Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 202053 Inspection date 07/03/2011 Inspector Lindsay Dobson

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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 has been registered since 1987. She lives with her husband and family in North Weald Essex. The whole of the house is registered for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. There are currently five children on roll, of whom three are in the early years age range and all children attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is also registered to provide overnight care for a maximum of two children. At the time of inspection there are no children present.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group with minded children. 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

Evidence suggests that children make good progress in their learning and enjoy their time in this welcoming and inclusive setting. Most policies and procedures are detailed and implemented effectively to safeguard and promote children's welfare. However, risk assessments are not sufficiently robust. The childminder demonstrates a secure knowledge and understanding of child development and she observes and assesses the children. The childminder shows a strong commitment to developing her practice which provides a sound basis for her capacity to maintain continuous improvements. She gives high priority to effective partnership working with parents to ensure each child's individual needs are met. The childminder has links with other Early Years Foundation Stage providers to promote continuity of learning for children in her care.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 improve the record of risk assessment so that it includes information on who conducted it and the date of review (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 21/03/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 update the record of risk assessment to include any assessments of risk for outings and trips This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  develop systems of observation and assessment to link them to the areas of learning and identify children's next steps.

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the early years provision

Children are well safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates how she ensures they are closely supervised at all times whilst playing in a safe and secure home environment. The childminder is aware of the signs and symptoms of abuse and is able to discuss the action she would take if she had a concern about a child in her care. She maintains supporting documentation to ensure she is secure in her knowledge and able to fully protect children. The childminder completes daily check lists for the home and has some written risk assessments. However, the current record of risk assessment does not contain the required detail, such as, signatures of who has completed them or the dates of they are due a review. This is a breach of regulations. The childminder is able to demonstrate through discussion how she prioritises the children's safety when away from the setting, however, risk assessments are not in place for each individual outing undertaken.

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the early years provision

The childminder maintains her first aid certificate enabling her to protect and care for children in the event of an accident.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises her home well to support children's care and learning. She maintains a focussed approach to meeting their individual needs and her records and documentation reflect this. Resources are plentiful, of good quality, interesting and age appropriate as well as promoting positive images of equality and diversity. The childminder also has written policies and procedures that help to underpin her practice. A positive approach and attitude to continually improving the service offered is shown by the childminder. She has completed the Local Authority self-evaluation document and through discussion she is able to highlight her strengths and areas for development. This ensures the childminder's practice and the outcomes for children are positively promoted and continually improve.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides parents with detailed information about her service prior to children starting; this includes sharing copies of her policies and procedures. She also encourages parents to contribute their ideas and suggestions. Written references from parents are very positive and praise the care given to their children. There are daily discussions with parents on arrival and collection of the children, and they are invited to look at the children's own pictures and photographs the childminder takes of the children at play. The information gained from parents and the childminder's knowledge of child development are used to plan a range of interesting activities and opportunities both in the home and whilst outdoors. The childminder has established links with other providers where children attend more then one setting. This enables her to effectively share information and complement learning intentions to ensure continuity.

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the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Photographic evidence of children supports discussions with the childminder that children are happy in the setting and enjoy exploring an easily accessible range of activities and resources which support their learning. Good opportunities exist in the childminder's home and at groups visited in the community and surrounding area for the children to paint, colour, draw and make craft models with recycled materials, which helps them develop their creative skills. The childminder and children are currently collecting bottle tops to use as wheels on the vehicle models they plan to make. Through the photographs available in the children's individual learning profiles, the childminder is able to demonstrate the good range of activities and areas of learning the children are involved in. For example, children's personal, emotional and social development is actively promoted. The childminder provides opportunities for them to enjoy small world play with family figures in the

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and outcomes for children

shoe house, cars, trains and acting out from their own experiences with the dolls and supporting resources. Children often choose to look at books and can pick from a very good selection which are age appropriate and stimulate their individual interests. The childminder ensures she provides new and up-to-date books for the children as well as providing classic stories. Children's problem solving and reasoning is provided for as children are encouraged to count as they play and have fun using equipment such as a large abacus. Photographs show children building with wooden bricks and completing jigsaw puzzles. Younger children develop their problem solving skills as they use the stacking beakers to build a tall tower.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder completes individual profiles of the children's art work and photographs of them at play. These are attractive, shared with parents and are building up an interesting journal of the children's time in the childminder's care. However, the current system for recording children's development is not fully effective. Observations are not currently linked to the areas of learning and next steps are not recorded to help the childminder plan to move children's development forward. The childminder works closely with the parents to complete a 'Development matters' document for their children. This enables them to have a clear understanding of how to support their children at home.

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and outcomes for children

Evidence suggests that children receive healthy options when meals and snacks are provided. At the present time the parents provide most of the food, which the childminder stores appropriately and serves to the children. The childminder encourages the parents to provide healthy options and recognises this as a strength of her setting. Parents actively want their children to have healthy meals and snacks and the childminder ensures she always has fresh fruit available to supplement children's diets. Children also have access to water at all times throughout the day. Planned daily routines ensure children learn about good personal hygiene; they wash their hands before meals and after using the toilet, accessing individual towels and liquid soap. Children are able to go outside each day in the fresh air. The childminder ensures that children's physical development is effectively promoted. Photographic evidence shows them playing in the garden

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and outcomes for children

with a very good range of resources including wheeled toys. They visit the local This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 park and open fields where they use the large equipment and play ball games, for example, football.

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and outcomes for children

Children are kept safe in the setting because the childminder maintains effective safety precautions. The childminder discusses how children learn about keeping themselves safe as she reinforces important safety messages, such as 'stranger danger' and crossing the road safely. Children are positively supported by the childminder which encourages and raises their self-esteem and promotes good levels of appropriate behaviour. She follows her behaviour management policy by encouraging the children to use good manners, share and take turns as they play. 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) (also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register). 21/03/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment). 21/03/2011

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