Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 201958 Inspection date 02/03/2011 Inspector Sandra Daniels

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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 1990. She lives with her husband in Basildon within walking distance of the park, shops, schools and pre-school. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children under eight years. Of these, three children may be in the early years age group at any one time. There are currently nine children on roll, two of whom are in the early years age group.

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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 are very happy and settled in the childminder's care. She is using observations of children's achievements to plan a range of suitable and interesting activities to help them to progress. She regularly keeps parents informed about what their children are doing and obtains useful information about their needs and routines in order to be able to meet their individual needs effectively. All of the paperwork required for effective care of the children is in place and well- maintained. The childminder has completed a self-evaluation of her practice and is committed to improving and developing her service, having set some targets for future development.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the organisation of the setting by developing the use of self- evaluation to support ongoing improvements.

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the early years provision

The childminder has attended safeguarding training and demonstrates a very good understanding of child protection issues and the procedure to follow to report any concerns. All adults in the household have been appropriately checked to ensure they are suitable and all the necessary parental consents are in place, in addition to an accurate record of attendance. Effective systems for gathering information from parents ensure continuity of care for the children in the care of the childminder. All the required policies, procedures and paperwork are maintained and are available for parents in well-organised files. The childminder is motivated This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 to improve her own professional development through attending further training courses and she ensures she keeps up-to-date with new guidance and legislation. In addition, to safeguarding, the childminder has attended recent training in first

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the early years provision

aid, the Early Years Foundation Stage and inclusion.

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the early years provision

Children are happy and content in the company of the childminder and settle easily into the daily routine. The childminder completes a daily diary which details information relating to children's activities and achievements. The childminder reflects on her practice and, although, the self-evaluation process has highlighted some areas for development, targets are not always sufficiently detailed. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment towards maintaining continuous improvement within her provision. Children benefit from using resources depicting diversity and from a young age, learn to respect others and to value differences. Every child is cared for and respected as an individual and the childminder uses highly effective systems to support children who are learning English as an additional language. Highly effective partnerships with other settings attended by children mean that the childminder successfully balances her provision with the

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the early years provision

experiences children receive at school or pre-school.

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the early years provision

Children are kept safe and secure indoors and outside through daily visual checks completed by the childminder and through fitted safety equipment in areas accessed by the children. Risk assessments are maintained to identify any safety issues and help protect children from potential accidents or hazards. Indoors, children easily access an extensive range of suitable resources organised mostly at low level which enables children to independently and safely access them.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing an understanding of possible dangers and how to stay safe. For example, children learn about road safety and what to do in the event of an emergency by practising the fire evacuation plan. The childminder provides a good range of home-cooked healthy and nutritious meals and snacks which effectively promotes children's growth and development. Children have choices and are encouraged towards healthy options as they discuss which foods are good for them. Children remain well-hydrated and comfortable during the day because they are able to help themselves to their personal beakers when they need a drink. The childminder promotes good hygiene practices herself and children wash their hands at appropriate times during the day. This sustains good levels of hygiene and helps to prevent the spread of infection.

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and outcomes for children

Children respond to the childminder's appropriate behaviour management strategies that take into account their age and stage of development. They receive praise and encouragement which develops their confidence and self-esteem. This is supported by the childminder who encourages the children to play harmoniously together, to share the resources and take turns. The childminder is beginning to help children to appreciate diversity and develop a positive view of society and the wider world. For example, children are encouraged to recognise their own unique This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 qualities, the characteristics they share with others and have opportunities to meet different individuals as they explore the local community. A good range of resources are provided which positively reflect people of other races, cultures and abilities. For example, books, puzzles and dressing-up clothes.

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and outcomes for children

Children are offered a creative variety of activities and play opportunities that supports them in making good progress in all areas of their learning. The childminder provides an enabling environment for children. This is because space and resources are well-organised to enable children to explore and make choices in their play. Children relax in the surroundings and build their confidence and self- esteem because the childminder provides good levels of interaction and support. The childminder quickly reacts to the children's interests and changing developmental needs. She has a very good knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements. She records observations of each child's achievements and progress, linked to the six areas of learning and effectively evaluates this information to identify the next steps in their learning and development. However, the childminder does not effectively use this

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and outcomes for children

information to create assessments to monitor children's progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop their imaginations with regular craft, musical and role play activities. They use various round objects and coloured paints to print circles onto paper, which will then be used to create the caterpillar from a favourite story. Children sort through the play food to try to find the foods that the caterpillar likes and they decide to have a picnic. Children are developing their appreciation of books, looking at these independently, as well as, enjoying a story from the childminder. Children have opportunities to understand simple concepts and solve problems, for example, as they fit different shapes in to the shape sorter and complete puzzles. Children are developing the skills to be active learners and, as a result, are making good progress in communicating, literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology. 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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