Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY350696 Inspection date 28/03/2012 Inspector Linda Bird

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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 2007. She lives with her three children in Loughton, Essex. The whole of the childminder's premises is used for childminding. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. There are currently three children on roll, of whom one is in the early years age range. The childminder takes and collects children to and from local schools and attends local parent and toddler groups.

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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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of the individual needs of each child which enables her to, generally, successfully promote their welfare. Overall, children make good progress in their learning and development. Children are safeguarded in the setting because the childminder is knowledgeable about this and supervises them carefully. Partnerships with parents ensure that children's individual needs are met and an inclusive and welcoming environment is provided to all. There is a positive attitude to further improvement and a self-evaluation system supports the identification of areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the planning, observation and assessment systems to ensure that clear learning intentions are identified for each child  encourage children to develop habits for a healthy lifestyle by establishing routines for hand washing before meals.

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the early years provision

The children are safeguarded effectively because the childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding procedures and has the appropriate contact details should she become concerned about a child. Systems for carrying out regular risk assessments are in place and this ensures that the areas used by children are safe. Regular fire evacuation procedures are carried out which means they are familiar with what to expect in an emergency. The children move freely around the downstairs of the house and feel secure and comfortable in the setting. This is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 because the childminder ensures that the environment is safe and she supervises them carefully. The childminder has successfully completed paediatric first aid training.

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the early years provision

A good range of resources are available and these are easily accessible. The indoor environment is well organised and good use is made of the space available. For example, children enjoy role play which is situated in the hall area. The childminder is knowledgeable about the Early Years Foundation Stage and uses this well to support children in their learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed a detailed self-evaluation which identifies areas for further improvement. She is aware of her own strengths and weaknesses and continually looks for ways to improve provision for the children. The effect of this is that the children are happy, settled and benefit from attending the setting. The childminder has addressed the recommendation from the previous inspection which has enhanced children's safety.

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the early years provision

Relationships with parents are good and they are positive in their feedback about the setting. The childminder provides updates for parents on a daily basis about the children's activities and progress. She takes children to a number of pre-school groups where they have the opportunity for singing and music making, as well as trips to the local library and the park. All of these experiences enrich the provision and support the children's progress and development.

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the early years provision

There is an equal opportunities policy in place and the setting is welcoming and inclusive because the childminder provides caring and individualised support to children.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the six areas of learning. Systems are in place for observing and assessing children's progress, however, the next steps in learning are not clearly reflected in planned activities. As a result, children are less well challenged in some areas and so do not always make progress to their full potential.

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and outcomes for children

The learning environment is spacious and well organised, children can access the resources themselves and this supports the development of autonomy and independence. The children are developing habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners as they play well together and learn to take turns and to share. The children are beginning to develop early numeracy skills as the childminder skilfully exploits all opportunities for counting and the children respond positively. For example, they are learning to count to three and to identify numerals, they are also beginning to recognise some shapes, such as, circles and stars. The children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are making good progress in the development of their speech and language skills. This is because the childminder is good at engaging with them and picking up on their ideas and interests. For example, she encourages children to complete their

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and outcomes for children

puzzles and uses the opportunity to discuss this and so extend their vocabulary. The children also look at books, they turn the pages and happily talk about the pictures. There are lots of opportunities for mark making and art and craft activities and the children enjoy finger painting and mixing colours. They particularly enjoy the role play area and discuss the preparation of food, they also know that the cooker can be very hot and use words such as 'burnt' and 'ready'. Cchildren are making good progress in their learning because they have a high degree of self-determination and the childminder provides activities around their interests and needs. This helps children develop good skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes healthy eating and encourages the children to eat well as she includes fruit for their morning snack. Water is available for the children throughout the day so they remain hydrated. Children are making good progress with their physical development as they enjoy running and jumping. However, children do not yet appreciate the importance of washing their hands before meals because the childminder has not established hand washing routines.

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and outcomes for children

The setting celebrates diversity and the children learn about a number of religious festivals including Eid, Diwali, Christmas and the Chinese New Year. The resources in the setting also reflect the wider society.

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and outcomes for children

The children are developing a respect for themselves and for others because of the range of experiences provided by the childminder. The children behave well because the childminder gives clear explanations and sets appropriate boundaries so they know what is expected of them. 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 3 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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