Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY315159 Inspection date 12/07/2010 Inspector Lynn Amelia Hartigan

p.1

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.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2005. He lives with, and works in partnership with his wife who is also a registered childminder, and their four children aged 12, 11 eight and seven years in Harwich, Essex. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the childminder's home is via a low step. The family have African land snails, gecko and turtles as pets.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. There are currently six children attending. One child cared for until recently is 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.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's individual needs are promoted well as the childminder has good policies and procedures that underpin his practices enabling him to care for children in an inclusive environment. The childminder is able to demonstrate that information regarding the children's individual routines and development is readily available and is used efficiently. Good observations of the children enable the childminder to effectively plan for the children's next steps in learning. The childminder continues to develop systems which enable him to identify areas for improvement and to raise the quality and standard of childcare offered. The childminder's commitment toward self-evaluation and training demonstrates a dedication to maintain continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further opportunities to help children gain an awareness of the cultures and beliefs of others.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes the children's learning and welfare, as some very good opportunities for learning and fun activities are provided within the home. The childminder is familiar with and aware of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is enthusiastic to complete training whenever possible and will shortly be completing the process for accreditation. The childminder is confident and fully understands his responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children. Excellent guidance and up-to-date legislation is at hand should there be any concerns regarding any child's well-being. The childminder is vigilant within This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the home to ensure the children's safety at all times and robust risk assessments are in place, which include outings and the family pets. Visitors are introduced to the children to ensure they are familiar and comfortable in their company and very

p.4

the early years provision

good procedures are in place with regard to the children's safety on outings. For example, children have use of suitable equipment, such as, appropriate car seats, and are learning about keeping themselves safe as the childminder discusses road safety with them. The childminder ensures that members of the household who require suitable checks have completed these, to ensure the children's safety is never compromised.

p.5

the early years provision

As a result of the childminder's motivation to provide a good standard of care, children appear extremely comfortable, happy, and secure within the home. The childminder has developed a system to regularly evaluate his practices and values parents' and the children's contributions to assist him in the self-evaluation process. Good relationships with the parents ensure they are fully informed about every aspect of care offered to their children. The childminder is able to confidently discuss his process for self-evaluation and continually researches for new ideas and opportunities for the children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder utilises the space within his home both indoors and outdoors effectively creating a welcoming and child-friendly environment. The childminder manages his time effectively and provides children with good individual care and attention, he works in close partnership with his wife who is also an accredited childminder. Toys, equipment and resources are easily accessible within a dedicated playroom. Children are treated with equal concern within the childminder's home. For example, children's individual routines are discussed with the parents and their needs maintained.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to caring for children in an inclusive provision whereby every child is unique and speaks intuitively of the children in his care. Some toys, books and resources are available that reflect diversity and continue to be developed. Children enjoy activities within themes and projects, such as, Eid and Diwali, whilst learning about the wider world. Children are made to feel special. For example, a party, tea and cake are provided on their birthday and children excitedly give their friend a card on their special day.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is able to demonstrate how he encourages parents to share information about their child's developmental stages when they first start. The childminder has developed a good system of documenting the children's initial assessment with the parents, and their continuous development, clearly identifying the children's next steps. As a result of the childminder developing good partnerships with other professionals, children receive continuity of care and support regarding their learning and developmental needs. The childminder is introduced to the children's teacher or carers at pre-school by the parents before they start. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are comfortable and happy in the company of the childminder. Their welfare, learning and developmental needs are met to a good standard. Children are supported by the childminder to enable them to develop and make progress in their individual development as good resources and opportunities for learning are provided. Young children are able to initiate their own play, selecting toys from a wide variety available to them within a bright inviting playroom. In addition to the this the children have the opportunity to play in a ball pond as the childminder has built a sensory room adjacent to the playroom. This is a soothing place if a child wishes to 'chill' and/or a fun place to play. Children regularly visit the local beach and enjoy skimming stones before school. They visit the lifeboat station and learn about 'people who help us'. They have great fun going for train rides and participating in a teddy bears picnics in Wrabness woods.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has developed good systems to record the children's development using observations and photographs. Children's progress and achievements are documented within their own files. A selection of their art work is also kept and displayed within the playroom. They have their own coat pegs and this creates a real sense of belonging. Children gain independence and confidence as they initiate their own play and self-select resources.

p.6

and outcomes for children

It is very evident that children feel and are safe within the childminder's care. They are reminded and are beginning to understand about keeping themselves safe. The childminder emphasises the importance of this when out walking, discussing road safety. A fire evacuation plan is displayed for the children and is available to the parents. Snacks and healthy meals that are nutritious are offered, and a weekly sample menu is available to parents. The childminder successfully caters for many different dietary needs. The childminder promotes and encourages the children to grow vegetables in the garden.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Effective use of praise and encouragement enables children's self-esteem to develop and children are confident and secure in their environment. Children are able to develop skills for the future as they have opportunities to access technology, such as, programmable toys and a computer. Risk assessments are completed with regard to the computer to ensure the children are safeguarded. They are able to search for a favourite recipe and purchase the ingredients with the childminder. They use and are beginning to understand about money as they pay for the food themselves. They have great fun cooking and tasting the end product.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are able to look at books which portray the wider world. They develop social skills as they all eat at the table and visit pop in groups and meet with other children. Opportunities to learn about other people's cultures and differing needs are promoted and good some positive images and resources depicting differences are available to the children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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 1 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8