Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY431255 Inspection date 14/02/2012 Inspector Lynn Smith

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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 one adult child in Chelmsford, Essex. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder takes and collects children from local nurseries.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder's systems enable her to meet the welfare, learning and development needs of children to a good standard. She delivers the Early Years Foundation Stage effectively, ensuring that all children are included and provided with interesting and stimulating learning experiences. Clear written procedures are in place to ensure children are kept safe and healthy. These are effectively shared with parents. The childminder is beginning to develop systems to enable her to work in partnership with other early years settings. She has some systems in place to enable her to review and evaluate her provision for children, however, these systems are in their infancy.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop opportunities to work in partnership with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure progression and continuity  ensure self-evaluation clearly identifies specific areas for future improvements in practice and the impact on outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

Children are well-protected by the childminder, who demonstrates clear knowledge of safeguarding children. She has attended appropriate training and understands the procedures to follow if she has concerns about any of the children in her care. All adults living on the premises are appropriately vetted and proof of their clearance is held on file for inspection. Well-documented risk assessments are in place to ensure that children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 This is the childminder's first inspection since registration. She has previous experience of delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage through her work at a local nursery. She is embracing the Framework and adapting it to her home-based setting well. The childminder has some systems in place for reviewing and evaluating her provision, however, these are not well-evidenced at present.

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the early years provision

The childminder's home is well-organised offering children a dedicated playroom, as well as ample clear floor space to spread their play in the lounge. The use of a number of rooms on the ground floor of the premises enables the childminder to offer a range of different activities. Children have good opportunities to make decisions and choices over their play and learning as they safely access toys and play equipment from low-level storage units in the playroom. The childminder sits with children and supports their learning throughout the day, interacting well with them. All children are valued and respected through the childminder's equality and diversity policy. She spends time getting to know their individual needs, requirements and likes by liaising effectively with parents. Children are provided with some opportunities to develop knowledge of the wider world through resources, books and the celebration of festivals and special occasions.

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the early years provision

Parents are provided with clear information about the childminder and her service. A daily diary system ensures that they are kept up-to-date with any changes within the childminder's provision and allows them to play an active role in their children's day. The childminder is beginning to consider ways in which she can follow the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage with regards to working in partnership with other settings delivering this Framework.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their early years experiences with the childminder. They actively participate in a range of planned and free-play opportunities, which help them to progress and achieve across all areas of learning. Younger children explore their surroundings confidently, moving rapidly around the room and making good use of the variety of age-appropriate toys on offer to them. They have fun searching through treasure baskets and exploring the contents. They approach the childminder for cuddles and excitedly join in with favourite rhymes and songs. The childminder observes and records children's progress in their daily diaries and in their learning journeys. She uses her observations to plan individual activities and opportunities, which will enable children to achieve their next steps in learning.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is committed to providing children with the knowledge and means to follow a healthy diet and to be busy and active indoors and outdoors. She provides parents with a clear menu, detailing the range of snacks and meals she provides and encourages all children to try new foods and drinks. Children have good opportunities to experience fresh air and exercise when they play in the childminder's garden and when they go for regular walks in the local area. The childminder encourages children to develop good hygiene procedures to ensure that they remain healthy and has clear procedures in place for attending to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 younger children's personal needs. Children are and feel safe and secure as the childminder ensures her home and any outings are appropriately risk assessed. They demonstrate confidence in the childminder and in their surroundings.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn important safety rules through discussions with the childminder and through appropriate activities.

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and outcomes for children

Children have good opportunities to participate in activities, which enable them to develop essential skills for the future. For example, the childminder encourages their communication skills by talking and listening to them carefully and encouraging them to name objects, shapes and colours in everyday activities. They explore numbers and reasoning when they look at books, complete puzzles and attempt shape sorters. They develop a good sense of belonging as the childminder enhances their self-esteem through positive praise and encouragement. Children learn about the local community when they visit shops, the library and the local children's centre. 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 2 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 2

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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

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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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