Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY394392 Inspection date 14/01/2010 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 2009. She lives with her husband and 16-month- old child in a village on the outskirts of Billericay in Essex. The whole of the premises, with exception of the second bedroom, is used for childminding. There is easy access to the premises and there is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, no more than two of which may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding one child in this age group. She also offers care to children aged five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and who speak English as an additional language.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to a local school and pre-school to take and collect children. She takes children to the library, park, toddler groups and local educational facilities. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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

The childminder provides a warm and friendly environment for all children and their families. Children enjoy a well-prepared play environment, and have access to a good range of play resources and learning materials. The childminder provides a wide range of experiences for children, to ensure their achievement is successfully promoted. The childminder works successfully with parents and includes their views and opinions of her service in the self-evaluation process. This supports continuous improvement and promotes outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop current systems for planning to meet the children's individual needs as they progress towards the early learning goals  develop further opportunities and experiences for children to develop an understanding and valuing of diversity, with particular reference to disabilities.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding children. She is fully aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and is confident in following the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 appropriate procedures should any concerns be raised regarding the children in her care. As a result, children are protected from harm. Detailed risk assessments are completed on a regular basis, which minimises hazards both in the home and on outings. 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, these visits are carried out with the child so they are able to become familiar with the environment and routines. Parents are informed of children's progress and development, through photographs, portfolio of children's work, written observations and a daily diary.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates good motivation regarding the need to evaluate and improve her provision. She self-evaluates all aspects of her provision well, identifying weaknesses and making improvements, which successfully improves children's all round development. The childminder provides an inclusive setting in which all children are supported and encouraged to learn and develop appropriately. Children begin to learn about the society in which they live as they regularly visit local groups and activity based establishments where they can socialise with others. They also have ready access to a good range of resources that reflect a representation of people's deferring backgrounds and experiences. Although, there are limited opportunities for them to develop an understanding and valuing of some aspects of diversity, in particular, disabilities. The childminder's home is clean, bright and conducive to learning. Play materials are

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the early years provision

easily available for children to access independently as they are stored on low-level shelves.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder organises a good programme of activities to successfully maintain children's enjoying and achieving. Although, many of the activities provided on a daily basis are not being reflected in the planning. Children's individual development is consistently supported. The childminder shows a highly consistent knowledge of the six areas of learning and is able to apply them effectively during her play activities. The childminder shows a good understanding in guiding children's learning, and makes good use of one-to-one interactions, to support and extend their progress. The childminder has clearly organised methods to observe and assess children's learning. She makes frequent observational notes and keeps clear written details on each child's development, which are used to mark their learning stages. She also uses clear methods of identifying children's next steps in their learning. An important element in her assessment of children's progress, is

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and outcomes for children

the inclusion of photos, so that parents can clearly see their children engaged in learning. Regular contact with parents also ensures they are fully involved in their children's achievements.

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and outcomes for children

Children's future skills are successfully promoted within the setting, with good attention given to promoting the use of tools and materials. Much care is taken by the childminder to provide activities that support children's speech and literacy. For example, children enjoy looking at books with the childminder and have frequent opportunities for mark-making. Good use is also made of resources to promote This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's problem solving. For example, younger children enjoy shape sorting and building with bricks. Throughout the range of activities, children's creative and expressive learning is well supported. For example, children enjoy exploring media and materials, they have access to a treasure box with a range of materials of different shape, size and texture.

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and outcomes for children

Children are kept safe and secure within the setting, with well-organised safety precautions and clear and detailed risk assessments. The childminder also focuses well on individual children's care needs, and children are settled carefully, and helped to feel included. She uses her close support, with the younger children, to help them share and take turns. Children's healthy growth and development is successfully supported, and the childminder works well with parents to ensure children have a good range of healthy foods and snacks provided. To support children's healthy development, a wide range of physical activities are encouraged. For example, children are able to develop their early walking, and also enjoy moving to music. Good use is also made of the back garden play area, with many games and fun activities provided to support children's balance and coordination. 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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