Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY316728 Inspection date 23/11/2009 Inspector Sandra Daniels

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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 registered in December 2005. She lives with her partner, three adult children and one child aged ten years in Loughton. The family have two dogs, two cats, seven guinea pigs and a chameleon as pets. There is a secure, fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding a total of eight children, four of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder occasionally cares for two other children during school holiday periods. 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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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 are safe and secure in the childminder's home and on the regular outings she organises. Effective self-evaluation and a commitment to attending further training ensure that the childminder continually looks to improve her practice, and provide good outcomes for children. The childminder has a well developed knowledge of each child's interests and learning styles, and works closely with parents and other providers to successfully meet children's welfare and learning needs. This means they make good progress considering their ages, abilities and starting points, and no child is disadvantaged.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the safeguarding policy and procedure to include the action to take in the event of an allegation being made against the childminder  develop further the systems for observational assessment so that children's achievements and progress are monitored.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is well promoted because the childminder has a thorough understanding of her responsibilities relating to safeguarding children. This is further supported by a written procedure and additional information which enable her to identify any child at risk and take appropriate action, although this does not fully cover all aspects. Comprehensive risk assessments and daily checks cover all areas and mean that hazards are minimised and children's safety is promoted. Children develop a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe as the childminder offers them practical explanations and utilises resources to help reinforce their knowledge. For example, when out walking with the childminder, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children learn to cross roads safely and know they must stay close to the childminder at all times.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a genuine pleasure in her work and is committed to making changes that improve the outcomes for children. Children benefit from the use of a dedicated play room where toys and equipment are in abundance. They can choose what to play with and select resources safely. Everything is of very good quality and used skilfully by the childminder to meet children's varying needs and offer them a wide range of opportunities. The home is very well organised, with places for rest and sleep, messy play and physically active play.

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the early years provision

The childminder gathers useful information from parents at the start of each placement, so that she is familiar with children's home routines. Relevant information is then shared on a daily basis, either verbally or in writing. This ensures that parents remain fully informed about their children's progress and achievements. The childminder is well informed about a range of cultures and beliefs. She uses this knowledge to help ensure that her childminding service is inclusive to all children and their families, making sure that she fully understands each child's background and needs. Consistency of care is promoted as the childminder has a good understanding of the importance of maintaining close links with other professionals. For example, she has procedures in place to exchange information with the pre-school.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good knowledge of child development and a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) She makes accurate observations of children, and uses a learning profile as a basis to plan some of the activities that will take them to their next steps in development. As yet there is no structured system to track children's development. The childminder wishes to develop her use of the EYFS further. Children enjoy a safe environment in which to play. Their health and well-being is strongly promoted through sensible hygiene procedures. Children are suitably supported to learn self-care skills and to develop their independence, for example, they are reminded by colourful posters to wash their hands at appropriate times. They have freshly prepared snacks and meals, and have easy access to drinks throughout the day.

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and outcomes for children

Children relish their time at the setting and settle quickly on arrival. They thrive in the homely atmosphere and make good progress in their learning and development because the childminder provides a good range of play opportunities to meet their general developmental needs across each area of learning. The childminder achieves this through the use of a range of local groups, visits out with other adults and children, as well activities with in the home. Children learn to socialise with others of their own age, and have enhanced opportunities for creative and physical play. A particular feature of the setting is the number of animals and pets to which children have supervised access. As a result, children have good opportunities to learn about nature, the local community and to extend their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. In general, the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

childminder uses her skills effectively to support children's learning and to extend their play, for example, she utilises children's specific interests as learning opportunities, such as a child's fascination with cars and transport. Children make good progress in their language skills, given their starting points and become confident and assured in their play. Children follow some creative activities with in the home, such as painting, drawing pictures and cutting and sticking craft activities. They are encouraged to make marks using a range of media. Children strongly benefit from the warm interactions with the childminder. They are happy and become active learners. They are well equipped with the skills they will need in order to secure future learning. They have good opportunities to exercise choice, for example, through self chosen activities. Children develop a strong sense of belonging and are sensitively supported to develop a positive image of

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and outcomes for children

themselves. They respond well to the frequent praise and encouragement. 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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