Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY419339 Inspection date 22/09/2011 Inspector Lynn A Hartigan

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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 2010 and lives with her husband and one child aged six years. The childminder lives in Billericay, Essex. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have three cats and a rabbit as pets.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of five children under eight years may attend at any one time, three of which may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently caring for 10 children, on a part-time basis. The childminder has strategies in place to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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Description of the childminding

Care is also offered to children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary 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

Overall, children make good progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage and the provision for the children's emotional well-being is also met to a good standard. Children are happy and settle well as the childminder is motivated to ensure they have fun and are able to learn within an inclusive and safe environment. Some good opportunities are in place to communicate with parents and other carers and effective partnership enhances the children's time with the childminder. The childminder makes good observations and is able to identify the next steps of the children's development. However systems are not yet established to effectively evaluate the service provided to ensure a high standard of care is offered at all times.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop opportunities for babies and younger children to explore and experiment with natural materials. Provide more opportunities for children to express their creativity, through messy play  develop the use of reflective practice to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for improvement that will improve the quality of the provision for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge with regard to child protection issues, is confident and fully understands her responsibilities with regard to safeguarding This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children, having completed relevant training. Appropriate policies and procedures are in place and information and guidance is readily available should there be any concerns regarding the well-being of any child in her care. The childminder ensures members of the household who require suitability checks have completed these and appropriate documents are readily available for parents to view.

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the early years provision

The childminder is vigilant within the home and is able to demonstrate how she ensures the children's safety. Very informative and meaningful risk assessments are in place, daily check lists are completed and as a result children are able to play in a very clean and safe environment. The childminder records visitors to the home within a diary and parents are informed if a member of family stays overnight.

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the early years provision

Overall, the childminder is effective in promoting the children's learning and welfare and children often receive one-to-one attention. Toys are resources are of good quality and easily accessible to the children within the lounge and dining area where they play. Children able to have fun and learn in a welcoming, child friendly environment. The childminder has developed very good links with other settings that minded children attend. For example, discussions take place at the local pre- school children attend regarding their development. With parents permission the childminder is offered to view children's learning journeys. This provides opportunities for sharing and continuity of care. The childminder has provided the pre-school with photographs of herself which are included in the children's records.

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the early years provision

The childminder's enthusiasm and dedication to provide a fun and safe place to mind, ensures children are happy, secure and confident. The childminder is able to demonstrate how she aims to improve the service she provides. For example, attending further training courses to develop her understanding with regard to inclusion and supporting children's unique needs. However, an effective system to continually evaluate the care and education offered has not yet been established.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a satisfactory understanding with regard to diversity and equality and some opportunities for children to learn and embrace differences are provided through the activities offered. For example, planning details different traditional days and festivals throughout the year that are acknowledged. Some resources available, such as library books offer children the opportunity to discuss and embrace differences.

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the early years provision

The introduction of a daily communication book enables parents to regularly comment on any aspect of their child's care and keeps them fully informed of their child's day and achievements. The childminder has developed a profile for parents that contain very useful information, qualifications and policies and procedures. Daily conversations with the parents ensure they are kept fully informed of every aspect of the service provided. Photographic evidence used greatly enhances the opportunities to document the children's day, whilst providing evidence for the parents. Written references from parents indicate their extreme satisfaction and confidence that the childminder provides quality care at all times. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are encouraged and happily initiate their own play. For example, young babies enjoy rolling and throwing balls. They excitedly roll the ball to the childminder and chuckle when it is returned. Even very young children show sustained levels of interest at this activity and the childminder is on hand to support their play. Babies enjoy musical toys and the play farm. The childminder encourages language by showing the children the animals and encourages children to make animal noises.

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and outcomes for children

Older children enjoy craft activities that encourage their early writing skills. For example, they practise their pencil control whilst colouring and writing letters. Children have access to some good quality creative materials, however, opportunities for babies and younger children to express their creativity through messy play activities are limited.

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and outcomes for children

Overall, children have some good opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. This is encouraged through conversations when out walking in the countryside. They are beginning to understand the need to care for animals and have great fun feeding carrots to the pet rabbit. They are encouraged to stroke the pet cats with care and even very young children enjoy carefully stroking the animals, closely supported by the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Outdoor play is encouraged to develop their physical skills and children receive fresh air and exercise daily, either through walks to school, visits to the park or using the play equipment in the garden. Young babies squeal with delight when being pushed on the swing at the park. Older children have fun counting and collecting conkers. However, limited opportunities are available for younger children to explore and discover natural material and play without purpose.

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and outcomes for children

Children can able to initiate their own play as good quality toys and resources are easily accessible and organised, within the lounge where they play. They have opportunities to socialise with other children as exciting visits outside the home are arranged. For example, trips are arranged to Barleylands or toddler groups and the library for story time.

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and outcomes for children

Children are familiar with the routines and enjoy good healthy snacks and meals. Meals are freshly prepared daily by the childminder. For example, homemade lasagne and garlic bread is enjoyed by the children. A menu and the daily diaries that are available for the parents ensure they are fully informed as to what their child has eaten. Good systems in place and discussion with the parents, ensures the childminder is able to cater for the children's individual dietary needs effectively.

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and outcomes for children

As a result of effective everyday routines children are learning to take responsibility with regard to their own personal hygiene. For example, washing their hands before meals. Each child has their own named towels provided by the childminder. In addition a good nappy changing procedure helps prevent cross infection. It is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 evident that children feel safe and are comfortable within the childminder's care. Young children are able to sleep and rest comfortably in an upstairs bedroom undisturbed or in their buggy if requested by the parents.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good system in place to record the children's development using observations. Children's progress and achievements are documented in their own file and are cross-referenced with the 'Development Matters' document. The childminder is inituative of the children in her care and children's next steps of learning are identified to ensure sufficient challenge is offered. 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 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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