Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY345418 Inspection date 28/03/2011 Inspector Lynn Clements

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was re-registered in 2006, having previously been a childminder for over twenty years. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding four children in the early years age group on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her partner in the market town of Saffron Walden, Essex. The whole of the property, managed by the childminder, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has two cats.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding about the needs of each child and this enables her to promote their welfare and learning well. Children are safe and secure in this warm family home and they enjoy learning about the world around them. Partnerships with others, such as, the local nursery and those with parents are good, providing continuity of care for each child including those with additional support needs. This means that children progress well, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder reflects on her practice and liaises with parents helping her to respond to user needs.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 re-appraise risk assessments and the environments to which children are exposed and make the necessary adjustments to secure their safety at all times, this refers in particular to detailing fully how children are kept safe from potential hazards whilst out and about  develop further the current system of assessment for learning to ensure that children's next steps are clearly linked to the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding about the importance of safeguarding children. She has completed relevant training and knows how to make a referral if she has a child protection concern. The childminder understands the importance of Criminal Records Bureau checks and never leaves children unsupervised with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 visitors. Clear policies and procedures are shared with parents and carers and implemented in practice in order to support the smooth running of her setting and provide positive outcomes for the children. All documentation required by legislation is in place and updated to meet children's changing needs. Whilst risk assessments are in place and reviewed regularly, assessments undertaken prior to outings do not fully include all relevant details about potential hazards and how children are kept safe. Registers and a visitor record are maintained which makes

p.4

the early years provision

sure that the childminder can safely account for all children and adults in her setting at any time. The childminder has completed paediatric first aid training which enables her to provide appropriate care for children in the event of an emergency. Furniture, toys and resources are suitable for their purpose and well maintained. The childminder provides good free flow space and child-height storage which helps the children to build on their self help skills. The outside area is fully enclosed and well maintained providing additional space and an alternative environment for the children to explore freely.

p.5

the early years provision

There is no bias in the childminder's practice in relation to gender, race or disability. This positive approach and open ethos enables her to plan and provide learning opportunities which help the children to discover the wider world around them. In addition they enjoy regular opportunities to find out about the world on their door step, as they enjoy trips to soft play centres, the local shops and library. Currently the childminder has no children on roll with special educational needs and/or disabilities but she does have clear strategies in place, enabling her to work with parents and other professionals in the best interest of the child. Partnerships are in place with others settings the children attend, for example, the local nursery. The childminder helps the children to prepare and make smooth transitions to other settings. For example children wear their new uniform to her setting, helping them to get used to it and open discussions about the new

p.5

the early years provision

experiences they will have. Partnerships with parents are strong and important in making sure that the children are settled and that their individual needs are well met. Parents report that the childminder is the bedrock of their child's life, and that she supports their children well, helping them to build self-esteem and confidence. They know their children are safe and secure in her care. Parents very much appreciate the time taken to complete diaries and learning records and they enjoy being fully involved in these aspects, sharing learning from home which helps the childminder to build on what the children know and can do. Parents also appreciate that the childminder helps their children to learn at their own pace so that they have fun and enjoy their formative years. The childminder uses the local authority self-evaluation forms to reflect on the service she provides and identify areas for future development. She also listens to parents, adapting her service to

p.5

the early years provision

meet their needs. The childminder has addressed the recommendations raised at her last inspection.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding about how children learn through play and free flow investigation. She makes observations of them as they play and learn. These are clearly linked to the six early learning goals and progress over This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 time can be easily plotted. Whilst the childminder identified children's next steps for learning she is not always consistent in making sure that these are linked to the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to ensure that children continue to be challenged well. Children make good progress and thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder and each other. Their behaviour is good and they understand about taking turns and sharing. Children demonstrate good manners as they say please and thank you at meal times and when playing together.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are encouraged to develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners, their own needs and those of others. They develop their understanding of communication technology and electronic sounds as they explore battery operated key boards. They work out that by pressing different buttons they can make different sounds. Children notice change as they talk with each other and the childminder about the weather, looking through the window to see what the weather is like today and deciding that it is cold. They make their needs known, for example as they talk and share their ideas with each other and the childminder, talking about wanting to play outside after they have finished their breakfast. When children have finished eating their breakfast they help to tidy away, keeping their play space safe. As they help the childminder to load the dishwasher with the utensils they begin to problem solve with her as they work out where best to place

p.6

and outcomes for children

everything. Children use their imagination as they create three dimensional models including butterflies and flowers. Some children are not so keen on getting messy and the childminder adapts the activity to meet their particular needs, providing aqua brushes and water which they use with confidence to create and have fun in a way which is comfortable to them. Children demonstrate their growing ability to make appropriate choices and decisions for themselves, responding to the expectations of those who work with them and each other. Children are motivated and play in harmony together.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are secure and develop a sense of belonging to the setting. Their understanding of safety issues is demonstrated through their play as they recognise and confidently talk about dangers and how to keep themselves safe. For example when sitting in their booster seat at the table they are quick to tell the childminder that they need their seatbelt on. Children move safely around the setting, carefully avoiding each other, furniture and toys. Good quality interaction and well organised routines help babies and very young children to become secure and confident in the childminder's care. Children show a good awareness about what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy healthy choices at meal times and all meals and snacks are provided by the childminder, who has registered with environmental health. Children adopt good personal hygiene routines and understand the importance of washing their hands at pertinent times to prevent

p.6

and outcomes for children

sore tummies. They engage in a wide range of physical activities, both indoors and out, increasing their understanding about the importance of regular exercise as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Babies and very young children appear content and settled because their health, physical and dietary requirements are well met. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8