Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY269865 Inspection date 02/07/2012 Inspector Sandra Jeffrey

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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 and lives with her husband and teenage child, in a three bedroom semi-detached house in Bromley. The house is situated in a residential street close to local schools, pre-schools and shops, and Bromley South railway station is a 15 minute walk away. Children have use of the whole of the ground floor of the house, together with an enclosed back garden for outdoor play. The family has no pets.

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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 a maximum of three children under eight years; all of whom may be in the early years age range. There are currently two children in the early years age range on roll. The childminder also cares for older children.

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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 a clean and welcoming environment and effectively meets the needs of the children; helping them to make good progress in their learning and development overall. She recognises each child's individuality; ensuring that inclusive practice is successful and works earnestly to establish and maintain good partnerships with parents and others involved in the care of the children. Overall, the childminder organises her provision well and promotes children's safety effectively. She reflects on her practice and successfully recognises her strengths and areas for development, resulting in a setting that is response to all users' needs.

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further?

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

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further?

 consider additional ways to further develop children's independence in self- selecting toys and resources by, for example, by using pictorial and written labels  keep records of evacuation drills detailing any problems encountered and how they were resolved in a fire log book.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear understanding of possible signs and symptoms of abuse and is confident of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures to follow, in line with the Local Safeguarding Children's Board. In addition, the childminder carries out effective risk assessments which help her to maintain the safety of the home. The childminder keeps written records of risk assessments, enabling her to review and evaluate them on a regular basis. These precautions help to promote children's welfare and safety.

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the early years provision

Children are able to move feely around the well maintained home; as a result of the good organisational skills of the childminder. For example, children are able to access additional toys and play materials from the large walk-in cupboard in the kitchen and are able to relax and play in comfort within the home setting. Children were observed to feel 'at home' as they confidently moved from one area to another, accessing various resources.

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the early years provision

Generally suitable fire safety precautions are in place within the home setting, including the presence of smoke alarms and a fire blanket. An emergency evacuation plan is in place and practised with the children; supporting their understanding of what to do should there be a real emergency. The childminder does not however keep a record of these drills to enable her to review and evaluate them.

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the early years provision

All children are treated with equal concern and their individual needs are supported well, as a result of the careful planning and consideration of the childminder. They have good opportunities to learn about diversity through their access to resources and activities that positively reflect people with diverse backgrounds.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from effective partnerships with parents and others involved in their care. Enabling good opportunities for continuity of care and supporting their learning successfully. For example, the childminder ensures that she shares relevant information with nursery settings and schools and makes herself aware of their planning and curriculums.

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the early years provision

In addition the childminder takes parents' views into consideration when evaluating the service she provides, in order to improve her home setting and enabling her to continue meeting their individual needs. She provides parents with questionnaires, which evidence that they are all very happy with the service she offers. The childminder is committed to meeting the needs of the children in her care and demonstrates a strong aspiration for continuous improvement in the service she provides.

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and outcomes for children

Children are familiar with the daily routine, which helps them to feel secure and relaxed within the home setting. They quickly settle, choosing from a good variety of toys and play materials that interest and stimulate them. This also helps to promote children's independence and self help skills. The childminder does not currently use pictorial and written labels on the shelves and boxes containing the resources to promote children's independence skills further. Children enjoy the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attention they receive from the childminder, who is fully attentive to their likes and ensures she provides activities that are age appropriate and engage the children. For example children enjoy baking cakes with the childminder, using the electronic whisk with confidence, helping the childminder measure out the required ingredients and count out the paper cases. This supports their understanding of

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and outcomes for children

mathematics and encourages them to think about early science as they discuss the changing forms of ingredients once eggs and water are added.

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and outcomes for children

Children have good opportunities to develop their problem solving skills as they use bricks to build tunnels and bridges for the car transporter and discuss the workings of the 'light-saber', a favourite toy. They develop key literacy skills, as they access appropriate mark making materials, use the computer and enjoy looking through easily accessible books. These experiences help children develop good skills for their future learning. Children learn about road safety and keeping themselves safe, as they play games and act out scenarios exploring danger at a level they can understand. As a result of effective planning and the provision of purposeful play opportunities children's learning and development is successfully promoted. Their next steps are effectively highlighted and shared with parents and others involved in their care, meaning they have optimum opportunities to progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children receive good support in their development of a healthy lifestyle. They have opportunities to play outside in the garden in the fresh air, enjoying games of throwing and jumping and taking part in obstacle courses, for instance. They are encouraged to walk on the daily school run and visit the park when time permits. The food provided is nutritional and meets children's dietary specifications. They are aware that eating healthy food helps them to develop 'strong healthy bones' and 'grow big and strong'.

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and outcomes for children

Children are encouraged to make a positive contribution by being kind and considerate to each other and by observing the house rules. Behaviour is managed appropriately and as a result children enjoy each others company and play together harmoniously. The childminder praises children's achievements and promotes their self-esteem, which in turn builds their self-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 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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