Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 202697 Inspection date 14/10/2009 Inspector Rufia Uddin

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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 1989. She lives with her husband and two adult children. They live in a house in Buckhurst Hill in Essex, that is close to local shops, a park and schools. The whole ground floor is mainly used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available 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 at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding two children in this age group. The childminder drives and walks to local schools to collect children. The childminder attends a toddler group and takes children to the local library, park and shops. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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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 feel secure in the childminder's care because she gets to know them well as individuals. A welcoming environment has been created where children have access to a good range of resources. Children take part in enjoyable activities, and benefit from good interaction that helps them progress in their learning. The childminder has started to implement systems to evaluate and assess the children's development and to work in closer partnerships with parents and other agencies. Policies and procedures are shared with parents and this contributes to the smooth running of the setting. The childminder is able to demonstrate that she has identified areas for improvement and has addressed the recommendations from the last inspection.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop links between sensitive observational assessments and the planning of activities that include children’s interests, so that all children’s individual needs continue to be met  improve children's opportunities to develop their skills regarding the use of information technology  further develop the activities, environment and resources to help children to value difference, diversity and disability. 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 has a positive attitude towards the development of her practice, and has attended training to build on her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Children are safeguarded effectively. Detailed risk assessments are undertaken and precautions have been put in place to prevent children accessing unsupervised areas. Careful explanations from the childminder encourage children to keep themselves safe. Emergency evacuation procedures are in place and regularly practised with children and records are kept. Children's safety is further promoted by suitable fire safety arrangements. A fire blanket is fitted in the kitchen and smoke alarms are installed at each level of the house. The childminder understands the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about children in her care. All adults living in the childminder’s home have complied with the required suitability checks and the childminder ensures that

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the early years provision

unvetted adults, such as visitors to her home, are never left alone with children. Clear accident and medication records are kept and shared with parents. The childminder requests written parental consent for medication administered to children. The childminder ensures children are safe on outings by appropriate supervision. She makes sure that children are safely secured in car seats when going out in the car and they hold her hand when out walking. Resources are used well to encourage children's development and learning. There is a good balanced selection which is accessible. Children's sense of responsibility is promoted as they are asked to help clear away toys.

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the early years provision

The childminder has started to complete observations on the children and has identified children's starting points and next steps; however, she has not yet linked these to the general planning of activities and children's interests. Partnerships with parents contribute to children’s wellbeing. The complaints procedure has been updated to reflect the current contact details for Ofsted, parents are given clear information about the provision, both before their children start to attend, and on an ongoing basis. The childminder demonstrates a good awareness about how she would link with other settings when the children in her care start to attend them. Children are welcomed and there are some resources such as books and welcome poster in different languages that show positive images of differences. However, not enough is done yet through activities or discussions to raise awareness and help children develop a positive attitude to diversity and difference.

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed the self-evaluation process and has addressed the recommendations from her last inspection and has started to identify areas for improvement. She has been able to identify several areas for improvement which include increasing her knowledge and understanding around diversity and increasing relevant resources. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good knowledge of the learning, development and welfare requirements and guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are able to help themselves to the play resources on offer which are rotated to ensure children remain stimulated. Children join in enthusiastically with dancing and singing games. The childminder plans a good range of indoor and outdoor activities that allow children to enjoy being active and further develop their physical skills. There are good opportunities to be creative, for example, by drawing, painting and exploring the texture of dough. Children learn to count and recognise colours through their play. The childminder encourages children's early language development. She listens carefully to what the children say, which allows them to explore words and phrases. Children's behaviour is managed well. The childminder treats children with care and respect and is a positive role model.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well and they are beginning to learn to share and cooperate with others. The childminder encourages children to be polite and they use 'please' and 'thank you'. The childminder develops links with parents to ensure children's care is consistent. She makes parents welcome and talks to them about their children's care and progress each day. This promotes their emotional stability.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes positive outcomes for the children well. Children are content in the setting and enjoy the freedom that they have to make decisions, move around and be independent. Secure relationships between the childminder and children give the children confidence to share ideas and play imaginatively. Children learn about healthy lifestyles as they eat, exercise and drink water. Children are able to access books alone or together with the childminder. Interactions between the children and childminder are good and consequently children's language skills are developing well.

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and outcomes for children

Children acquire skills and abilities which are appropriate to their age and which prepare them well for the future. Children are aware of modern technology as they use resources to represent modern living; however, they have limited opportunities to gain hands-on experience with information technology on a regular basis.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to learn about healthy hygiene practices and are encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet. They have separate hand towels which help to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder has a clear policy if a child becomes ill in her care and all parents' numbers are easily accessible. Children's health is promoted as they have regular access to fresh air and exercise with garden play, and are beginning to learn about healthy lifestyles. The childminder ensures children are able to access fresh drinking water. The childminder encourages healthy eating by providing healthy snacks. Children are seen enjoying eating fruits at snack time; they sit well as they eat. Drinks are regularly offered to all children. Parents provide their child's main meal and the childminder has a good understanding regarding children's special dietary needs. 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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