Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY337718 Inspection date 05/04/2011 Inspector Ann Cozzi

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 registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 17 and 14 years in a house in Waltham Abbey, Essex. The childminder uses the ground floor of the property for childminding activities and toilet facilities are also available on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding 4 children in the early years age group. The family have a pet cat. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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

Children are respected by the childminder as unique individuals and as a result they make good progress in their learning and development. Children are generally safe and secure in this setting and enjoy opportunities to learn about their local environment and the wider world. Partnerships with parents and others are good and ensure that the childminder is able to effectively meet all children's needs, along with any additional support needs. Children progress well given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder uses self-evaluation effectively as a continuing process for identifying strengths and weaknesses in her provision to support continuous improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure that risk assessment covers anything with which a child may come into contact with  develop further the current system of assessment to ensure children's next steps across all areas of learning are clearly linked to the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation stage.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of her responsibility with regard to safeguarding children and has attended Safeguarding training in the past. She has effective procedures in place for identifying any child at risk of harm and knows how to make a referral with the appropriate agencies. There are good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures in place for managing risk such as ensuring the environment is safe by implementing a range of safety measures including written risk assessments. However, current records do not include all of the safety measures she has in place, for example, how she prevents young children's unsupervised access to the stairs. All other records, contracts and permission forms required by legislation are in place and are well maintained, for example, such as a daily register which enables the childminder to safely account for children in her home at all times. The

p.4

the early years provision

childminder is able to provide appropriate care to children in the event of an emergency. This is because she has an up-to-date paediatric first aid qualification in place.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder provides a wide range of high quality resources which support children's learning and development. The environment is well maintained and sustainable. For example, she encourages children to learn about recycling as part of their daily routine. The childminder actively promotes equality and diversity ensuring that she has a good knowledge of each child's background and individual needs. In addition, she makes sure that her own knowledge about other cultures including festivals and celebrations are up-to-date. The childminder works hard to ensure partnerships are well established and make a strong contribution to children's achievement and wellbeing. For example, she communicates with other providers of care and education such as the local pre-school. This supports individual children on a regular basis to ensure important information is shared and used to promote their achievement and wellbeing. The childminder has a positive

p.5

the early years provision

relationship with parents and carers ensuring that each child's needs are met well. Parents and carers are encouraged to share their views which the childminder uses when considering important decisions about her service. The childminder listens to and takes note of the children as they share their views about the provision. This ensures that they are involved in some of the decision-making procedures. Parents and carers are kept well informed about their children's achievement, wellbeing and development. There are clear and accessible channels for them to communicate with the childminder. Parents report that their child is very happy, that they instantly feel at ease with their child in her care, and that every day there seems to be something new for them to play with or make.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder undertakes ongoing self-evaluation which provides her with an accurate diagnosis of her setting's strengths and weaknesses. She is confident about what she needs to do to improve further and since her last inspection has been successful in making and sustaining improvements including meeting the recommendation raised.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals across all areas. There are clear systems in place to observe, assess and plan for children's future learning. However, children's next steps for learning are not always clearly linked to the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage. This has the potential to impact on ensuring that they are provided with consistent challenge. Children also make good overall progress in developing the personal qualities that This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enable them to take responsibility for small tasks and develop skills for the future. For example, they take off their own coat and shoes when they arrive at the setting. Children play happily on their own and in small groups, sharing resources and taking turns. They demonstrate an enthusiasm and interest in the broad range of activities on offer and make decisions about what they would like to do next.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children's understanding of the wider world is demonstrated through their play. For instance, they use role play equipment such as a till, play food and money to recreate a shopping trip. Young children are supported by the childminder to develop their understanding as she clearly explains that they have to pay for their shopping. Some children attempt writing for different purposes such as using a small notepad as pretend cheque book. They talk enthusiastically and freely about their home, telling the childminder all about their time spent with mummy and other important people in their life. Children demonstrate that they are sensitive to the needs, views and feelings of others as they share resources with younger children. The childminder introduces simple addition whilst supporting children to resolve a minor dispute. She uses her fingers to illustrate that each child now has the same amount of spoons to feed the dolls their lunch. Children are encouraged

p.6

and outcomes for children

to explore and investigate everyday objects. For example, they have lots of fun using their imagination as chopsticks and kitchen equipment become a set of drums which they bang rhythmically in a vigorous manner. They use some random number names during play, for instance, as they pull apart pieces of role play pizza slices that they count one, two, three, six. Children learn about letters and sounds as during a mark-making activity the childminder talks to them about the first letter of their name and what it sounds like.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate a good awareness about what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. For example, they tell the inspector that they wash their hands to get rid of dirt and germs. They adopt good personal hygiene routines and the nutritious meals provided promote their understanding of the importance of healthy eating. Children have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of physical activities, both indoors and out, increasing their understanding of the significance of regular exercise as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Children have a good relationship with the childminder. They are well behaved and show that they feel safe and secure in her care. For example, they approach her without hesitation for comfort, support or to share concerns. They know what is expected of them and more able children are beginning to demonstrate a clear understanding of how to stay safe independently of adult prompts.

p.6

and outcomes for children

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

p.7

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