Childminder in Bexley

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY429954 Inspection date 15/12/2011 Inspector Chris Hodge

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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 was registered in 2011. She lives with her husband and two year old son in Bexleyheath, in the Borough of Bexley. The whole of the childminder's house is suitable for childminding although children mainly use the ground floor of the setting. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of five children under eight years; of these, two may be in the early years age group at any one time. She is currently caring for three children in the early years age group, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends local toddler groups.

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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 are cared for in a warm and caring home environment. They are happy, settled and make good overall progress towards the early learning goals because the childminder provides a good variety of indoor and outdoor activities. She establishes good relationships with parents and works in partnership to ensure children's individual needs are consistently met. Children's welfare and safety is given high priority and is underpinned by comprehensive written policies and procedural documentation. The childminder has a very professional attitude to all aspects of her practice and has effective systems in place to ensure she maintains continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend children's awareness that text carries meaning through the use of picture and written labelling.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of child protection issues and of her role and responsibility for safeguarding children. She has a comprehensive safeguarding policy to refer to, should she have any concerns about a child in her care. The childminder and her husband have been appropriately vetted. She holds a valid first aid certificate and completes rigorous risk assessments on her home and for outings. Necessary safety precautions are in place in the home to help children stay safe and emergency evacuation procedures are practised with children. All required documentation is in place and is well maintained. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder has attended registration and safeguarding training. She demonstrates a professional approach to childminding and is committed to continuous improvement, regularly meeting with other childminders to share good practice.

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the early years provision

She uses comments from parent questionnaires and self-evaluation to identify areas for future development. For example, she is keen to further improve her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and to learn more about observation and assessment. The childminder makes good use of the available space within her home, ensuring that children have lots of indoor play space. A wide selection of good quality play resources is available to children in the lounge and dining room. This enables them to self-select what they want to play with and to make independent choices. The childminder welcomes all children and families into her home and promotes inclusion through her policies, positive image resources and activities. She establishes good relationships with parents and works in partnership to ensure continuity and consistency in children's care. New parents are provided with detailed information about her practice including written policies and procedures.

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the early years provision

Verbal discussions, emails, phone calls, learning journals and photographs are all used to ensure parents are kept well informed about their children's care and progress. Parent questionnaires and an email reference offer very positive feedback about the care provided. Although the childminder has no need to build links with other early years settings at the current time, she will be happy to do so in the future.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy, settled and enjoy their time spent with the childminder. They make good overall progress in their learning and development because the childminder observes them closely, monitors their progress toward the early learning goals and carefully plans for the next steps in their learning. The childminder supports children by providing a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities that link to the six areas of learning of the Early Years Foundation Stage, even though she only cares for them part time. Children feel safe and secure because the childminder provides them with positive relationships and familiar routines. Younger children are becoming increasingly sociable and independent. They confidently explore the stimulating environment with curiosity and interest. They happily play on their own for short periods of time, in the secure knowledge that the childminder is always on hand to join in and

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and outcomes for children

to provide cuddles when required. Children are developing their early language skills well, because the childminder constantly talks to them and encourages them to repeat familiar words. They enjoy choosing books and sitting with the childminder for short periods of time to point to familiar pictures and objects. Children are beginning to develop their early writing skills through mark making and drawing activities. However, opportunities to further increase children's understanding that text carries meaning are missed, as there is no labelling on boxes of resources or equipment. Children have access to construction resources, puzzles and toys that have buttons to press for problem solving. They enjoy developing their imagination and creativity, pretending to make cups of tea with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the role play resources and taking part in various art and craft activities. The

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and outcomes for children

childminder introduces simple mathematical concepts such as counting, colours, numbers and shapes throughout children's play. Regular outings during the week to various toddler groups enable children to mix with children from different cultural backgrounds, helping them to learn about the wider world. Indoors children have access to a good selection of play resources that promote positive images of diversity and disability.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a range of comprehensive policies and procedures that fully promote the welfare of children and underpin her good practice. Appropriate procedures are in place for the administration and recording of medication and accidents and parents are provided with guidance on infection control and exclusion periods to minimise cross infection. Children are cared for in a clean and well maintained home environment. They are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles by taking part in regular physical activity in the garden, at the park and at soft play centres. Provision is made for children to rest during the day when required. They learn the importance of good personal hygiene routines. Children are encouraged to eat healthy, home cooked meals and fresh fruit snacks and water are available throughout the day. The childminder promotes positive behaviour by rewarding children with lots of praise and encouragement to promote

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and outcomes for children

their self-esteem. Very young children are content and settled because their health, physical and dietary requirements are well met. As a result children are confident in developing a range of skills to support their 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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