Childminder in Islington

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY259469 Inspection date 28/05/2012 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 husband and two adult children in the London Borough of Islington. The whole of the ground floor of the home is used for childminding purposes and there is a bathroom is available on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

When working alone, the childminder may care for a maximum of six children under eight years, with no more than three in the early years. When working with another childminder and assistant they may care for no more than 11 children under eight years, with no more than eight in the early years. There are currently 17 children on roll, of whom 15 children are in the early years age range who attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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

The childminder provides children with an inclusive service in which she identifies and meets their individual needs effectively. The systems for information sharing with parents and others are effective. Overall, children make good progress in their learning and development. There are comprehensive processes in place to reflect on practice. As a result, the childminder demonstrates a good capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 incorporate technology resources that children recognise into their play, such as cameras, torches, transistor radios or karaoke machines.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in promoting the safety and welfare of the children. For example, effective risk assessments procedures are in place, which the childminder uses to limit hazards to children. The childminder has a clear understanding of safeguarding procedures. She is aware of the possible signs that children may display if being harmed. In addition, she has a range of written policies and procedures in place that support her practice.

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the early years provision

The childminder works well with her co-childminder and together they provide This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children with a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment. The home is well organised and the children have access to a good selection of toys and equipment. Resources are well-utilised, fit for purpose and support children's learning and development. Children can freely access the resources and this increases their independence skills. Children learn about different cultures and their own as the childminder acknowledges a range of festivals. For example, they celebrate Chinese New Year and Black History Month together. This helps to increases children's awareness and understanding of equality and diversity.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear vision and knows where her strengths lie and where she needs to make improvements. For example, in order to increase her knowledge and understanding of childcare issues further, she obtained a professional qualification. In addition, the childminder continues to access training and workshops provided by her local authority. As a result, the childminder is able to continue to build on her knowledge and skills. Parents and carers are encouraged to share their views, which the childminder takes into account in her effective self-evaluation. For example, some parents commented on the organisation of pick up times. The childminder and those that she works with reviewed their process and made changes, therefore making this a smoother time. In addition, the childminder has met the recommendation raised at the last inspection. Consequently, the childminder demonstrates a good capacity to

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the early years provision

There are good systems in place to promote partnership working with parents and carers. The childminder displays relevant information on her notice board, which provides parents with details of some of her policies and registration details. In addition, children's artwork and photos are on display, which helps parents, and children to feel included and valued. Parents are well informed of their children's achievements, well-being and development. For example, the childminder talks to parents on a daily basis, regularly emails them with progress reports and displays some of her themes and topics. In addition, parents are encouraged to access their children's developmental records and add to these as they wish. Effective systems for working with others involved in the care and education of the children are in place. For example, the childminder talks to teachers when collecting children from school. She also uses newsletters to keep up to date with themes

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the early years provision

that she can extend while children are in her care. This helps to support children's individual needs and to complement their learning and development.

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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 good. There are clear systems in place to monitor and assess children's development. For example, the childminder routinely conducts observations of the children and identifies the next steps in their learning. Children are able to access an environment, which supports and challenges their learning. The home is set up with the children in mind, and they are able to access the many resources available. Children have fun as they learn. For example, they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 thoroughly enjoy playing with the water as they transfer water from one container to another. In addition, the childminder takes her lead from the children. For example, children decide to water the flowers and plants. The childminder encourages them to do so, and uses this as an impromptu discussion about how to

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and outcomes for children

care for plants. The childminder poses open-ended questions during discussions with the children. For example, children talk about their upcoming holidays and their likes. The childminder introduces mathematical language into children's play. For example, there are discussions about containers being half-full, heavy, empty, more than and less than. Younger children are able to access resources that support their understanding of technology. However, children that are more able, have less access to resources and opportunities to increase their understanding of technology.

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and outcomes for children

Children receive lots of praise for their efforts and achievements and lots of meaningful positive language is used. This helps to support children's confidence and self-esteem. Children learn to form positive relationships with other children, through the sensitive support that the childminder offers. For example, she reminds older children to be gentle around the babies and toddlers. Children have access to a good selection of resources that are reflective of the wider community, such as, puzzles, dolls, dressing-up clothes and books. As a result, children begin to learn to respect each other and to value differences.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn the importance of staying safe as regular discussions take place. For example, the childminder gently reminds children to sit down while eating. In addition, children display a strong sense of belonging and security. For example, when upset, children seek out the childminder for hugs and emotional support. The childminder is fully aware of children's dietary requirements and parents' wishes. She considers these when preparing foods for children, which are healthy and nutritious. In addition, children have access to the outdoors where they develop their physical skills through a wide range of activities. For example, they enjoy climbing up the steps of the slide and then sliding down. 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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