Childminder in Southend on Sea

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY343953 Inspection date 04/05/2010 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

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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and six years in a house in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is 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 five 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 to local schools to take and collect children and the childminder takes children on regular outings to the local parks and library. The family rabbits, chickens and tortoises 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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Description of the childminding

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

Children in the early years age range are making good progress in all areas of their development as the childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and her role in meeting children's needs and promoting their welfare. There are outstanding aspects to the provision; these being ensuring children feel safe, promoting healthy lifestyles, safeguarding children and engaging with parents. Self-evaluation systems are in place, however, further development is required to ensure systems reflect continuous improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 review and revise self-evaluation systems to ensure continuous improvements are made.

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the early years provision

Documentation including policies are procedures are in place and are effectively maintained to support the secure management of the childminding provision. Current policies and procedures reflect the childminder's practice and amendments are made when necessary. There are exceptional policies and procedures to safeguard children. The childminder has a very good understanding of her role in protecting children and knows what to do in the event of a concern. Parents are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 fully informed of the childminder’s role in safeguarding children. Through risk assessments for the premises both indoors and outside are in place and are implemented on a daily basis to further promote children’s safety and welfare. Very good road safety procedurces are in place when on trips out and walking to and from the local schools, and the childminder ensures children know about road

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the early years provision

safety and stranger danger. Excellent standards of cleanliness and effective safety measures are maintained throughout the play environment.

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the early years provision

Routines including space, time and resources are organised effectively to ensure that children receive plenty of attention and support and their individual needs are consistently met. The home both indoors and outside are fully inclusive to all children and families, and the childminder endeavours to make any adaptations to routines, resources and the environment to meet any additional needs. The childminder has a positive attitude towards improving the overall effectiveness of the provision. Positive action has been taken since the last inspection to ensure that the childminder meets all the requirements in the Early Years Foundation Stage, this includes continued professional development, updating policies and procedures and developing activity plans. Self-evaluation systems have been formally developed, but further revision is required to ensure that it is reflective and promotes continuous improvements.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established exceptional relationships with parents, as she is committed in meeting the needs of both children and families, and she highly values parents comments and contributions in relation to their child's care. Regular information is exchanged and there are very clearly written contracts and consent agreements regarding individual care needs and are reviewed regularly. Parents have read the policies and procedures and they have regular questionnaires to complete further obtaining parents views. Complementary written and verbal comments were given by the parents, commending the childminder on her commitment to meeting the children's needs; children being valued as individuals, made to feel part of the family and the good range of activities provided. The childminder effectively shares and gathers information about planned activities with the pre-schools the children attend.

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and outcomes for children

Planning, observation and assessment systems are successfully being developed, ensuring children in the early years age range are provided with a good range of activities that cover the six areas of learning. Observations and assessment inform future activity plans for children. The children take part in a variety of interesting planned activities or spontaneous events that fully support all areas of learning, both indoors and outside. The garden area provides an exciting play area for all children across the age range. Children enjoy looking after the chickens, rabbits and tortoises on a daily basis. They enjoy using the climbing frame and large trampoline, providing excellent opportunities for children to participate in physical exercise. Children also have excellent opportunities to plant fruit and vegetables, such as strawberries and peas. Regular outings are organised in the vicinity and wider area to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of both the local

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and outcomes for children

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and wider world, this includes trips to Hadleigh Castle, the local park, beach, Tropical Wings and the Natural History Museum.

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and outcomes for children

The children have very good and close relationships with the childminder and other family members, as a result, they are extremely happy, secure and contented in her care. Children are confident talkers as the childminder provides a language rich environment in which they enthusiastically talk about their home life, recent events and play experiences. The children learn about early numeracy skills through everyday activities and conversations, such as counting the fruit at snack time. The childminder is knowledgeable about each child’s abilities and what they enjoy doing and they skilfully support children in their developing knowledge of self- control and behaviour issues, as there are clear house rules to follow. Consequently, children show respect towards each other and care about the learning environment. A good variety of toys and books that show positive images of diversity are in constant use and this increases children’s familiarity with

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and outcomes for children

Children's healthy lifestyle and ensuring that they feel safe is exceptionally well- promoted by the childminder. The children have a very good range of healthy snacks and meals during the day, this includes fresh fruit, such as kiwi, pineapple and strawberries. Children have access to fresh drinking water during the day, ensuring that they remain hydrated. The childminder reminds children to was their hands when needed and they know why they need to wash their hands. They move around the home safely and the childminder also reminds children of the safety rules. The children listen to the childminder and responds to her requests about behaviour and being safe. Emergency evacuation procedures are practised regularly and children have a very good understanding of what to do in the event of an incident and/or fire. The childminder has attended recent first aid training and can deal with minor injuries. The childminder is also knowledgeable about

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and outcomes for children

individual children’s dietary and medical needs. 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 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

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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 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 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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