Childminder in Islington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY345594 Inspection date 17/05/2012 Inspector Maria Conroy

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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 2006. She lives with her partner and adult daughter in a four bedroom first floor maisonette which is arranged over three floors. The home is situated in Finsbury Park which is in the London Borough of Islington. The living room, two bedrooms, which are arranged as playrooms, and the kitchen are available for childminding purposes. The childminder has access to a garden but it is not for her exclusive use, however children are taken regularly to local parks and playgrounds for outside play. The family has a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under the age of eight years; of these, three may be in the early years age range. She currently has five children under eight years on roll, of whom three are in the early years age range.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, highly effective partnerships between the childminder and parents help ensure that the children's individual needs are met. The capacity for sustained improvement is outstanding. The childminder is dedicated to the children she cares for, and their families. She has continued to develop her practice since her previous inspection and has addressed the areas identified for improvement. She has installed window locks and has obtained consent for emergency medical treatment for all children in her care. Furthermore, the childminder maintains her excellent capacity to improve by regularly liaising with other professionals and by attending training to enhance her skills and knowledge.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 displaying list of words from home languages used by children in the setting and inviting parents to contribute to them.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a comprehensive awareness of safeguarding and she has attended training to keep her skills updated. Thorough policies and procedures are implemented consistently and robustly to ensure that children are protected. For example, the childminder conducts detailed risk assessments both in the home and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 for the variety of outings that take place. All adults living on the premises are vetted. Students who undertake their work placement at the setting have their documentation checked to ensure they are suitable to be in the proximity of children. Children take part in fire evacuation and a 'fire bag' is readily available in the event of an emergency; containing the necessary resources, such as blankets and emergency contact details.

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the early years provision

The childminder has high expectations for the service she provides and has made exceptional progress since her previous inspection. She has liaised with other professionals, such as the dentist, to support her in planning activities to help children learn about keeping teeth healthy. The childminder has completed a number of courses including 'health and safety', 'schemas' and 'creative art'. She continues to identify areas for further improvement in her practice; some of which has already been implemented, for example the parent's information area. As a result, outcomes in children's achievement and well-being for all children are very good.

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the early years provision

The childminder makes creative use of her accommodation to provide an excellent environment for children's play and learning. She has two designated play rooms that include accessible toys and resources so that children can self-select and grow in independence. A large wall space provides an art gallery for children to display their craft work with pride. The childminder supports children in making books for their parents highlighting the great fun they have taking part in the activities She consistently gets down to the children's level and successfully engages and supports them in their play. The childminder models language successfully to promote children's communication and language. She provides excellent learning opportunities through activities which meet all of the children's ages and stage of development..

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the early years provision

The childminder has high aspirations for quality through ongoing improvement and a strong commitment to equality and diversity. She has an exceptional knowledge of each child's backgrounds and individual need. She works effectively with parents to support those needs. For example during the settling in process, she gains information about the child that includes their daily routine and feeding schedule. Children have great fun when learning about other cultures through exciting planned activities. For example, during Chinese New Year they taste noodles using chopsticks, learn simple Chinese words and have a go at writing words using Chinese symbols. The childminder has resources that promote equality within her setting, however there are fewer examples of different languages displayed and used within the environment.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a highly positive relationship with parents. She works successfully with them to provide consistency on developmental issues such as toilet training and keep them informed of their child's progress and well-being. The childminder organises celebrations for various festivals throughout the year, inviting parents both past and present to participate. Profiles provide a wonderful record of what their child has achieved and the fun they have while they attend the childminder. A dedicated information area displays relevant details including the 'parent's poster', activities planned for the children and the weeks menu. Parents comment, 'the childminder treats children with respect and as a result they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 respect her'. They particular like, the happy atmosphere and variety of visits children take part in.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly committed to working in partnership with others. She helps out in the local nursery where the children attend. This enables her to find out how they provide for the six areas of learning for the children. The childminder exchanges information about the activities she provides for the children, which successfully promotes and enhances their learning, development and welfare. In addition the childminder ensures she passes on any information from the other settings to the parents supporting continuity of care for the children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and welfare requirements. High quality observations enable her to identify the needs of children and this means she can provide an excellent level of support for the next steps in their learning. Teaching is highly effective because the childminder has a clear understanding of making every experience a learning opportunity.

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and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate sustained concentration. They show a sense of fun as they catch rice and glitter mixture through a funnel, for example. Young children confidently string words together to make clear sentences such as 'look I found a green one'. They enjoy using mark making materials, draw a pictures of themselves and are encouraged to write their name. Children count the steps on the stairs as they move from one level of the building to another. They are learning mathematical words such as full, empty, big, small and they help measure ingredients as they make chocolate brownies. Children are developing the use of information technology, for example when using the computer and a range of battery operated toys. Participation in these and other activities gives them the success and skill they need to move on in their learning journey.

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and outcomes for children

All children show a strong sense of security and feel safe. Children's behaviour is exemplary and they clearly know the daily routines. They safely use a range of tools and equipment and know how to handle these in order to keep safe. For example, they cut their fruit snack using a knife and learn to use scissors successfully. Children take part in activities which enable them to effectively learn how to keep safe. For example, older children act as role models for younger ones as they follow the correct road safety procedures during outings. High quality adult interaction and exemplary organisation of routines helps very young children to gain an exceptionally strong sense of security. The childminder speaks to the children in a gentle manner and demonstrates she thoroughly enjoys their company.

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and outcomes for children

Children are extremely content and settled because their individual health, physical and dietary needs are met to an exceptional standard. Children are successfully learning how to maintain a healthy lifestyle; they are encouraged to brush their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 teeth at home for which they gain certificates. The childminder provides a range of healthy meals and snacks. The parent's area has a menu board and families are actively encouraged to contribute to the menu book. Children are motivated to taste a variety of different fruits and vegetables on the chart displayed and receive rewards for doing so. They have regular opportunities to engage in a wide range of physical activities, both indoors and out. This helps them gain a secure understanding about the importance of regular exercise as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Children love to take part in group games in the park, visits to the

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and outcomes for children

ball pool and swimming.Children are confident, settle well and develop excellent relationships with their friends and the childminder. They display extremely high levels of confidence and self-esteem, confidently chat to the inspector and share the fruit they have proudly cut. Children receive certificates for their achievements and they collect stamps on the reward chart for being kind, or helping younger children. All children are valued and engage in a wide range of activities and experiences, which help them to value diversity. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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