Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY347685 Inspection date 31/03/2010 Inspector Lisa Paisley

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and six years in a house in, Basildon, Essex. All areas of the childminder’s house are 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 four children at any one time and is currently minding three children in the early years age group. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. She walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children and the childminder takes children on regular outings to the local parks and library. The family has a dog and three cats as pets.

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Description of the childminding

This provision is registered by Ofsted 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 satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children in the early years age range are making satisfactory progress in all areas of their development as the childminder has suitable knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder ensures that she has effective partnerships with parents to support continuity of care and transitions. Positive action is also taken to promote children's healthy lifestyles and to ensure children feel safe. Self evaluation systems have yet to be developed to ensure continuous improvement is sustained.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures  develop further knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity  develop self evaluation systems to ensure continuous improvements are made.

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the early years provision

Documentation to support the efficient and safe management of the childminding service are in place and are effectively organised. There are written policies and procedures in place to further safeguard children. Suitable procedures are in place for protecting children from harm or abuse, however, the childminder could further extend her knowledge and understanding, this includes updating the written safeguarding policy. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder visually checks the premises in the morning and during the day. There are also written risk assessments in place that are comprehensive and are reviewed regularly. Comprehensive written risk assessments are in place for outings, further safeguarding children.

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the early years provision

A range of resources and activities are deployed effectively, both inside and outside in the garden, allowing children to choose with safety and independence. Routines are suitably organised to ensure children receive individual attention and support. The childminder generally promotes an inclusive environment through her relationships with children and families and she will adapt resources, activities and the environment to meet all children's individual needs. The childminder has informally identified areas for further development, however, self evaluation is not yet fully in place to secure continuous improvements.

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the early years provision

The childminder has successfully established positive working relationships with parents, as she endeavours to meet the needs of children and families. Information is exchanged on a daily basis and there are very clearly written contracts and consent agreements regarding individual care needs and business arrangements. Complimentary comments from the parents included that their children were happy, they are valued as individuals and that the childminder is flexible, professional and warm in her approach to supporting the needs of children and families. Systems have been established for children who attend any other settings, promoting continuity of care for children.

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and outcomes for children

The children take part in a range of spontaneous and planned activities events and that broadly support all areas of learning, both indoors and outside. The childminder ensures that play is mainly child initiated, and she is close by to support children in their play. Independence skills are supported, as children are able to self select toys and resources and their self help skills are beginning to emerge. Planning, observation and assessment arrangements have been effectively developed to ensure activity plans match children’s individual needs and learning styles and identify next steps in children's development.

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and outcomes for children

All children have a very warm and close relationship with the childminder and other family members, as a result they are secure and happy in her care. They have lots of time to play at their own pace and receive individual attention from the childminder. Children enjoy books and stories as the childminder will sit with children looking at age appropriate books. They have ongoing opportunities to problem solve through daily routines, such as counting and singing number rhymes. There are trips to the local park, toddler groups and farm, helping children learn about the local community. Children enjoy learning about and exploring the natural world, they particularly enjoyed the nature box, where children tried to catch spiders and also flower pressing. Children also grew sunflowers and strawberries during the summer months. There are resources such as play people, that show positive images of diversity, however, this is not yet fully promoted

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and outcomes for children

within the setting. There are clear boundaries in place to support and manage This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's behaviour, these include clear and fair house rules, providing children with plenty of attention, praise and encouragement.

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and outcomes for children

Children's healthy lifestyle is promoted through their daily routines. The childminder ensures children have healthy snacks such as apples and kiwi fruit. They have access to fresh drinking water to ensure that they are hydrated during the day. Children are safe within the home, as emergency evacuation procedures are practised and a safety talk on outings is included as part of the risk assessment. The childminder has attended first aid training and, therefore, knows what to do in the event of an accident or when a child is unwell. The childminder is knowledgeable about individual children’s dietary and medical needs as she gathers all the required information before the child starts at the setting. Therefore children’s health and wellbeing are fully supported. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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