Childminder, Out-of school day care in Southend on Sea

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY388804 Inspection date 17/01/2011 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 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 2008. She works with a co-minder from the co- minder's family home in Southend-On-Sea, Essex. The ground floor area of the co- minder's home 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 six children at any one time and when minding with another childminder she is registered to look after a maximum of 12 children at anyone time. She is currently minding one child 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. There are two cats within the home as family 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.

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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 requirements. The provision is a fully inclusive environment as the effectiveness of equality and diversity is good. Promoting healthy lifestyles and ensuring children feel safe are also stronger aspects of the setting. Self-evaluation systems have been developed, however, further review is required to ensure that self-assessments are fully embedded within the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 review activity plans to ensure that they are reflective of children's daily play and learning experiences  develop formal self-evaluation systems ensure that it is fully embedded within the provision.

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the early years provision

All the required documentation, including children's contact details, risk assessments and accident and medication records, are in place and are effectively This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 maintained for the safe running of the childminding provision. Polices and procedures are good. They are reviewed regularly and reflect the childminder's current practice. The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibilities for protecting children from harm or abuse and knows what to do in the event of any concerns regarding their welfare. All adults living and working in the setting have completed the required vetting checks, ensuring all children are fully safeguarded. Children's well-being and safety is paramount as risk assessments for the home, garden and for trips out are comprehensive and implemented effectively by the childminder. Good standards of cleanliness and effective safety measures

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the early years provision

are maintained throughout the home environment, both indoors and outside. The childminder is vigilant about the security of the children and monitors visitors to the premises. This includes visitors showing their identification badge and signing the visitors' book.

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the early years provision

Resources and equipment are of a good standard and successfully cover the six areas of learning. The designated play area and the recently refurbished garden with the summer house provide children with good play and learning experiences. Children's independence and choice is successfully promoted through the organisation of resources and play equipment at children's level. Equality and diversity is a fundamental part of the provision as the childminder has a clear understanding of inclusion and how to promote this within early years, for example, resources, activities and discussions with children. Daily routines, including resources, are effectively organised to ensure children's individual needs are consistently met and that play experiences are both interesting and challenging for all the children. Consequently, children receive good quality attention and support. The childminder has attended the 'Introduction to Childminding' and first

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the early years provision

aid training and has recently completed Level 3 in Home-based Childcare. However, self-evaluation systems have not yet been formally embedded within the provision to ensure continuous improvements are sustained.

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the early years provision

Partnership work with parents is good as the childminder takes the time to get to know individual children and their families. There are clear admission procedures in place for new children and families. The childminder ensures all parents are fully informed about their children's care, development and daily experiences. Information is exchanged on a daily basis and there are clearly written contracts and consent agreements regarding individual care needs. Written polices and procedures are given to the parents and she shares children's individual profiles with them. This ensures that they are fully informed about their children's developmental progress. Parents' complimentary comments include the childminders' ability to promote healthy eating within the home, the promotion of the family home environment and that lots of cuddles and tender care is given to children. The childminder has good systems in place to effectively share

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the early years provision

information with local schools and early years settings children attend to promote transitions and continuity of care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are provided with a good range of activities and play experiences as the childminder has effectively implemented the planning and assessment arrangements within her care. Activity plans cover the six areas learning. They incorporate themed activities and differentiation, ensuring that play and learning experiences are challenging and tailored towards children's individual needs. However, weekly activity plans on occasions do not always reflect children's daily play and learning experiences. Planning and assessment arrangements are cyclical as next steps inform future activity plans. Children's individual profiles provide parents with a rich textual narrative of children's developmental progress. This is combined with the 'Developmental Matters' framework to ensure effective monitoring of children's overall developmental progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very happy, settled and secure as the childminder effectively forms good relationships with them. She is warm, affectionate and purposeful in her interactions with the children. All children are regarded as part of the family home as there are good relationships with other family members. The children enjoy each others company as they share toys, take turns and help one another in their play, for example, puzzles and sorting activities. Children are given good opportunities to develop their language and communication skills as the childminder uses a range of descriptive language and open ended questioning to extend their verbal expressions. They develop an early appreciation of books and stories as there is a good selection of both story and information books that offer instruction and delight. Children particularly enjoy singing nursery rhymes and actions songs, for example, 'Row Your Boat' and 'Dingily Dangly Scarecrow'.

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and outcomes for children

Regular outings are made to the local park, library, beach and children's centre, helping children to learn about the world around them. There are also trips arranged further afield during the school holidays, for example, Promenade Park in Maldon, the London museums, Hyland House and Country Park and the Mayor's Garden Party. The recently refurbished outdoor areas add an exciting dimension to children's play and learning as they can plant and grow fruit and vegetables, for example, cabbages and strawberries and observe the local wildlife. Children also have opportunities to play on tricycles, slide, swings and trampoline and in the summer house.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is knowledgeable about each child's abilities and what they enjoy doing as she takes time to get to know their individual needs and preferences. For example, some children enjoy puzzles and mark making while others like dressing up. Children behave very well as the childminder has a clear understanding of how to positively manage children's behaviour and there is a good focus on praise and encouragement. Consequently, all children are happy, secure and confident in her care and they are very cooperative. A selection of resources showing positive images of diversity are in use and this includes the 'Diversity Book'. Children celebrate a number of festivals, including Christmas, Easter and Father's Day. They particularly enjoy Chinese New Year, when they make Chinese Lanterns, eat stir fry and have fortune cookies. The childminder ensures that all children's birthdays This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

are celebrated. Children are given the time and space to work independently, solving problems and learn about cause and effect, for example, information technology resources.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a safe and healthy lifestyle through their daily routines. Emergency evacuation procedures are practised and a safety talk on outings is included as part of the risk assessment. The childminder has attended first aid training and therefore knows what to do in the event of an accident or when a child is unwell. The promotion of healthy lifestyles is good as children have freshly cooked meals, healthy snacks and fresh drinking water. Meal times are an enjoyable and sociable time as all children sit at the dining table and manners and politeness is encouraged. Younger children attending during the day are encouraged to wash their teeth after their midday meal. The childminder is knowledgeable about individual children's dietary and medical needs as she gathers all the required information before the child starts are the setting. Therefore children's health and well-being is fully supported.

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and outcomes for children

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 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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