Childminder, Out-of school day care in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 202172 Inspection date 08/07/2010 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 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

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 1995. She lives with her husband and adult son in Chelmsford, Essex. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is an 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. There are currently seven children attending four of which are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and on 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 satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children make satisfactory progress in their learning and development as they are provided with learning opportunities in an inclusive, child friendly environment. Information gathered from the children's parents ensures the childminder can meet the children's individual needs and routines. Children are valued and as a result, they are very confident and relaxed in the childminder's care. They have formed a good relationship with the childminder and other children attending. All children are encouraged and supported to participate in the activities that are offered, however, there are limited opportunities to explore and discover and express their individual creativity. The childminder now understands the importance of continuous improvement and systems to evaluate the early years provision are in the early stages of development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop opportunities for babies and younger children to explore and experiment with natural materials  develop the use of observation and assessment to identify children's next steps in learning  review the organisation and planning of the indoor and outdoor learning environment to provide children with opportunities to initiate their own play and follow their own interests  provide further opportunities for children to self select toys and activities that motivate and interest them.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for by a childminder who has a satisfactory understanding and knowledge to promote their learning and development. The childminder has not This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 completed any recent training courses but liaises with other childminders for support as she regularly attends drop in sessions, where the children enjoy socialising with other minded children. Some good written, informed policies and procedures are effectively implemented in practice, to ensure children's wellbeing and safety and some useful information for parents is also available. The childminder's certificates are displayed within the home. The childminder understands that members of the household who require suitable checks have completed these, to ensure the children's safety is never compromised.

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the early years provision

The childminder encourages some good working practices with the parents and informs them verbally on a daily basis or through a daily diary, of their children's day and learning achievements. Some basic written observations and photographic evidence are also offered to the parents as the childminder is developing an effective system of assessment and observation. Some observations clearly identify the children's next steps in learning, although, this is not always consistent. Children do receive good attention as the childminder works with an appropriate number of children at any one time, enabling her to give good supervision and care. Toys, equipment and resources are easily accessible within the lounge. Planning for the outdoor learning environment to include all areas of learning is limited, however, children do have fun playing in the garden. Children are treated with equal concern within the childminder's home.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to promoting inclusive practice and has written policies with regard to equality and diversity. Some resources that promote positive images are now available to the children, however, these are limited and continue to be developed.

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and outcomes for children

Children's learning and development is promoted by the childminder enabling them to make satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals. Some activities are planned and adult led, such as, trips out to toddler groups, library or the park. The children are able to choose toys from a range that the childminder has selected for them, considering their interests and these are easily accessible within the lounge. However, these are limited and mostly for a purpose, therefore, young children are unable to explore and discover for themselves, in particular using natural materials. Children enjoy using the 'pond game' and they squeal with delight watching the ducks rotate, fascinated by the mechanism. They express an interest in drawing which is accommodated by the childminder, however, the resources are not always appropriate. For example, thin pencils are offered to young children who would benefit from using chunky crayons.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is very caring and attentive of the children attending and speaks fondly and intuitively of all the minded children. They play in a welcoming environment and are able to move around freely. Children are able to safely make some choices with regard to the toys and resources available as the childminder regularly risks assess her home, however, the toys do not provide sufficient challenge in all six areas of learning. The childminder has a flexible weekly plan This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which may include regular visits to the local toddler group where children enjoy socialising and participating in messy activities. The childminder is supportive of children she cares for, who attend other settings, such as, pre-school or school. This is achieved by attending the school assemblies for parents and carers, music festival and summer fetes. She positively encourages good communication with the

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and outcomes for children

staff to ensure there is a consistent approach in the care she offers.

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and outcomes for children

Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder explains about the consequences of their actions. For example, they are gently reminded to sit on the chairs carefully, as they may harm themselves. They are encouraged to make healthy choices when choosing a snack and happily sit and enjoy a bowl of grapes. The childminder ensures the children have an understanding about personal hygiene as they are encouraged to wash their hands before lunch and baby wipes are also used, particularly with the younger children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder makes good attempts to encourage parental involvement with regard to the children's learning and development. Observation and development records are available for parents to view as these are shared with the parents along with examples of the children's art work and photographs. Children are cared for in a fully inclusive environment where every child is valued and respected. They are confident and secure within the setting and they have a good understanding of the childminder's positive approach to behaviour management. Children are congratulated and praised for their efforts and enjoy lots of hugs and cuddles with the childminder. The childminder understands that some children may require additional support and would actively seek information and advice to ensure they are fully involved in the activities provided. 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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