Childminder in Brent

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY436037 Inspection date 10/07/2012 Inspector Helen Steven

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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 February 2012. She lives with her husband, adult child and eight-year-old daughter. Their two bedroom ground floor flat is in Harlesden, within the London Borough of Brent. The playroom is the main area of the home used for childminding. There is no outdoor space registered for this setting because the adjacent garden is not for sole use of the childminder. However, when the area is not in use by neighbours the communal space is risk assessed and children play under the childminder's direct supervision. There are local parks and drop in groups within walking distance, which the childminder uses regularly as part of her childminding day.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under the age of eight of which no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. There is currently one child on roll in the early years age range. The childminder supports children learning English as an additional language. The childminder holds a National Nursery Nursing Board (NNEB) childcare qualification and is currently undertaking a foundation degree in early years.

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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

Although this is the first inspection since the childminder registered, she is both qualified and an experienced in early years practice. Children are cared for in a welcoming environment where their individual needs are supported well. The childminder provides a wide range of activities for the children to ensure that they are making good overall progress in their learning and development and has effective monitoring systems in place. Overall, partnerships with parents are good and the childminder works in partnership with other agencies as and when the need arises. The childminder reflects on her good service and identifies areas to further develop. She demonstrates a strong capacity to maintain continuous improvement by undertaking relevant training to enhance outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop ways in which parents are supported and encouraged to share, contribute and update information, to become fully involved in their child's continuous learning and assessment records  increase resources and activities that relate specifically to the lives of children using the setting to reflect the positive attitudes held about children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 backgrounds.

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the early years provision

The childminder safeguards children well because she has a secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of possible safeguarding concerns and is aware of where to seek guidance. The childminder reviews and updates her policies regularly, reflecting any changes in practice or guidance. She carries out a detailed risk assessment of her home and outings to local venues. Required documentation and relevant policies and procedures are maintained well in order to promote children's good health and welfare. All adults in the home hold a Criminal Records Bureau disclosure. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and keeps a well stocked first aid box, enabling her to deal appropriately with children's minor accidents. Good arrangements are in place to prevent the spread of infection, such as individual hand towels and bedding. The childminder demonstrates that she acts appropriately when children in her care become unwell.

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the early years provision

Since registration, the childminder's priority has been to embed her policies and adapt her practice to home-based care from her previous role in a day-care setting. She has begun to reflect on her childminding service in order to begin to evaluate areas she wishes to further develop to improve outcomes for children. She demonstrates a commitment to improve her service by attending training. In addition, she is currently undertaking a foundation degree to further develop her understanding of child development. The playroom is organised well to afford children access to a good range of toys and resources. Pictorial and text labels on some drawers enable children to choose independently. The childminder knows the children well and as a result they already demonstrate a sense of belonging in the setting. She is aware of their individual home circumstances and has plans to celebrate significant festivals through arts and crafts and stories. Reflective

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the early years provision

resources are available to help children gain knowledge and respect for people with backgrounds different to their own. However, resources do not fully reflect the backgrounds of children currently attending. The childminder has knowledge of British Sign Language. Systems to monitor children's progress are developing well. A detailed form completed at the start of each placement aids the childminder in establishing children's starting points. Children are making good progress in their learning. The childminder is successfully using a tracking book to monitor children's progress. In addition, she carries out longer observations and links these to the Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning.

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the early years provision

Information is exchanged regularly with parents in order to keep them well informed about their children's achievements, well-being and development. The childminder is planning regular parent conferences to share a summative assessment of each child's progress. Parents are positive about their children's progress and the care received. They report that their children are very happy and look forward to seeing the childminder. Their children's language skills and social skills have improved in a short time. Parents are not currently encouraged to contribute to their children's profiles, although the childminder gives them general information to aid their children's learning at home. The childminder has reflected This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 that home visits before the start of a placement will be a valuable aid to the transition process. The childminder has a positive attitude to work alongside other

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the early years provision

agencies as and when the need arises in order to support children's individual needs. No children currently attend other settings. The childminder was previously a special educational needs coordinator and is very secure in how to signpost parents to services within the community.

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and outcomes for children

Children are given opportunities to make good progress towards the early learning goals and are developing skills for the future. They have formed good relationships with the childminder and visits to local drop in groups are helping them to develop friendships with their peers. Children demonstrate that they feel secure in the childminder's care as they snuggle into her for comfort when they feel tired. Children are able to make choices about their play, as resources are arranged attractively at a low level; thus encouraging children to become independent.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn to become skilful communicators as they absorb the childminder's routine commentating and questioning. Those learning English as an additional language are supported in communicating as the minder uses sign language as a further tool. Children are introduced to the pleasure of reading as they sit closely with the minder as she reads stories animatedly. Children enjoy song time when they visit the library. Children hear mathematical language throughout the day; for example the childminder talks about big and little containers when they play in the water tray. They have opportunities to problem solve when completing jigsaws. Children have the opportunity to learn how to respect animals when they have contact with the family cat. They have opportunities to press buttons on electronic toys to achieve the effect of sound and have access to computers at the library. Themes based on seasons are challenging as the current wet weather does not

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and outcomes for children

match the childminder's resource materials about summer. Regular trips to the local park enable children to enjoy fresh air and engage in activities that support their physical development. They enjoy the challenges of climbing rope ladders, balancing, riding bicycles and playing football.

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and outcomes for children

Children have opportunities to practise the fire drill to ensure they evacuate the home efficiently in the event of an emergency, learning how to keep themselves safe. Children are encouraged to behave well as the childminder offers them choice and is consistent in her approach to behaviour management. They have opportunities to choose resources and activities. Children engage in a programme that promotes and encourages healthy active lifestyles through songs, dance, movement, stories and activities. The childminder supports children's hand washing after toileting to develop good personal hygiene practices. In partnership with parents, children are offered nutritious snacks and enjoy healthy balanced lunches, such as chicken and rice. The childminder offers advice for parents on healthy eating. Activities such as junk modelling introduce children to recycling and sustainability. 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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