Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 202711 Inspection date 04/12/2009 Inspector Lynn Amelia Hartigan

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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 1993. She lives with her husband in Harlow, Essex. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the childminder's home is via a low step.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding four children. Two of the children are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision 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 outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's welfare needs are promoted exceptionally well as the childminder has robust policies and procedures which underpin her practice and enables her to care for children in a most welcoming and inclusive setting. The childminder has superb information regarding the children's individual routines and development, and this enables her to effectively plan for the children's next steps in learning. Children become independent and confident as they initiate their own play and self-select resources both indoors and outdoors, throughout the year. The childminder's commitment towards training and excellent systems in place for evaluation enable her to identify areas for improvement and to raise standards. The childminder's enthusiasm to training and self-evaluation demonstrates a commitment to maintain continuous improvement.

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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 further, opportunities within the outdoor learning environment to support the six areas of learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly successful in promoting the children's learning and welfare, and offers excellent opportunities for learning and fun activities, within a Reggio Emilia influenced environment. As a result, outcomes for children are very good. The childminder is fully aware of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and has been pro-active in sourcing training and support embracing the changes within the EYFS. The childminder is an experienced childcare practitioner and demonstrates a commitment to further training where This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriate to enhance her provision further. The childminder is actively involved in the Harlow childminding association within her role as chairperson.

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the early years provision

Children's well-being is a priority and the childminder is committed to ensure children are safeguarded to the highest standard. For example, the childminder is familiar with appropriate guidance and up-to-date legislation and robust policies and procedures are in place that underpin her practices to ensure the children's well-being is never compromised. Appropriate checks have been completed for members of the household.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is therefore able to effectively promote children's learning, welfare and development. An extensive range of robust policies and procedures are effectively implemented and underpin the childminder's practice; these are readily available for parents, who are also issued with a copy when minding commences. Policies and procedures are translated into different languages as required.

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the early years provision

The childminder encourages excellent working practices with the parents who are welcomed into the home which is extremely welcoming for both children and parents. Verbal feedback is given on a daily basis and detailed written information is available regarding children's activities and learning achievements. 'All About Me' books and activity planners ensure children's individual developmental needs are supported.

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures that excellent procedures are in place to involve parents in their child's initial assessment to ensure each child's individual play plans are devised to meet their needs. The childminder has developed excellent links with the local primary school that minded children attend and can effectively support their learning at home as a result. Children receive excellent care and attention as the childminder works exceptionally well with an appropriate number of children at any one time to ensure a quality service. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and has developed a comprehensive system of self- evaluation, which includes valued feedback from the children. The childminders efforts here were awarded with a prize from the National Childminding Association. The childminder is able to discuss aspects of her provision that she would like to develop further, such as; developing the outdoor play space to create a heuristic

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the early years provision

Thorough risk assessments within the home and on outings are kept and children are reminded about keeping themselves safe and the consequences of their actions. The childminder utilises the space within her home effectively, and excellent quality resources are in abundance and support the children's learning. The environment is exceptionally child-friendly and conducive to learning and having fun. The childminder manages her time effectively and provides children with very good individual care and attention.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to caring for children in an inclusive provision whereby every child is unique and she speaks intuitively of every child in her care past and present. The childminder's exceptionally flexible and organised approach to her work ensures children's individual routines are met. A n excellent This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 range of story and reference books, resources and activities are available to the children, that reflect diversity and the childminder would challenge negative behaviour such as discrimination. Projects such as 'all about me' encourage the children to compare differences in their friends and other families. Music from around the world is played. The childminder is skilful in identifying children who may require additional support and would ensure they receive the support that is required.

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the early years provision

Parental feedback demonstrates that they are extremely happy with the care and educational experiences their children receive from the childminder. They are confident that the childminder's practices enable their children's individual needs to be sufficiently met.

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and outcomes for children

Children's learning, development and welfare is promoted exceptionally well as the childminder provides an inspirational provision, is exceptionally organised to ensure fun learning environments both indoors and outdoors are provided. This enables children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children are offered the opportunity for inspiring days out. For example, visiting important venues in London or an African history day. Children are proud to contribute to the shared scrapbook detailing the fun and learning they have had on such outings.

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and outcomes for children

Children are able to play in an exceptionally child-friendly atmosphere where the children's safety and happiness is paramount. The childminder is skilful in providing an environment that supports children's interests and ideas and they confidently direct their own play. Children sit and concentrate for some time at the play dough working together to make snowmen. Pebbles and pine cones are used with the dough. Story sack are produced to support children's interests, such as caterpillars.

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and outcomes for children

Children are able to explore materials, such as water, sand with glitter and paints as the childminder provides a wide range of experiences and activities to support their creativity. In addition a wealth of excellent activities are organised regularly as part of the weekly routine, such as; visits to the library, toddler groups, special lunches out on a Friday. Their play in the outdoor environment is supported as the childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of exploration and discovery with regard to all six areas of learning. The garden is inviting with an abundance of excellent quality toys available to the children. Children are able to safely make choices with regard to toys and resources that are available to them as an excellent range of well-presented toys are easily accessible, in labelled, organised storage units within the lounge.

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and outcomes for children

Robust risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated as the childminder considers the children's safety as paramount. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices when choosing snacks and meals. A weekly menu is displayed for parents. A stringent nappy changing procedure is in place and ensures children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 protected from infection. Children understand about personal hygiene and are encouraged to wash their hands before snack and when using the bathroom.

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and outcomes for children

Parental involvement is encouraged and it is evident that the childminder has excellent relationships with all the parents. They are involved with the children's learning and development and the children's interests and starting points are discussed when minding commences. The childminder has detailed observations and evaluations of the children and effectively plans for their next steps. An information file and notices with detailed and useful information greet the parents on entry.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a fully inclusive environment where every child is unique, valued and respected. They are very confident and secure within the setting and they have a good understanding of the childminder's positive approach to behaviour management. The childminder is an excellent role model for the children, calmly and quietly reminding children to speak gently when they begin to shout. Explaining it is better to walk indoors rather than running as they may hurt themselves. Children are congratulated and praised for their efforts and are clearly comfortable within the setting enjoying lots of cuddles with the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder understands that some children may require additional support and actively seeks information and advice to ensure they are fully involved in the activities provided. Children are beginning to have a very good understanding of diversity as the childminder encourages conversations regarding everyone's individuality and provides excellent resources and opportunities to celebrate different cultures and diversity. For example, children visit church on Ash Wednesday so that the Catholic children attending can receive the ashes. 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 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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