Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY414617 Inspection date 10/11/2011 Inspector Lynn Hughes

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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. She lives with her husband and one child aged 10 years in Colchester, Essex. The whole of the ground floor of the property and the bathroom on the first floor are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The family has a hamster and two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, all of whom may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. 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. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's working practices and systems enable her to meet the needs of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage to a satisfactory standard. She demonstrates knowledge of the children in her care and is developing an open relationship with parents. The childminder observes children's play and is beginning to relate her observations to areas of learning and use them to plan relevant experiences for each child. Risk assessments are conducted, however, the system has not effectively identified all potential safety hazards. The system for self-evaluation is in its infancy and is being further developed to enable the childminder to identify and maintain continuous improvements.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 expand the risk assessment of the premises to include aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, and keep a record of these checks (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 01/12/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 make ongoing observations and assessments of each child's achievements and interests, and use these to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child  ensure self-evaluation clearly identifies specific areas for future improvements in practice, and the impact on outcomes for children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  improve the range of resources and positive images of disability and provide support so children learn to respect and value differences, helping them to develop positive and caring attitudes towards others.

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the early years provision

Children are appropriately safeguarded as the childminder demonstrates knowledge of the current procedures to follow in order to protect children. She has attended relevant training and has a written safeguarding policy in place. All adults living on the premises are appropriately vetted. The childminder conducts risk assessments, however, her system has failed to identify some potential safety hazards within the children's reach, such as bowls of cat food and cleaning products. This is a breach of welfare requirements.

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the early years provision

This is the childminder's first inspection since registration. She is beginning to develop her provision and to embed all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has in place a self-evaluation form which she uses to review her provision, however, at present, parents and children are not provided with opportunities to input feedback and suggestions into this process. The childminder hopes to further her childcare knowledge through appropriate training and is considering courses which will have greatest impact on her provision.

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the early years provision

Children are provided with a selection of toys and play materials which they select from storage boxes presented at their height. The range is age appropriate the to children being cared for and provides opportunities for them to explore resources which cover all six areas of learning. The childminder supports children by sitting with them, talking to them and helping them to identify and name pictures in books and objects. A limited range of toys, books and resources are available which promote equality and diversity, and the childminder is not yet fully enhancing children's knowledge of different people's cultures, religions and beliefs through appropriate activities.

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the early years provision

Parents are provided with some written information about the childminder and her provision. They receive a verbal, informal feedback on their child's day at collection time, and the childminder promotes a more in-depth discussion on a weekly basis regarding their children's learning and progress. Opportunities have not yet arisen for the childminder to work in partnership with other early years settings or professionals. She does, however, demonstrate a clear understanding of her responsibilities with regard to working in partnership and will develop systems to enable her to do so when required.

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and outcomes for children

Children generally enjoy their time with the childminder. They have opportunities to develop their social skills as they regularly visit toddler groups and activity sessions. Children listen to favourite stories with the childminder and join in with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 rhymes and songs. They enjoy looking at flash cards and picture books displaying a range of animals. They listen to the childminder as she encourages them to name the animals and to enhance their vocabulary. The childminder records children's progress and achievements through her observations. At present, these are not clearly linked to specific areas of learning or used in planning for each child's continuing development through play-based activities.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave in ways which show that they feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. For example, they move freely and confidently around the areas of her home accessible to them. They approach her for cuddles and enjoy the interaction they receive from her. Children learn about keeping healthy as they follow the childminder's directions. For example, when tending to their personal needs, she ensures that she acts as a good role model by washing her hands and disposing of waste materials appropriately. She ensures that children are provided with fresh fruit during their day and have good access to regular drinks. Children's enjoyment of the outdoors is promoted as the childminder encourages them to play in her garden. They also visit local parks and playgrounds on a regular basis.

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and outcomes for children

Children's self-esteem is enhanced because the childminder talks to them in a positive way and encourages them to become independent. She praises them regularly and provides opportunities for them to play and cooperate together. The range of activities available to children enables them to learn skills for the future and the childminder is further developing her provision to provide more stimulating and challenging experiences through first-hand play opportunities. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 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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