Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY348088 Inspection date 29/03/2011 Inspector ISP Inspection

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and four children aged 11, six and four-year-old twins in North Spingfield, Chelmsford, Essex. The whole of the property is used for childminding. Access to the premises is via one small step to the front door. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The family has a guinea pig and a rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight when working alone, six when working with one assistant and nine when working with two assistants. There are currently two children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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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

The childminder effectively recognises the individuality of each child and promotes inclusive practice. She provides a good balance of support and intervention to help children reach their full potential and understands all they do. Children are cared for in a safe and stimulating environment. There are strong working relationships with parents and good partnerships with other early years professionals, which successfully promote children's learning, development and welfare to a high standard. The childminder successfully monitors children's development, however, their next steps of learning are not fully identified. There are limited resources and activities relating to similarities and differences. The childminder makes informal evaluations of her practice and is currently working towards implementing formal methods.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve methods of observational assessment to clearly evidence and identify the children's next steps of learning  develop activities and resources to show children similarities and differences.

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the early years provision

Well-organised documentation is in place in order to promote the welfare of children. There are effective systems to deal with any incidents or illness and children's health is promoted effectively. Children are protected from harm or neglect as the childminder understands safeguarding issues and has completed This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 training. Well-written policies and procedures are available to parents. This ensures they are fully aware of her responsibilities regarding child protection. Good risk assessments are carried out to ensure that children are safe in the home, garden and when on outings.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for by a dedicated childminder. She evaluates the effectiveness of all she does, shares her vision with assistants and adapts practice as necessary. This means she is able to continue to consistently meet the needs of all individuals. Her practice is inclusive and all children participate fully in activities. She encourages children to develop their understanding and they celebrate festivals from around the world. There are a good range of resources. However, they are limited, as are activities relating to similarities and differences. This area has been identified as an area for development.

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the early years provision

The childminder is positive in her attitude to partnership working with parents and other Early Years Foundation Stage professionals. Record sheets are provided at the end of the day in addition to the children's observational assessment records. These assessments record starting points and achievements, however, children's next steps of learning are not fully identified. The childminder encourages parents to include their own observations of their children's learning. Effective communication and partnership working mean children make positive progress. She has effective links with the children's other carers and finds out what children do when they are not in her care. This enables her to complement what children do elsewhere, which supports a consistent approach to their development.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from the childminder's understanding of how they develop and learn. They choose what to do and select resources independently in order to follow their interests freely in the home. The childminder knows exactly when to intervene or hold back, which encourages children to direct their own play when appropriate. She routinely links learning with conversations they have to help children make sense of their world. For example, they make Mother's Day cards and free paint them. Children solve problems as they put together a pig puzzle and count toy ponies. They enjoy outings to local parks, play areas and an art group that the childminder runs with another childminder. They have great fun on the bouncy castle and sing and dance. Children celebrate festivals, such as Christmas and Easter. This helps them learn about others and their cultures and customs.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn to play harmoniously together. They share resources fairly and show consideration for others by being polite and learning to take turns. There are opportunities to discover numbers and practise mark making as they enjoy a good selection of resources. The childminder effectively undertakes both general observations and more structured ones. These are recorded and collated in children's assessment records for parents to see. Also included are photographs and examples of children's paintings and drawings. The childminder plans topics around which to base activities, which stem from the current interests of the children. Consequently, children are active, inquisitive learners. They make good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 progress towards the early learning goals and are developing the skills they need for future learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children have good opportunities to be active and quiet within the daily routine. The childminder plans the day to meet their individual needs and recognises when they are tired. She ensures they can rest peacefully and are undisturbed. Children experience outdoor play daily and learn how to keep healthy. They confidently take part in energetic exercise and develop their coordination and mobility on outings. Children thrive as they enjoy eating healthy meals, such as beef bourguignon and mash potatoes. Emergency evacuation procedures are practised. They discuss road safety and stranger danger. Children therefore gain an awareness of potential dangers and learn how to keep themselves safe. 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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