Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 201792 Inspection date 14/09/2009 Inspector Tina Anne Mason

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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 rates 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 08456 404040, 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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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 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 1997. She lives with her partner and two children aged 10 and three years in Hadleigh in Essex, close to local shops and community resources and within walking distance of the local park. 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 provide care for a maximum of five children under eight at any one time. Of these, two may be in the early year’s age group. The childminder is currently minding four children part time in the early year’s age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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

Systems are well organised to ensure that every child receives an enjoyable and challenging learning environment to meet their individual needs. Children learn to value differences and similarities in others through everyday activities. All children are fully included and are well supported, having access to all facilities, activities and outings which ensures inclusion is fully adopted for each child attending. Partnership with parents and local schools are positive to meet children's needs and help them feel secure and confident. Parents are well informed about the organisational policies and procedures. The childminder has evaluated her practice by completing self-evaluation. She has a clear understanding of her strengths and possible areas of development.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain written permission from parents and carers to take photographs of minded children  develop the use of sensitive observational assessment in order to identify and meet children's individual learning and development needs  plan and provide experiences, based on information from assessment, which will support children in making progress across all areas of learning towards the early learning goals. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder works effectively to provide good quality care and education for children. She has responded positively to the recommendations from the previous inspection. For example, she has updated her knowledge and understanding of current child protection procedures by attending safeguarding training in June 2009. She has updated her knowledge of first aid by attending the required training.

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the early years provision

All required records and permissions, except written permission to take photographs of minded children from parents and carers, are in place in order to promote the welfare of children. Detailed risk assessments are maintained to ensure children are safe at all times. These include emergency evacuation procedures, that are practised with the children and risk assessments for specific outings. The childminder organises space and play resources effectively to met children's needs. Children are protected from harm or neglect, as the childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding and she has policies and procedures in place to support this. There are good systems in place to deal with any accidents, incidents and illnesses and children's health needs are well promoted.

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the early years provision

The childminder works well in partnership with parents to meet children's needs and to help them feel secure and confident. Parents visit prior to care starting and complete all the forms. They also visit with their children, so they become familiar with the environment, routines and the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children are settled and comfortable and respond well to the routines of the day as the childminder ensures they can play, rest and eat accordingly to their own needs and routines. The childminder provides children with activities to develop their skills but remains responsive to their interests, which in turn makes children eager to learn and confident to suggest their own ideas. The childminder has made good progress in implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. However, formal planning of activities is not currently being used alongside children's achievement records, which in turn does not assist the childminder in supporting children to their fullest abilities. The childminder records children's achievements through the use of development matters, daily diaries, photographs and observations. However, these are not being consistently completed for all children. Consequently, areas of children’s development may be missed.

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and outcomes for children

Children's communication skills are firmly developed through general discussion and enjoyable activities such as, sharing favourite books and stories. Frequent opportunities for mark making are provided and children regularly access a variety of creative media. Children have access to creative activities such as painting, drawing, sticking and junk modelling. They use their senses to explore malleable materials such as play dough, sand and children thoroughly enjoy playing with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 bubbles, excitingly jumping around together bursting them. Children enjoy role play and have ample resources such as dressing up, a play kitchen, play house, and food are provided to support and extend their imagination. Children act out scenarios in the home corner, inviting each other round for a cup of tea and talking on the telephone with each other and the childminder, which helps to develop

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and outcomes for children

social skills and their understanding of relationships.

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and outcomes for children

Basic mathematical concepts are introduced through practical and meaningful activities. For example, they construct a train set, count how many grapes they each have at lunch time and count how many bubbles they can burst. Children benefit from regular outings and develop their understanding of the wider community through trips to the park and woods, where the children are encouraged to listen and tell the childminder what sounds they can hear. The children's knowledge and understanding of the world is increasing as they explore natural materials such as, planting and growing seeds, leaf and tree rubbings and searching for mini beasts in the garden and when visiting the woods.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes positive behaviour by using effective strategies. Children's confidence and self-esteem are fostered because the childminder frequently praises them and is sensitive to their individual personalities. Consequently, children behave well. Children develop their self-help skills as they take themselves to the toilet, wash their hands and attempt to get themselves dressed. They learn about healthy lifestyles as they exercise in a well-equipped garden and local parks. 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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and managed?

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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