Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY347774 Inspection date 21/06/2010 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 2007. She lives with her four children aged 14, 12, 10 and seven years in Braintree, Essex. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding with the exception of two bedrooms. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the childminder's home is via a low-step. The family have a rabbit as a pet.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. There are currently five children attending four of whom 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are making progress in their learning and development as they are provided with some fun learning opportunities in an inclusive, child friendly environment. Good systems for communication with parents ensures the childminder is fully informed regarding their personal requirements and can effectively meet the children's individual needs and routines. Children's contributions are valued and they are confident and relaxed in the childminder's care. All children are encouraged and supported to participate in all the activities offered. Although children have many opportunities to explore and play outdoors, this continues to be developed to include opportunities within all six areas of learning.

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further?

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

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further?

 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 and include the six areas of learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes the children's learning and welfare, as some good opportunities to promote learning and have fun are provided. Interesting activities are readily available and children are able to access resources easily as the childminder has ensured the home is child friendly and welcoming. The childminder is very familiar with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is enthusiastic to complete training whenever possible to further support her understanding and knowledge. It is evident through observation that the childminder is dedicated to provide the children in her care with a high standard of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 care and enjoys children's company.

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the early years provision

The childminder understands her responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children. Appropriate guidance and up-to-date legislation are at hand, should there be any concerns regarding any child's well-being. The childminder has an updated complaints policy for parents, to ensure children are safeguarded. The childminder is vigilant within the home to ensure the children's safety at all times and good risk assessments are now in place. The children are able to take some responsibility and are learning how to keep themselves safe as the childminder explains the risks to them. Visitors are introduced to the children to ensure they are familiar and comfortable in their company and are asked to sign a visitors book. The purpose of my visit was explained to the children who appeared secure and confident within their environment. The childminder ensures that members of the household who require suitable checks have completed these, ensuring the children's safety is

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the early years provision

never compromised. Good procedures are in place with regard to the children's safety on outings. For example, identification cards are carried, explaining they are with a registered childminder, to ensure their protection in the event of an emergency situation. Risk assessments with regard to outings are in place.

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the early years provision

Children appear happy and confident within the home and in the childminder's company. The childminder is beginning to develop systems to regularly evaluate her practice, she values parents contributions to assist her in the self-evaluation process. Parents views are welcomed as the childminder understands the importance of good partnership working and written references from parents suggest that they are happy with every aspect of care offered. Parents are informed in various ways with regard to their child's day, such as; daily books, verbally and through the written development records and photographic evidence.

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the early years provision

The childminder is able to discuss her process for self-evaluation, and is reflective in her work, identifying her own strengths and areas to develop further. The childminder is aware of the positive impact that training has on the outcomes for children and endeavours to attend training whenever possible.

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the early years provision

The childminder uses the space within her home well, creating a welcoming and child friendly environment. Although there is a dedicated playroom available, children are also able to play in the lounge, dining room and garden. The childminder positively encourages outdoor play all year round, and the garden is well-resourced to enable children to explore and discover for themselves. The childminder manages her time effectively and provides children with individual care and attention, choosing to care for a small group of children at any one time. Good quality toys, equipment and resources are easily accessible within the lounge, playroom and garden where children play. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to caring for children in an inclusive provision whereby every child is unique and speaks intuitively of the children she cares for. A small selection of toys, books and resources are available that reflect diversity.

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the early years provision

The childminder is able to demonstrate how she encourages parents to share information about their child's developmental stages initially and the childminder is able to use this information to support her planning. Observations of children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 developing well, and the children's next steps in learning are beginning to be identified and documented.

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and outcomes for children

Children appear happy in the company of the childminder. Their welfare, learning and developmental needs are met to a good standard in all six areas of learning. Children are supported by the childminder to enable them to develop and make progress in their individual development. Children have fun and concentrate for sometime threading shiny beads to make bracelets, even very young children sit and persevere at this activity and take great pride in showing you their finished work. They are able to discuss the colours of the beads and are skilful in threading. The childminder ensures that all children, including young babies, are able to access all activities. Children enjoy using the cutting tools with the play dough and making cakes.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy many opportunities to play outdoors and are able to freely move around the home. Good resources, such as a slide and climbing frame are available, however, children speak excitedly of their visits to the local park where they have the opportunity to develop their physical skills. They enjoy using the buggies outdoors and dressing their babies. The childminder does understand the importance of planning for the outdoor environment and is beginning to give consideration to all areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has developed a good system to record the children's development using observations and photographs. Children's progress and achievements are documented within their own file. Children's art work is also kept and some is displayed within the playroom where children play. Toys are easily accessible, enabling the children to self-select and initiate their own games. It is evident that children feel and are safe within the childminder's care. They are reminded and are beginning to understand about keeping themselves safe. For example, they understand the importance of using sun hats and cream when playing outdoors as the childminder explains about protecting themselves. They learn about road safety as the childminder emphasises the importance of this when out walking. A good fire evacuation plan is in place and is available to the parents, fire drills are regularly practised and children receive a certificate to congratulate

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and outcomes for children

them on completing this procedure safely.

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and outcomes for children

Children are reminded about and are encouraged to take responsibility for their personal hygiene. For example, children are encouraged to wash their hands before lunch and after visiting the bathroom. Hand gel is also regularly used. A good nappy changing procedure is in place to minimise cross-infection. Children sit happily at the table and enjoy different fruits that they have chosen for their snacks. A weekly menu is displayed for parents. Drinks are readily available throughout the day.

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and outcomes for children

Effective use of praise and encouragement enables children's self-esteem to develop and children appear confident and secure in their environment. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are able to develop skills for the future as they have access to some technology, cash registers, play mobile phones and a computer. Opportunities to learn about other people's cultures and differing needs are promoted and some good positive images and resources depicting differences are available to the children within the playroom. The childminder demonstrates an understanding of how to successfully support children who are learning English as a second language. 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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