Childminder in Merton

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY439214 Inspection date 11/06/2012 Inspector Lisa-Marie Jones

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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 school age child in a two- bedroom house in Mitcham, in the London Borough of Merton. The downstairs of the home is registered for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for five children under eight years at any one time; of these, three can be in the early years age group. There are currently three children on roll in the early years age range. The childminder has a level 3 qualification in childcare.

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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 make good progress in their learning and development due to the childminder's thorough knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The childminder has strong positive relationships with parents, helping to ensure she meets children's individual needs effectively. Overall, partnerships with other settings children attend are developing generally well. The childminder works effectively to safeguard children's health and well-being. The successful use of self- evaluation means that the childminder identifies key areas for development to maintain the quality of her practice. This demonstrates that she has a strong 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?

 extend systems for working with other professionals to share information about children's learning and development to promote continuity in their care.

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the early years provision

The childminder devises and implements an effective safeguarding children policy. She has up-to-date knowledge and a clear understanding of current procedures, in line with relevant guidance, to refer any child protection concerns. The childminder minimises potential hazards in the home, and when on outings, by conducting regular and robust risk assessments. Fire safety arrangements are in place and regular evacuation drills help children know what to do in the event of a real This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 emergency. The childminder maintains accurate documentation and records, which support and reflect her good practice.

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the early years provision

The home is very welcoming, child friendly and well organised. This enables children to have the freedom and space to explore all activities independently. There is a broad range of very well maintained resources available, which effectively support and extend children's learning. The childminder forms close relationships with the children, which helps to ensure that they all feel welcomed and settled in her home. The childminder has a competent knowledge of how to promote equality and diversity. She uses a broad range of activities and resources to give children meaningful opportunities to explore and understand different cultures.

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the early years provision

The childminder gathers useful information about the children's development from parents before they start. She maintains good communication systems with parents so that she is able to meet children's individual needs consistently. The childminder is aware of the importance of having effective partnerships with other providers to promote a shared approach to children's care and learning. However, these systems are not yet fully implemented to ensure there is a consistent approach in meeting children's individual needs.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good capacity for continuous improvement. She has attended a range of training since her registration and keeps herself up to date with current childcare issues. The systems in place to monitor and evaluate her provision, such as self-evaluation, are successful. As a result, the childminder is able to identify her strengths and weaknesses and target areas for improvement. Parents comment that they are very happy with the childcare offered. They value the positive relationships the childminder develops with their families.

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and outcomes for children

Children take part in challenging experiences to help them make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder is skilled in extending their interests by offering a balanced planned curriculum that captures their interests. The systems to monitor their development demonstrate that children make consistent progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children clearly enjoy their time with the childminder. They are enthusiastic to take part in both adult-led activities and to be independent in their learning, by making choices and accessing play materials by themselves. All children enjoy good opportunities to extend their learning and they develop at their own pace. They benefit from the support of an experienced childcare professional who has an in- depth knowledge of their abilities.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy the company of each other in a relaxed, family-orientated atmosphere. They are developing good communication skills and have many opportunities to develop an awareness of letters and phonic sounds through gentle This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 play activities. They are confident in creating pictures with a range of different materials, such as paint. Children demonstrate a good awareness of how to maintain healthy lifestyles. They are active and energetic in the garden and through outings to the local parks and groups. They know routines to follow to maintain good health and hygiene. Children express their creativity through role play and with musical experiences. They develop an awareness of colour, size and numbers with a wide range of activities that have been devised by the childminder. The childminder is skilled in moving children on in their play to extend their

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and outcomes for children

learning. The transition between activities is smooth so children remain very stimulated and interested in what is happening.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel emotionally safe because the childminder establishes close relationships with them. They show through their play how they feel settled and comfortable to explore the environment. Children play happily and cooperatively with each other, and feel included and supported in all the activities. As a result, they enjoy their time in the setting, achieve well and successfully develop skills for future learning. 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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