their inclusion. She produces quality plans to meet children's individual needs and interests. The childminder, in partnership with parents organises a planned settling in procedure. This enables gradual opportunities for getting to know one another and helps the children to feel secure. As a result, children settle well and demonstrate a sense of belonging in the setting. Parents have access to all policies and procedures and current information is on display, for example, the children's display board. The childminder communicates with parents on a daily basis and together they share an effective communication book, which travels between home and the setting. This enhances the consistency for the care of the children. The childminder makes initial assessments of children's abilities,

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the early years provision

using information from parents to inform early planning. Children enjoy a good balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. The childminder makes pertinent observations of the children's progress and development. The development files are available for parents to see; however, there is not yet a system in place for parents to contribute to them. The childminder has started childminding fairly recently and she has made an impressive start. She sets good standards across all areas of her practice. She demonstrates a strong commitment to driving improvement through a process of self-evaluation and identifies areas for future development. 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 developing secure attachments with the childminder. They are happy, settled, and demonstrate confidence when making their needs known. Children have autonomy in the setting and are familiar with the routines in place. For example, children say 'it is lunchtime soon' and when the childminder asks what they need to do before lunch, they say 'we tidy up the books'. Space is well organised to encourage children to be active and independent learners. They access a good range of quality toys and books, which support the areas of learning. Children behave exceptionally well, responding positively to the boundaries and routines in place. This helps them to develop their understanding of keeping safe. There is a good sense of fun in the setting. Children are enthusiastic, active learners and the activities successfully engage them.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder works in effective partnership with parents to promote a healthy lifestyle. She provides home cooked healthy meals and snacks. The childminder encourages healthy eating by providing freshly cooked meals and talking with the children about why they need healthy foods. She respects parent's choices about meal time arrangements; for example, following child led weaning. Children eagerly tuck into home-made fish pie with vegetables, followed by their chosen fruit. Children benefit from frequent visits out into the community to promote their understanding of the environment. For example, they visit local parks, the library and toddler groups.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes children's communication, language, and literacy development extremely well. Children love sharing a book and listening to stories. The childminder provides a lovely variety of books and materials to support their development. Children ask for their favourite books, which they listen to attentively. The childminder leaves gaps in the story for the children to complete, which they successfully accomplish. Children enjoy good relationships with the childminder and the other children in the setting. They settle straight away at nap time and frequently spontaneously hug the childminder. Children demonstrate good personal and social skills. They communicate with confidence, and are encouraged to tackle problem solving activities. For example, they use construction tools, programmable toys, and information and communication technology resources competently. Children's creativity is also encouraged. They engage in a

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and outcomes for children

wide range of craft activities, including junk modelling and painting. These positive early experiences provide children with a good start in life to enable them to develop the skills needed for their future success. 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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