Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY409668 Inspection date 27/09/2010 Inspector Pat Champion

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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 assesses 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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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 2010. She lives with her husband. They live in a house in a residential area in Wickford, Essex. All areas of the childminder's house, except for the master bedroom, are used for childminding. Access is via one low step into the house. 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding three children in the early years age group. The childminder walks to local pre-schools to collect children. The family has no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The 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 attends the local carer and toddler group on a regular basis and takes children on outings to local parks. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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's individual needs are well supported by the efficient systems put in place by the childminder. A wide range of activities are provided to challenge and interest children, which helps them to make good progress in all areas of learning. Partnerships with parents and other early years professionals are developing generally well and ensure that the childminding service is fully inclusive. Safety measures are effectively implemented to ensure children are safeguarded. The childminder evaluates her provision with care and is proactive in making continuous improvements that benefit children and their families.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop partnerships with the other settings children attend within the Early Years Foundation Stage to enhance continuity in care and learning  review and revise systems for assessment and planning to ensure that there are no gaps in children's learning and ensure that parents have regular opportunities to add to records. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder is well organised and has prepared a wide range of policies that underpin her practice. She demonstrates a good understanding of her role and responsibilities in supervising and protecting children and has attended specific safeguarding training. Consequently, the childminder follows clear procedures if she has child protection concerns that adhere to the guidelines of the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Children are kept very safe as the childminder has carried out a detailed risk assessment of her home. She has effectively reduced any potential hazards, whilst at the same time ensuring that children's independence is actively encouraged. Safety is also given a high priority on outings as a risk assessment is undertaken regarding each venue.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an effective equal opportunities policy and values and respects each individual child. Children have access to resources that are representative of diversity and they are encouraged to have a positive attitude and respect for themselves and other people. The childminder has completed an accurate self-evaluation which demonstrates a very positive and enthusiastic commitment to continually improving the provision. She clearly identifies areas where she feels she is strong with areas where there is room to improve. All the mandatory training has been attended to promote children's health and welfare. The childminder also meets with other childminders to share ideas and widen her childcare knowledge. However, she has not yet fully established effective communication with pre-schools to enhance the continuity in children's learning so that they achieve as much as they can.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from the professional and friendly partnership with parents. Clear contracts and all the required written parental permissions have been obtained to ensure that children are cared for in line with their parents' wishes. There is good verbal communication and parents' views on the care and education provided are gathered. Parents speak very positively about how well their children have settled and are very impressed by the range of activities and outings provided.

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and outcomes for children

Children show confidence and develop good relationships with the childminder. She skilfully interacts with the children while they play to promote their understanding and language skills. Children access a variety of good-quality play materials, which are regularly rotated to provide added interest and stimulation. The childminder takes account of varying needs and interests. Activities such as baking cakes are planned to challenge and promote children's learning. Babies and toddlers have ample space to practise their developing mobility. All toys within their reach are safe to explore using mouth or hands. Children are curious about shapes and sounds and develop problem solving skills as they play with brightly coloured and musical activity equipment. Discovery boxes have been prepared, which encourage children to investigate and explore introducing them to a range This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Although the childminder has only been minding for a relatively short time she shows a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Positive observations are made of children's achievements and the childminder effectively identifies their next steps with links to the areas of learning. Well-chosen photographs are used to support the observations and are shared with parents. The childminder has already identified a need to enhance her activity planning to ensure that there are no gaps in children's learning and also encourage parents to contribute to the development records at regular intervals.

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and outcomes for children

Children thrive and flourish as they enjoy outdoor activities in the fresh air or they take part in toddler gymnastic sessions. Their health is given a high priority as the environment is kept scrupulously clean. This ensues that young children are protected from cross-infection and they develop a very good awareness of important hygiene routines. Children enjoy wholesome and nourishing meals and snacks and drinks are always accessible so that they do not become thirsty or dehydrated. They rest according to their own needs and arrangements allow them to sleep peacefully and undisturbed.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave well because the childminder is consistent in her approach. She includes all children in activities and gives them equal attention while encouraging them to share toys and be kind to each other. Important safety procedures and the daily routines ensure that children learn effectively about how to behave responsibly. The childminder discusses road safety and children learn not to talk to strangers on outings. Good opportunities are provided for young children to develop the necessary skills for the future. They become independent when they make healthy choices and feed themselves at mealtimes or they look for their own shoes and coats before going outside. Counting, identifying numbers and letters and sounds are all incorporated into daily activities. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 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 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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