Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 560094 Inspection date 26/08/2011 Inspector Ann Cozzi

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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 1998. She lives with her husband, teenage son and two younger children aged six and three years in Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, Essex. The whole premises managed by the childminder are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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 two may be in the early years age range. When working with an assistant she is registered for the same number of children. She is currently minding two children in the early years age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register. The family has a pet dog and fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has achieved accreditation with the local authority. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a network childminder.

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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 has a good knowledge of each child's needs which makes sure that she successfully promotes their welfare and learning. This means that children's progress is good, given their age, ability and starting points. Children are safe and secure in this warm family home environment and enjoy lots of opportunities to learn about the world around them. Partnerships are excellent and important in providing continuity of care for each child. Thorough self-evaluation and ongoing reflective practice means that priorities for development are identified and acted on, resulting in provision that responds effectively to user needs.

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further?

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

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further?

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

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of safeguarding children procedures and has in the past attended Safeguarding children training; her understanding is supported by a clear written policy which is shared with parents. She understands the importance of informing Ofsted of any changes to her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provision and all persons over 16 years in the home have undergone appropriate checks to ensure their suitability. A wide range of written risk assessments are in place which helps her to identify and minimise hazards to children. However, current records do not include all areas accessible to children, for example, how children are prevented from accessing low-level products, such as shampoo located in bathrooms, or safety measures in place with regard to her pet dog. This does not ensure that risk assessments are wholly effective. All other documents

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the early years provision

required by legislation, are in place and are well maintained. The childminder provides extremely good supervision of the children in her care. She makes sure that the wide range of resources used by them in the exceptionally well-resourced play room, built since her last inspection, are safe and appropriate for their age. Her organisation is exceedingly good, further promoting the safety and welfare of children. As a result the safeguarding of children in her care is effective.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly committed to working in partnership with others and takes a lead role in ensuring that effective working relationships are developed. She has worked hard to make sure that there are clear channels of communications between all partners involved with individual children, which contributes to the successful promotion of their learning, development and welfare. Partnerships with parents are exemplary because the childminder ensures that parents are heavily involved in decision-making on key matters affecting their children. Children are also encouraged to contribute their views and suggestions about the provision, which they do with confidence. These are used towards the childminders self-evaluation. Parents are very well informed about all aspects of their child's achievements, well-being and development. The childminder provides tailored guidance and information about precise ways parents and carers can

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the early years provision

support their children's learning and development. The inclusive systems of communication ensure that there are consistent and productive partnerships with parents and carers, resulting in strong levels of engagement. Parents report that they have always been exceptionally happy with the childminder, feel she does her utmost to provide a safe and fun environment as well as educational, she respects their views and always discusses any issues that may arise, cannot imagine finding a better childminder and that they would recommend her to others.

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the early years provision

The childminder undertakes regular self-evaluation which involves parents and other professionals, such as her local authority development officer. Overall this provides her with a good diagnosis of the strengths and weaknesses of her provision. Action taken by the childminder since her last inspection has been effective and its impact is evident in most areas of her provision. For example, she has successfully achieved an appropriate level three qualification in childcare and accreditation status with her local authority which means that she can now receive funded children in her setting. This demonstrates her commitment to drive and secure improvement within her setting. The childminder has been successful in making and sustaining improvements and shows an understanding about what she needs to do to secure future improvement. The childminder works hard to ensure that she provides a fully inclusive environment where each child is valued.

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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

The childminder shows a clear knowledge and understanding of how young children learn through play. This enables her to provide a wide range of activities and trips out of the setting to support each child's individual learning and development. The childminder takes children's interests into account when undertaking planning, which ensures that she meets the needs of all children. The childminder observes children at play and records information about their individual achievements and good progress. This helps her to identify each child's next steps in learning although, there is a minor weakness in ensuring information gathered is consistently linked to the Practice Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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and outcomes for children

Children show a strong sense of belonging as they develop warm and caring relationships with the childminder and each other. They gain awareness of their own cultures and those of others during trips outside of the setting, for example, when attending local toddler groups or spending time with other local childminders. In addition the childminder helps children to celebrate a wide range of cultural festivals which provides them with an understanding of the diverse society in which they live.

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and outcomes for children

Children begin to learn how to become confident communicators as they interact with the childminder during play. In addition she provides clear running commentaries about what they are doing, including teaching them about colours, positional language and numbers. Children use their growing skills confidently as they mimic some of the sounds and words the childminder introduces during play. They begin to problem solve as they confidently operate battery operated toys and equipment, for example, as they successfully play their favourite songs. They express themselves through action and sound as they sway to the beat of the music demonstrating their interest and pleasure in the music they have chosen. During matching games children demonstrate that they are beginning to recognise similarities and differences supported by the childminder. They show pride in their own achievements and clearly enjoy the praise and encouragement they receive

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and outcomes for children

from the childminder and the other children. For example, when they successfully find a picture of a teddy bear which matches the one on their picture list. During activities children learn about sharing and taking turns with gentle reminders from the childminder. They chat amiably with others, taking turns in conversation and talking about a variety of subjects, including which fruit and vegetables they like and past events. Children demonstrate their developing self-confidence and a belief in themselves as they play with an activity of their choosing. Children confidently communicate their needs for things such as food, drinks and when they are uncomfortable for example, when they have a soiled nappy. Children at this setting demonstrate a positive attitude to learning, showing interest in a broad range of activities. They enjoy planting and growing fruit and vegetables at a local allotment. They nurture these until they are fully grown when they are harvested

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and outcomes for children

and eaten by them. This activity helps children to develop an understanding about sustainability and caring for living things. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children show an understanding about keeping safe, both in the home and on outings. For example, they respond positively to the childminder when she explains that if they climb they might hurt themselves. In addition they regularly practise the fire drill so that they know what to do in an emergency. There are lots of opportunities provided for children to engage in a wide range of physical activities, both indoors and out, increasing their understanding about the importance of regular exercise. Children demonstrate a good awareness about what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. For example, they adopt good personal hygiene routines and are developing an understanding of the importance of healthy eating, through the

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and outcomes for children

provision of a balanced range of meals and snacks. 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 1 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 1 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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