Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY292992 Inspection date 29/11/2011 Inspector Patricia Champion

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 2004. She lives with her husband and three children aged five, nine and 12 years old. They live in a house in the village of Great Wakering, Southend-On-Sea. All areas of the childminder's house are registered for childminding. Access is via one low step into the porch of the house. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has two dogs and four cats as pets.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, and is currently minding one child in the early years age range. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children and attends the local carer and toddler groups on a regular basis. She 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 satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and make steady progress as they play in a safe environment that is generally conducive to learning. The friendly and helpful relationships with parents and other early years professionals ensure that children's individual needs are appropriately met. The childminder is developing her understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and implements suitable policies and procedures, which safeguard children and promote inclusion. Although self-evaluation is in the early stages, the childminder shows some commitment to developing practice to improve outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop the plans for the garden to provide a more rich and varied outdoor environment for younger children with activities linked to all areas of learning develop reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify the strengths and priorities for development that will improve outcomes for children  improve the use of observations to plan the next steps in children's developmental progress and regularly review this approach.

p.4

the early years provision

All the essential documentation is in place and is systematically organised to promote the safe and efficient organisation of the childminding provision. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are appropriately protected, as the safeguarding policy details the steps the childminder would take if she had concerns about a child's welfare. All members of the household have completed the necessary background checks and the childminder has organised emergency cover with a responsible adult who has been checked through the Criminal Records Bureau.

p.4

the early years provision

Since the last inspection the childminder has moved house and she is currently renovating her new home. Her detailed risk assessments cover all areas within the premises and are regularly reviewed. Safety items, such as, fireguards and safety gates are used to prevent children accessing potential hazards. The childminder has an action plan to make the banisters on the stairs and landing safe. Smoke detectors are checked frequently and fire drills are regularly practised. The childminder is also vigilant about the security of the children and completes a risk assessment for every venue they visit on outings.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder appropriately ensures that all children feel included and can participate in the activities. An acceptable range of indoor play materials are provided so that children can make choices in their play, and the childminder supplements these with items borrowed from another childminder. Any toys accessible to babies are safe for them to explore using their mouth or hands. However, the garden has not yet been made conducive to learning so that younger children can access a rich and varied range of outdoor activities linked to all areas of learning. The childminder shows a suitable attitude towards developing her practice. Although she has attended all the mandatory training and has a realistic view of her strengths, she has not yet evaluated all aspects of her current practice to widen the areas for development and maximise improvements.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is experienced in caring for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and with other professionals to promote the welfare and development of each child. The childminder works closely with another childminder, and has effective links with a nearby nursery and school to ensure that there is continuity in children's learning, when the need arises. Parents have signed all the necessary contracts and consent agreements to ensure that they understand the care and business arrangements. Feedback is consistently given to ensure that they are kept informed about their child's day. Parents are given the opportunity to make comments about the care provided, and say that they have complete faith in the childminder's abilities.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Young children are settled and feel comfortable as they have plenty of space to practise their developing mobility. Warm and affectionate relationships are formed as the childminder and children laugh as they play and interact. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement and demonstrate that they feel safe by readily approaching the childminder for a cuddle. The childminder shows a willingness and commitment to working with parents to manage children's behaviour in a consistent way, which promotes the children's welfare and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's health and welfare is given careful consideration. They are well nourished and offered plenty of drinks so that they do not become thirsty. Children are active or restful through choice. The childminder notices when they become tired and they sleep peacefully and undisturbed. Nappy changing is sensitively and

p.5

and outcomes for children

hygienically undertaken. Children learn to keep themselves safe when they wear the appropriate harnesses in highchairs or pushchairs. Outings into the local environment and visits to other interesting venues help children develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. They view the changing seasons when they visit local parks or the beach, and join activities that help develop language and communication at the library. Nearby toddler groups are used well to encourage young children to play socially with others and explore a wider range of activities and play equipment.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children make steady progress because the childminder demonstrates a suitable understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. The childminder records children's achievements and makes positive observations supported by photographs in their individual development books. The childminder discusses individual needs with parents from the outset to ensure that activities are tailored to each child's interests and abilities. However, children may not achieve as much as they can, as the childminder has not yet developed systems to use her observations to plan the next steps in children's developmental progress. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

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 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 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 3

p.7

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 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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