Childminder in Thurrock

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY103455 Inspection date 11/12/2009 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 2000. She lives with her husband and two children aged 10 and 13 years, in Grays, 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. The family have a dog, ferrets and rabbits as pets.

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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 six children aged under eight years. Four of the children are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 14 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's welfare needs are promoted very well as the childminder has robust policies and procedures which underpin her practice and enable her to care for children in a welcoming and inclusive setting. The childminder has good information regarding the children's individual routines and development, and this enables her to 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. The childminder's commitment towards training and good 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 early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop further, a system of using information gained from parents as an aid to planning next steps for progress towards the early learning goals.

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the early years provision

The childminder is successful in promoting the children's learning and welfare, and offers good opportunities for learning and fun activities. As a result, outcomes for children are 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. An excellent file of evidence, regarding the welfare requirements is readily available. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is an experienced childcare practitioner and demonstrates a commitment to further training where appropriate to enhance her provision further. The childminder is involved in the local childminding network and regularly meets with other childminders for support.

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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. For example, the childminder is familiar with appropriate guidance and up-to-date legislation and 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 a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is therefore able to effectively promote children's learning, welfare and development. An extensive range of policies and procedures are implemented and underpin the childminder's practice; these are readily available for parents, who are also issued with a copy when minding commences.

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the early years provision

The childminder encourages good working practices with the parents who are welcomed into the home which is 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 ensure children's individual developmental needs are supported.

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the early years provision

The childminder ensures that procedures are in place to involve parents in their child's initial assessment so that she can effectively meet their needs. The childminder has developed some good links with the local primary school that minded children attend and can effectively support their learning at home as a result. Children receive very good care and attention as the childminder works well with an appropriate number of children at any one time to ensure a quality service. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and is developing a good system of self-evaluation, which includes valued feedback from the parents.

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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 a range of quality toys are available to support the children's learning. The environment is child-friendly and conducive to learning and having fun. The childminder manages her time effectively and provides children with 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 is flexible and organised. An 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. The childminder is able to identify 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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 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 organised but fun learning environments both indoors and outdoors. This enables children to make good progress towards the early learning goals. Children are also offered the opportunity for days out. For example, visiting toddler groups and socialising with other childminders and their children. Visiting the library and soft play areas, local farm and zoo.

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and outcomes for children

Children are able to play in a 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 playing together building a train track. Even young children negotiate well together and are proud of their finished track. The childminder is on hand to offer assistance and is skilful in asking open ended questions to encourage the children to think for themselves.

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and outcomes for children

Children are able to explore creative materials, such as water, sand, glue and paints as the childminder provides a good range of experiences and activities to support their creativity. 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 a good range of quality toys available to the children.

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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 available for the parents to see and children enjoy hot meals such as chicken casserole and vegetables. They have fun having a picnic lunch together, on a blanket and most children bring their own packed lunch. A stringent nappy changing procedure is in place and children are positively encouraged when potty training. Even young children understand about personal hygiene and are encouraged to wash their hands before snack and when using the bathroom. They have their own wash bags and are encouraged to clean their teeth after meals.

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and outcomes for children

Parental involvement is encouraged and it is evident that the childminder has very good 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 observations and evaluations of the children and which enables her to plan for their next steps, however further systems for parents to continue adding to their children's ongoing development is still developing.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in an inclusive environment where every child is unique, valued and respected. They are confident and secure within the setting and they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 have a good understanding of the childminder's positive approach to behaviour management. The childminder is a calm role model for the children. Children are congratulated and praised for their efforts and are clearly comfortable within the setting enjoying lots of cuddles with the childminder. Young children enjoy having their favourite stories read whilst having a cuddle on the childminders lap.

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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 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. 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 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 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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