Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY428763 Inspection date 06/12/2011 Inspector Hazel Meadows

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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 2011. She lives with her husband and two children aged eight years and four years in a house in Coggeshall, Essex. There are three steps to access the premises and further steps to the kitchen. The bathroom is upstairs. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding activities but children predominantly play in the dedicated playroom. Daytime sleeping is available in a travel cot upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years of age at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children, who attend part-time, in the early year's age range. She also offers care to children aged over five years. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children for whom English is an additional language. The childminder holds a relevant early years qualification to National Vocational Qualification at Level 2. She walks children to and from local schools, pre-schools and attends local toddler groups. She takes children on outings to local play areas, and to the library and nearby places of interest.

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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

Children are relaxed and happy in this welcoming and child-focused home. They are offered a broad variety of play and learning experiences, in the home and on outings. The childminder uses an effective method of monitoring children's learning and development and children are making good progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. She establishes open and trusting partnerships with parents and gains a secure understanding of the children's individual needs. Most required documentation and procedures are in place to support children's welfare and safety. The childminder reflects on her practice to identify some areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 request parents' written permission, at the time of the child's admission to the provision, to the seeking of any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment in the future. (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 20/12/2011 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 ensure any potential hazards identified by a risk assessment are swiftly rectified to minimise risks to children  improve the clarity and detail when recording administration of medication to promote children's health  develop a systematic method of self-evaluation to highlight strengths and to identify any areas for improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding issues and has attended recent training to enhance her knowledge. She is clear of her role and responsibility to protect children and both the childminder and her husband have Criminal Records Bureau clearance. She has a written safeguarding policy and local safeguarding contact details to refer to if she had concerns about a child. The childminder moved home three days prior to the inspection and has undertaken a visual risk assessment of the new home. She is aware of some safety aspects which require further attention to minimise risks to children. Risk assessments for outings are undertaken as required. Accident records are well maintained and a well stocked first aid kit is available in the kitchen. The childminder uses accident record forms to record administration of medication. This results in lack of clarity and insufficient detail being recorded. Appropriate fire equipment is available. An

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the early years provision

evacuation procedure from her previous home is on display and the childminder is aware of the need to practise this with the children in her new home.

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the early years provision

The childminder gathers comprehensive details about the children and has obtained most written parental consents to ensure children are cared for according to their parents' wishes. However, she has not requested parents' written permission to seek any necessary emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder promotes positive and trusting partnerships with parents and encourages frequent two-way communication with them. She writes a daily diary sheet for children, to keep parents informed of their child's activities and to promote continuity of care. A photo scrap book offers parents an overview of some of the activities the children enjoy at the setting. The childminder develops close links with the local primary school and other settings the children attend to aid transitions and to share information to enhance their learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has previously worked in day nurseries and completed training workshops of different aspects of special educational needs and other aspects of children's care. She has a commitment to ongoing training and improvement to enhance the outcomes for children. The childminder has a positive and inclusive attitude to diversity and values children's individuality. This is reflected in her practice, policies and in some of the books and resources available, although she recognises this is an area for ongoing development. National Childminding Association policies have been adapted to support her childminding and reflect her own setting. The childminder reflects on her practice, but has not established a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 systematic method of self-evaluation to identify areas for improvement and to note strengths and development.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder knows the children well and is attentive to their needs. Toddlers are very comfortable and relaxed with her, her family and the new home. She organises her home well, with a dedicated play room for younger children and a separate room for older, more able children, which helps to support children's differing needs and interests. Children mostly have the liberty to use both rooms but toys with smaller pieces or activities more suited to older children can be kept out of reach of smaller children. A broad selection of age appropriate, good quality toys is readily available in the spacious dedicated playroom. They are easily accessible on the floor or in low level storage boxes, enabling children to make their own selections. Children enjoy operating the action reward toys and concentrate and persevere for considerable periods with toys and activities which engage them.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is watchful of the children and mindful of their learning and development needs. She has a good understanding of child development and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Parents initially complete the 'All About Me' booklet to offer an outline of their child's needs and capabilities. The childminder uses this and her own observations to inform her planning for individual children. She utilises a planning method from a nursery which she is familiar with. Observations, supported by photographs, and examples of the children's artwork are recorded in individual Learning Journey books for each child. Any next steps are noted on a next steps sheet and their progress towards the early learning goals is recorded and monitored.

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and outcomes for children

Children engage in a broad range of activities to support their learning and development across all six areas of learning. All children are included and encouraged to participate at their own level. They learn about the world around them as they go on nature hunts and compare colours of the plants and flowers they find. They also help to plant fruit and vegetables which they are later able to sample. Imaginative, role play is encouraged and children delight in setting up their own garden centre and caf with associated props. Children regularly enjoy cookery activities where they are able to help weigh and mix the ingredients, and are able to note changes as items are cooked. Children have regular creative opportunities, such as, painting, drawing and play dough and explore a range of media. The broad range of toys and activities is supplemented with visits to local groups and children's centres, where children have opportunities to socialise with

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and outcomes for children

others and explore a different range of resources. The childminder meets up with her mother, who is also a registered childminder and resources are rotated between them to increase variety for the children.

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and outcomes for children

Children are becoming familiar with good hygiene practices through routines, such as hand washing and using gel before eating. The childminder offers a nutritious This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 variety of meals, snacks and drinks are offered at regular intervals, ensuring children are well hydrated. Children's routines are promoted, for example, children are encouraged to sleep and rest according to their individual needs. Children have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise in local play areas, in the garden and the nearby countryside, which promotes a healthy lifestyle.

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and outcomes for children

Behaviour management is minimal as the children are well occupied and clear of the reasonable boundaries and routines. For example, they are encouraged to pack away some of the toys before getting out others and know to sit down to eat their snack. The childminder has a bright and consistent manner which children respond well to. Children's communication skills are encouraged and supported well. The childminder talks freely with the children and is attentive to their conversation. Children's appreciation of books is encouraged and they regularly visit the local library, where they are able to make their own book selections and join in with group activities. Outings in the local community are used by the childminder to help children learn about road safety. 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 3 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 3 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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