Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 202928 Inspection date 08/03/2012 Inspector Ann Cozzi

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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 1971. She lives with one adult child in Harlow, Essex. The whole of the premises are used for minding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has four pet dogs.

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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. She is currently minding two children in the early years age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder 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 satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children's individual needs are known and understood by the childminder and as a result their welfare and learning is sufficiently promoted. Children are on the whole safe and secure and are provided with opportunities to learn about the wider world around them. The childminder develops positive relationships with parents, supporting children's welfare and learning. Partnerships with other settings are sound. Children progress adequately well given their age, ability and starting points. There are appropriate levels of monitoring and analysis to promote a beneficial impact on children's welfare, learning and development.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain a daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises and their hours of attendance ( Documentation) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 22/03/2012

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further?

 ensure that written risk assessments contain information about when and by whom they have been checked (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 22/03/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 develop an up-to-date understanding of safeguarding children issues required in order to implement the safeguarding children policy and procedure in line with Local Safeguarding Board guidance and procedures  ensure that risk assessment covers anything with which a child may come This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 into contact.

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the early years provision

Arrangements for safeguarding are satisfactory. However, the childminder demonstrates a limited knowledge of the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against a member of her household. The childminder has undertaken a risk assessment of her home. This ensures that she identifies dangers and takes appropriate steps to minimise risks to children. For example, securing the front door and preventing children from leaving unsupervised. However, current records do not fully reflect all safety measures in place and do not contain information about when and by whom risk assessments were checked, as required. This is a minor weakness and does not impact on the safety of children in the setting. Whilst the childminder has a daily register the record of children's hours of attendance is inconsistent. This does not ensure that children can be accounted for at all times. The childminder has a current paediatric first aid

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the early years provision

qualification in place. This means that she is able to provide emergency treatment in the event of an accident occurring.

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the early years provision

Resources are adequately organised by the childminder who uses the dining and living room of her home as the main areas for play. The environment is clean and bright and toys are arranged at low level enabling children's independent access. They also have opportunities to play with large play equipment in the childminders garden. Children are encouraged to share toys and develop an understanding of each others needs. The childminder has a satisfactory selection of resources which reflect our diverse world. She takes children on regular trips out of the setting which provides them with chances to learn about their local environment and wider world.

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the early years provision

The childminder regularly exchanges information with parents and shows them records she keeps about their child's development. Parents are provided with policies at the start of placement to keep them informed. They are also encouraged to share details about their children's development and individual needs. The childminder demonstrates her understanding of the importance of partnerships with other providers and partners. Self-evaluation identifies most of the strengths and weaknesses of this early year's provision. It is based on sufficient levels of monitoring and future plans are likely to bring about some improvement to the provision.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder, in the main, makes mental observations of children at play across all areas of learning. At times she writes down information about what activities they have undertaken in a daily diary. Once cross referenced to the Early Years Foundation Stage Practice Guidance, the childminder identifies children's next steps in learning in order to plan a range of satisfactory activities to help them This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children have lots of fun as they take part in role play demonstrating their growing understanding of the world. They access a selection of equipment such as dolls and pushchairs which they are able to manoeuvre confidently around their peers and other obstacles in their path. Showing their developing communication skills children are beginning to take turns in conversation, for example, they tell the childminder that they are taking their baby for a walk or putting them into a swing. Children interact with others, negotiating plans and activities, for example, during a small world activity they chat amiably with their peers and the childminder as they plan a trip to the shops. They enjoy this game and demonstrate increasing levels of concentration as they remain focused for extended periods. Children learn about safety, for example, as they pull a blanket over their dolls head the childminder talks to them about being careful to make sure that their baby can still

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and outcomes for children

breathe. Children are beginning to develop independence as they start to take responsibility for some of their own self care. They demonstrate great pride in their own achievements as they successfully use the toilet.

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and outcomes for children

Trips out of the home teach children about the community and the wider world. Cookery and gardening activities also provide chances for children to develop physical skills and learn about the world around them. Children learn to play together and socialise and the childminder provides gentle reminders as she talks to them about sharing resources. Children are beginning to show an understanding about healthy lifestyle. They follow appropriate personal hygiene routines and benefit from sensitive prompting by the childminder. 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 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 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 3

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

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Documentation). 22/03/2012

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Documentation). 22/03/2012

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