Childminder in Essex

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 202517 Inspection date 07/08/2009 Inspector Sandra Daniels

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Type of setting Childminder 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. 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 has been registered since January 1992 and has been childminding for over 20 years. She lives with her husband and one child aged seven years. They live in Harlow close to the town centre, schools, early years groups, local shops, park etc. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years, increasing to eight when working with an assistant. There are currently a total of six children on roll ranging from one year to five years. Some children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children's unique needs are met highly effectively due to the close liaison between the childminder, the parents and any other providers involved in children's care and learning. The childminder takes positive steps to ensure that all children can play a full role in activities and find out about differences and diversity. Children are making excellent progress in this welcoming and stimulating environment and benefit from the outstanding levels of support provided by the childminder. She is proactive and highly committed to continually monitoring and evaluating the provision and has drawn up a personal development plan which clearly identifies areas for further professional development.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 developing a policy for transition and continuity which is shared with everyone involved both in and beyond the setting.

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provision

The childminder is extremely well organised and her attention to detail regarding her policies, procedures and documentation is exemplary. Policy and practice reflect commitment to children's rights and support a powerful inclusive ethos where each child's individual identity is nurtured, respected and celebrated and discrimination is never accepted. The childminder has implemented excellent, user friendly systems for assessment, planning, monitoring children's progress and their next steps and uses detailed observations to highlight the next stage in their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development. The childminder keeps up-dated with all the new legislation and has a very positive attitude towards training and extending her personal development. She has successfully completed the Ofsted and National Childminding Association (NCMA) self-evaluation documents and sees these as effective methods of

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provision

reflecting on her practice. She has accessed many training opportunities for a wide range of subjects pertaining to childminding practice. For example, safeguarding children, first aid and food hygiene, in addition to a recognised level three qualification in childcare. Training is continuous and highly effective and this has an extremely positive impact on the provision and outcomes for children. There are robust risk assessments regularly carried out, with details of any hazards and the action taken to keep children safe and secure. Children's information is recorded, including any details of allergies, dietary requirements and their preferences and interests. The childminder organises appropriate arrangements for emergency back-up and continually maintains her adult to child ratios.

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provision

The childminder continuously looks for ways to improve the service she provides. For example, she asks parents for their comments, talks to other childminders and professionals and is open to suggestions and advice. The outcome for the children is extremely positive and the childminder is enthusiastic and realistic in her aims for the future. She works very hard to help children achieve their goals and develop to their full potential. The childminder prepares them for the transition into schools, through regular shared information and contact with the staff of other settings. She is considering devising a policy to cover significant changes to children's lives in order to further enhance the transition periods.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are extremely happy, safe and confident in the childminder’s home. They have established excellent, trusting relationships with the childminder and her family. Children clearly feel a strong sense of belonging as they become familiar with the routines and have special places to keep their personal belongings. Children really enjoy and benefit from the attention they receive from the caring childminder who clearly enjoys her work with them. They move freely around all areas of the home identified for their use and develop their independence as they choose the toys and resources they wish to use. The childminder incorporates children’s interests in her flexible planning. For example, the children are very interested in caterpillars and butterflies so the childminder extended their interests by providing books and pictures. Children then found some caterpillars and watched as they turned into chrysalises and, eventually, butterflies. They took

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

photographs of the different stages and made a large collage which is now on display. Children have opportunities to plant flowers, fruits and vegetables out in the garden and they share and eat the strawberries they have grown in the strawberry pots.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have many opportunities to use their imagination as they make a den and pretend to hide. The childminder encourages children’s early communication skills in a variety of ways including reading stories with them and asking them to make the noises of the animals in the story. The childminder uses everyday activities to encourage children to explore numbers and shapes for instance, they count how This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 many cars they have and think about which ones are small enough to fit on the ramp. When out walking, children talk about the things they see; traffic, people, buildings etc., helping them to become familiar with their surroundings and to begin to make sense of things. Children are well behaved and are beginning to learn to share and take turns, owing to the gentle reminders from the childminder and the use of clear explanations according to each child's level of understanding.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

They show care and concern for each other and readily join in activities together, they are aware of the routines in place, such as putting their outdoor shoes on when they are going outside and to help tidy away the toys when required. The childminder is very vigilant and reminds children about their own safety, for example, not to climb on the furniture or to run indoors. The learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, is fully inclusive, accessible, safe and extremely well adapted to meet individual needs. There is space to encourage babies with crawling and walking in safety and toys and resources are stored so that they are freely accessible to all children. The childminder delivers outstanding personalised learning that maximises opportunities and minimises risks to all children. Each child receives the support they need to develop good language, communication and social skills that they need in order to achieve and participate fully.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has systems in place to support children who have English as an additional language. Regular access to the garden and the extensive range of equipment provide children with fresh air and exercise on a regular basis. Younger children visit groups with the childminder where they enjoy socialising with others and a broader range of outdoor play equipment, which helps to develop skills, such as climbing, balancing and running. Children’s dietary needs are met extremely well as the childminder provides healthy, nutritious meals and snacks. The childminder talks to the children about which foods are good for them so they are beginning to be aware of a healthy lifestyle and making healthy choices. Children can access a drink whenever they require and are beginning to be aware of hygiene procedures as the childminder explains to them why they have to put their hands in front of their mouth when they sneeze or cough and why they have to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

wash their hands before eating their snacks. 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 1 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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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