Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY265547 Inspection date 19/10/2011 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 2003 and lives with her husband and three children aged 14 months, five and eight years old. The childminder lives in Walton- on-the-Naze in Essex. The whole of the premises is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a bird as a pet.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of three children under eight years may attend at any one time, two of which may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently caring for one child on a part-time basis. The childminder is accredited and is also registered to work with an assistant. The childminder 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 outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides exceptionally well for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring young children consistently make significant gains in their development and learning. Children have an abundance of toys and resources available to them both indoors and outdoors. The childminder offers an excellent range of activities which effectively promotes their future learning and understanding of diversity. Superb opportunities are available for communication, positive relationships with parents and other carers ensure continuity of care. The childminder has rigorous systems in place to evaluate the provision and is committed in securing training opportunities. As a result, children's well-being and outcomes are very good.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 regularly reviewing information from parents with regard to legal parental responsibility.

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the early years provision

The childminder has high aspirations for quality through ongoing training and an achievable self-evaluation plan. Children's well-being is significantly enhanced by the childminder's knowledge of how children learn and child development, her organisational skills and commitment to safeguarding. The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding issues, achieved through training and collaborative working with other key agencies. The childminder ensures that all members of the household have completed appropriate checks. Extensive and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 comprehensive policies support the childminder's practices. Exceptionally thorough risk assessments, fire evacuation plans and the provision of quality resources ensures children are able to play and learn effectively in a safe, secure environment where their well-being is considered as paramount.

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the early years provision

Outcomes for children are clearly attributed to the wide selection of excellent resources available to them and time dedicated to them by the childminder. Accessibility of quality toys enables children to self-select and encourages spontaneous play. Wonderful play and learning opportunities are also promoted within the outdoor environment. The childminder has an excellent understanding of the 'Forest School' approach to learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly committed to rigorous monitoring of the service she provides. The childminder has completed a Foundation Degree in Childcare, Learning and Development and has identified further training needs that she considers will have a positive impact on outcomes for children. For example, the completion of competent learning for all children and securing a place on a food hygiene course.

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the early years provision

The childminder values parent's comments and encourages them to contribute to key matters that affect their children and their time at the childminder's home. For example, the childminder provides parents with comprehensive observations to offer reassurance of their child's time at the childminder's home. The childminder has established trusting and extremely open relationships with the parents. Superb meaningful documentation is available to parents, such as policies and procedures, useful information with regard to the six areas of learning and schemas. As a result of excellent working partnerships and communication opportunities with parents, children's individual learning and welfare requirements are met to a high standard. Although a system to review and update information with regard to parental responsibility is not in place. Parents' comment that they are extremely happy with every aspect of care offered to their children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an exceptional knowledge of the children's backgrounds. Children receive a high level of support in their learning and outcomes for children are positive. The childminder is very knowledgeable of different cultures and acknowledges traditional days and festivals within the planning.

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and outcomes for children

All children are able to make very good progress towards the early learning goals, as they are cared for by the childminder who has an excellent knowledge of child development. The provision of excellent learning opportunities and activities that cover all the six areas positively supports children's learning. The childminder provides a homely and welcoming environment in which to have fun and learn. Excellent systems are in place for planning to meet each child's individual routines. For example, outings to the toddler group or local children's centre are arranged around young children's individual sleeping and eating routines. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Rigorous assessments and observations of the children assist in the planning process and their next steps in learning are clearly identified. Children are encouraged to initiate their own play and learning. For example, toddlers have

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and outcomes for children

great fun hiding and playing in dens and investigate cupboard space. The childminder ensures they are able to explore safely, as she completes thorough risk assessments in line with their changing developmental stages. Toddlers are fascinated with transport and a good selection of cars and trucks are available to them. Young children explore and play and develop their creative skills through the provision of messy activities, such as corn flour and mark make using paint and water. They also develop their senses by freely accessing treasure baskets and enjoy exploring a range of materials and different objects.

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and outcomes for children

Children have immense fun in the outdoor environment. They grow plants, such as sunflowers from seed and plot their growth, measure and compare height. They buy seeds at the garden centre and grow vegetables, such as peppers and tomatoes. They have fun watching them grow and tasting them at snack time. Children make dens and play in the large sand pit and playhouse. They are able to develop their climbing skills, as appropriate equipment is available to them. Children are encouraged to explore the natural environment around them and use natural materials they collect in their collage work.

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and outcomes for children

Children have excellent opportunities to learn about keeping themselves safe and healthy, as the childminder discusses these issues during everyday routines. For example, when age appropriate children are encouraged to independently take themselves to the bathroom and learn of the importance of washing hands and the effect of germs to their body. Even very young children are encouraged to clean their teeth following meals. A stringent nappy changing process ensures children are protected from cross-infection.

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and outcomes for children

Children have a good understanding about healthy foods as these are promoted by the childminder. For example, children enjoy blueberries, tomatoes and cheese for their snack. Conversations around the importance of staying healthy prompt the children's thinking. Meals are freshly prepared and often include the children's home-grown vegetables. Children receive fresh air and exercise daily as they play outdoors or walk to school. Children's awareness about safety issues is reinforced by the childminder, as discussion around road safety and fire drills form part of everyday routines. Young toddlers are soothed when feeling sleepy and enjoy cuddles with the childminder. They are able to sleep undisturbed in a travel cot where fresh bedding is provided. They demonstrate that they feel very safe and secure and have clearly formed good relationships with the childminder and her children. They play well with each other and the childminder offers positive

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and outcomes for children

reinforcement and praise continually, as a result their behaviour is excellent. 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 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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