Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY336763 Inspection date 21/03/2012 Inspector Sarah Williams

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged 11 and seven years in a house in Canvey Island, Essex. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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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 two may be in the early years age range. There is currently one child attending who is within the early years age range, on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to eight years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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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

Children are happy and well cared for in this homely, welcoming and inclusive environment in which they are treated as individuals and their welfare needs are effectively met. The childminder develops good relationships with parents and keeps them very well informed about their child's welfare and achievements. Children make good progress in their learning, given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder is reflective and identifies her strengths and areas for development which will bring about improvements for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide babies and younger children with a range of natural materials and household objects to inspire curiosity and imagination through exploratory play.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a high regard for her safeguarding responsibilities. All adults in the home have been checked and vetted and children are never left unsupervised with unvetted persons. She is confident that any concerns of neglect or abuse will be dealt with appropriately. Safety and security has a very high priority and children are well protected both in the home and when on outings, due to the robust and thorough risk assessments undertaken. Fire drills are regularly and routinely practised and the details recorded on each occasion.

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the early years provision

The childminder is focused on helping all children achieve good progress in their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning and development, whilst promoting their welfare to a high standard. Daily routines are well thought out and resources are organised effectively, enabling children to access the range of toys and play materials, thereby promoting their choices and decision-making skills. The childminder has completed all required training and is keen to pursue further training to keep abreast of trends and changes in the child care field. She is familiar with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and uses this to plan and deliver a broad range of stimulating and age appropriate activities to challenge and inspire the children. By making meticulous regular observations of their development she is able to identify and plan for the next steps in learning. She uses photographs to enhance the

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the early years provision

development profiles which are regularly shared with parents.

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the early years provision

Parents are encouraged to share information regarding their child's needs and preferences from the beginning of the childminding arrangement. This allows the childminder to plan appropriate activities and routines to promote their welfare and development and creates a culture of trust and a strong partnership. Home routines are followed and the childminder discusses matters such as dietary and cultural needs of babies and children so that continuity and consistency are maintained for the children. Effective communication links are valued and a daily diary is kept for each child as well as the development profile which includes more detailed observations. The childminder has worked hard to produce a clear and well presented set of policies and clear procedures which is available to parents and prospective parents ensuring that they are informed of how the setting operates. The childminder also has a good understanding of the value of

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the early years provision

developing partnerships with other professionals working with children to further enhance their outcomes and promote consistency in care.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of her strengths and areas needing improvement as she is a reflective practitioner. She has a wide range of ideas and ambitions to improve and develop her practice, demonstrated through discussion and a completed self assessment form. She is proactive in seeking out training and has attended courses such as raising boys' achievements and Makaton, to aid children's communication skills.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a wide range of stimulating play activities each day to promote their learning and development. The weekly routine includes outings to a variety of community groups where children can mix socially with others and enjoy crafts and physical play activities. Other outings include frequent trips to the beach to forage for shells and investigate the environment, as well as to the Olympic Stadium and to see the horses. Activities are based on the childminder's observations and understanding of children's achievements and the next steps needed to promote their learning and development. Children learn about events and different world cultures through appropriate resources and activities, for example, celebrating diverse festivals such as Divali and Chinese New Year with food and art and craft sessions. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility by helping to tidy up

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and outcomes for children

one activity or toy before getting out something else. They are learning to share and take turns as the childminder uses simple and consistent reminders whilst encouraging them to be aware of one and others' needs and feelings. Children thrive on the freely given positive praise and her consistent expectations and consequently behaviour is very good. Children show care and understanding for one and other's feelings from a very young age.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy and benefit from close, warm relationships with the childminder who intuitively meets the needs of pre-verbal children by interpreting their body language and behaviours. For example, a baby snuggles into her for a post-lunch nap and falls asleep in moments. She joins in with the children's play but does not dominate, so children can explore and learn independently. A child becomes engrossed in imaginative play with small world animals and figures and explores noisy toys. There are books at floor level enabling children to choose a favourite story to share, or look at by themselves in a quiet moment. However, currently, younger children have few natural materials or household items amongst their playthings in order to stimulate their sensory development and investigative skills. Children can enjoy fresh air and exercise on daily walks to and from school, often including a visit to the playground.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health and welfare requirements are met well. The children enjoy nutritious meals, either prepared by the childminder on a rotating menu or provided by parents. These take into account any specific dietary needs, as well as nutrition and snacks of fruit and crackers are given out during the day along with constant access to drinks. Children eat together and have opportunities to develop social skills and table manners. Good hygiene routines, such as hand washing and nappy changing, are well thought out to help prevent any spread of infection. Parents are also made aware of policies regarding sickness and exclusion times. A record of accidents is available and the childminder has an appropriate first aid certificate to ensure that she can meet their needs in the event of an accident or emergency. Babies and children can rest or sleep as desired and a watchful eye is kept on them to ensure their safety and comfort. Parents can be reassured that

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and outcomes for children

their children enjoy learning and developing confidence through fun, play based activities and are happy, safe and well cared for. 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 2 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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