Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY431497 Inspection date 14/02/2012 Inspector Ann Cozzi

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 2011. She lives with her partner and two children aged 11 months and four years old in Elsenham, Hertfordshire. The whole premises are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than one may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in the early years age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and part of the Childcare Register. The family has a pet guinea-pig.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder 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 good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding about the needs of each child in her care which enables her to promote their welfare and learning well. Children are safe and secure in this warm environment and they enjoy learning about the world around them. Partnerships with other providers and parents are good, providing continuity of care for each child. This means that children progress well, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder reflects on her practice and liaises with parents helping her to effectively respond to user needs.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure that risk assessment covers anything with which a child may come into contact  develop further partnership working with parents, sharing information and involving them in their child's continuous learning and development.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to promoting the safety of children in her care. Effective procedures are in place for identifying any child at risk of harm and liaising with the appropriate child agencies. The environment in which children are cared for and educated is safe and supportive. Children are taught to be safety conscious by the childminder without being fearful. There are written risk assessments in place for the home and outings although, they do not fully reflect the environment in which children are cared for. This is a minor weakness and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 does not compromise the safety of children. All other required records, contracts and permission forms are in place and well maintained. This includes precise records of children's hours of attendance. The childminder maintains a record of any visitors to her home including their time of arrival and departure. This means

p.4

the early years provision

that she is able to safely account for all children and adults in her home at any time. The childminder has undertaken paediatric first aid which means that children are assured of appropriate care in the event of an accident. The range of toys and resources available are good, fit for purpose and support children's learning and development well.

p.5

the early years provision

The organisation of the environment is conducive to learning, safe and well cared for. Appropriate steps are taken to ensure resources and the environment is sustainable. The childminder makes the most of diversity to help children understand the society they live in. For example, regular trips out into the local and wider community, opportunities to socialise with their peers outside of the setting and taking part in activities which explore and celebrate a variety of cultures.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has established positive relationships with parents ensuring each child's needs are met. There are clear and accessible channels for parents to communicate with the childminder which she actively encourages them to pursue. She regularly seeks their opinion about her provision and ensures that any information is used to inform future decisions about the service she provides. Parents are kept well informed about their child's care, and some of their achievements. Although the sharing of information regarding children's learning does not fully support parents to play an active role in their child's early education. Communication with other providers is undertaken via parents to ensure information is regularly shared and used to promote children's achievement and well-being.

p.5

the early years provision

Ongoing self-evaluation is undertaken by the childminder who regularly seeks the opinion of others. This has provided her with an accurate diagnosis of the strengths and weakness of her setting. As a result she has been successful in identifying, making and sustaining improvements.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding about how children learn through play as they explore and investigate resources and their surroundings. She makes regular observations of them as they enjoy free-flow play and learning opportunities. These are clearly linked to the six early learning goals and demonstrate how children have progressed over time. Information gained is cross- referenced to identify each child's individual next steps for learning ensuring that they continue to be challenged well. Children make good progress as they thoroughly enjoy their time spent with the childminder and each other. Their behaviour is good and they are beginning to show an understanding about taking turns and sharing. Children demonstrate good manners, for example, as they say This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 thank you to their peers when playing together.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children thoroughly enjoy their learning and become active learners, creative and think critically whilst participating in all activities. They express and communicate their ideas, thoughts and feelings by using a widening range of materials such as construction and craft materials. They develop language skills as they sit together in a small group sharing resources and conversing with their peers and the childminder. Children have fun taking part in creative play such as decorating a Valentine's card. They practice physical skills as they demonstrate increasing control in holding and using mark making tools such as a paintbrush. They develop problem solving skills as they successfully move the brush across their card and decide where silver heart shapes will be placed. The childminder provides lots of praise and encouragement promoting children's confidence, this is clearly demonstrated as they proudly look at their finished creation. Children explore from

p.6

and outcomes for children

the security of a close relationship with the childminder, for example, they look to her for comfort at the arrival of the inspector. Children show that they understand simple sentences as they respond to instructions, for example, when adults ask them to pack away toys before snack time.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate a sense of security and belonging to the setting. Their understanding of safety issues is shown through their play as they move around the setting safely, avoiding obstacles in their way and confidently asking the childminder for help when needed. Good interaction and well organised routines help young children to become secure and confident in the childminder's care. They show a developing understanding about what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. This is supported by healthy choices at snack time and the provision of a wide range of home cooked foods prepared by the childminder. Children are encouraged to adopt good personal hygiene routines, for example, their understanding of the importance of washing hands at pertinent times is promoted. They take part in a wide range of physical activities, both indoors and out, increasing their understanding about the importance of regular exercise as part of maintaining a

p.6

and outcomes for children

healthy lifestyle. 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 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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