Childminder in Bromley

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY441125 Inspection date 19/07/2012 Inspector Gillian Cubitt

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2012. She lives with her husband and two children; one of pre-school age and one of school age. They live in a house in West Wickham which is in the London Borough of Bromley. There is level access to the home and parking outside. The home is also close to local schools, parks and shops. Children mainly use the downstairs rooms which lead to a secure rear garden. Children use one bedroom upstairs for sleeping. Toilet facilities are also on the first floor.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time; of these, one may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding two children in the early years age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder visits parks, children's centres and other toddler groups regularly. She is also working towards the Children and Young People's Workforce Diploma qualification.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and content as they play in a calm and welcoming homely environment. They have a wide range of engaging activities and receive plenty of individual attention. As a result, children make good progress in their learning and development. Children are safe and secure and the childminder's good organisation means that children's well-being is a priority. Close relationships with parents mean children receive consistency in their care and education where most documents show their progress. The childminder is also aware of the variety of professionals from whom she can obtain advice and support when necessary. The childminder shows enthusiasm for improving her service. She evaluates the effectiveness of her programme of activities each week so that she can build upon these to improve outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop the tracking of children, to clearly show children's starting points and provide a means for children and parents to track their achievements, as well as sharing it with other settings who are involved with the children's care This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  develop a fuller understanding of working in partnership with other professionals, to assess children's needs in order to support their learning and development.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her role in safeguarding children through her introductory training. She is also keen to undertake further training in child protection. Her documentation, policies and procedures fully support her practice and children's welfare and safety. For example, evacuation plans are in place together with robust risk assessments of the home.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder's good range of high quality toys and resources are easily accessible to children, both inside and in the garden. In addition, the childminder's programme of activities for outings means that children have opportunities to extend their friendships. Children begin to understand their world through diverse experiences such as visiting farms, parks, soft play areas and children's centres. Books and toys present children with information about differences in others, feelings as well as cultural customs of other families. The childminder has a very positive approach to equality and diversity. She ensures that children in her care make good progress in their learning whilst gaining an awareness of the needs of others. Children behave well, share their toys and show kindness to their friends in their play.

p.5

the early years provision

Parents say that the childminder gives their children 'the best possible care'. They say they are really impressed and happy with the service. The close relationship develops during children's settling-in period. Here, the childminder discovers children's likes, dislikes and abilities however, these facts are not written to form clear starting points for tracking their achievements. However, the childminder keeps parents fully informed of children's activities and daily experiences through contact books, regular discussions and text messages. Children's progress records are also freely available for parents to view at any time. The childminder has links with local groups and children's centres but as she is relatively new to childminding, she has not yet developed working partnerships with other professionals who may be involved with the children. She has links with the local school and her plans include building this partnership to support children as they

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has made a very good start to her childminding career. She has completed all training and has enrolled for further courses, including a recognised childcare qualification. She has a programme to evaluate the outcome of her activities each week. This enables her to make continuous improvements that are appropriate and relevant to the ages and stages of development of the children in her care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children and babies settle well with the childminder because she obtains information about their character at the start of childminding. Children who are shy have plenty of cuddles and reassurance, which helps them settle quickly and feel comfortable and relaxed. The childminder continues to develop children's confidence by organising activities that they particularly enjoy, such as visiting and feeding the ducks. Children benefit from one-to-one attention as well as enjoyable walks in the fresh air. They like the responsibility of looking after the bread and promising not to eat it before they arrive at the pond. This helps children's healthy development, love of their environment and gives them early experiences of sharing and caring for creatures.

p.6

and outcomes for children

At home, they have plenty of toys and books all within their reach. They see attractive posters of numbers and letters as well as a weather chart, which prompts discussion. Children are attracted to the play kitchen and actively sort out their dolls and teddies to create a 'teddy bears' picnic'. They prepare food and arrange their guests in order. Children and the childminder count teddies and sing associated songs, which fully engage children's creative thinking as well as supporting their early language and number skills. Children happily play with the childminder's children in their homely environment, which builds their confidence in their social skills. They further benefit through the introduction of visits to the wider community, such as toddler groups where they meet other children and make new friends.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children learn how to keep themselves safe as they play in the garden. They become proficient in the use of slides, a trampoline, and other mobile equipment. Their safety awareness increases through looking at books that show hazards both in the home and outside. The childminder questions children well. For example, 'do you think this is safe?' which engages their thoughts and interests, helping them to arrive at their own conclusions. Children are healthy as they take part in regular exercise by visiting parks and by playing and running in the large garden. The childminder prepares all meals including fruit snacks. Water is easily accessible in children's individual beakers so they can drink when they are thirsty. Children play in a very clean and well maintained home where they have areas for active play and separate rooms for resting. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8