Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY417102 Inspection date 28/06/2012 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 by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register in 2010. She lives in a bungalow in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex with her husband. Additionally, there is one adult lodger residing at the premises. All areas of the property are used for childminding.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of six children aged from birth to under eight years may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently two children on roll within the early years age range. The childminder attends a parent and toddler group and visits the park, playground and the beach.

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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

The childminder recognises each child's individuality and effectively promotes inclusive practice so that all children feel secure and valued. She has a satisfactory working relationship with parents which ensures that children's needs are generally met. The risk assessments are generally effective but have not been reviewed or updated to identify risks in all parts of the home and to fully meet welfare requirements. Children make satisfactory progress in their learning and development because, overall, the childminder provides a suitable range of learning opportunities and play materials. The childminder is committed to providing a safe and happy environment for the children she cares for, although she has not yet developed a system for self-evaluation to identify her strengths and areas for further development.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the risk assessment identifies aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, maintain a record of these particular aspects and when and by whom they have been checked and review it at least once a year or more frequently where the need arises (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 26/07/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the range of resources available to children to include more variety of natural and sensory materials to enhance their learning and development  improve the two-way flow of information with parents so that children's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 developing needs, both welfare and learning and development, can be fully met  develop a system of reflective practice and self-evaluation to identify areas for improvement to enhance children's overall care and learning experiences.

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the early years provision

The childminder has devised a range of policies and procedures to promote the welfare and safety of the children. She has a clear understanding of how to safeguard the children in her care and has attended training so that she knows the steps to take if she has any concerns about their well-being. The childminder ensures that only adults who have had background checks through the Criminal Records Bureau have contact with the children. A risk assessment was initially carried out but this has not been reviewed or updated in the light of changes to the premises and garden. This is a breach of welfare requirements. Smoke alarms are regularly checked and an evacuation drill is practised. Documentation to support children, such as registers, accident and medication records, are kept up to date. The childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate so that she can deal with minor injuries in an approved way.

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the early years provision

The childminder values and respects each individual child and uses information gained from talking to parents to plan her care routine. However, once children are attending the two-way flow of information between parents and the childminder is not always maintained. Consequently, some aspects of children's developing needs are not addressed, for example changing dietary or clothing needs. Children have access to some resources that are representative of diversity and are encouraged to have a positive attitude and respect for themselves and other people.

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the early years provision

The childminder is beginning to reflect on how she can develop her practice and improve the outcomes for children; she can identify some strengths and weaknesses. However, she has not yet identified clear priorities for improvement or integrated any ideas from parents or children. The childminder meets with other childminders to share ideas and widen her childcare knowledge. To date, the childminder has not entered into any partnership working as children do not attend any other settings, and are not ready to be moving onto formal schooling. However, she can demonstrate by discussion her understanding of the need to develop partnerships to aid children's transitions and continuity of care.

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the early years provision

The garden is not included in the registration at present as it is not safe or suitable for children to use. The childminder takes children to a park, the beach or a swimming pool for their outdoor and physical play and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a verbal handover for children and has introduced a daily diary to record some aspects of their care and limited details of activities. However, parents are not encouraged to enter comments or contribute ideas regarding the children's learning and development as they are not informed of what the children can do and the next steps in learning on a consistent basis. Consequently, this impacts on their ability to fully support their child's learning at This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 home.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the company of the childminder. They are treated as family and make friendly relationships with the childminder and other household members. Children are inquisitive and curious and enjoy playing with the toys and books they are offered. The childminder talks to the children, helping them develop vocabulary and an understanding of their surroundings. They enjoy music and singing at various local activity groups, where they also mix socially with other children. This helps to develop their sense of self and grow in confidence as they interact outside the home. The childminder uses praise and encouragement and gains children's respect so that they respond positively to her expectations for good behaviour. A young child takes a favourite story book and uses the pictures to remind her of some of the key phrases, such as 'run, run!'

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and outcomes for children

Children access a variety of play materials and books, which are rotated to provide added interest and stimulation. The childminder takes account of varying needs and interests. Babies have space to practise their developing mobility by rolling on the floor or cruising around the furniture. All toys within their reach are safe to explore using mouth or hands. They develop problem solving skills as they play with role play materials, such as a scaled down broom and dustpan, a shape sorter with coloured balls, toy cutlery and a humming top. Currently, the range of toys available does not include the natural and sensory materials for children to explore, investigate and experiment with, to extend and enhance learning experiences.

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and outcomes for children

Children's growing awareness of healthy lifestyles is supported. Fresh air and exercise is built into the daily routine, whether going to the park, playgrounds or the beach to build sandcastles. Children learn the basics of personal hygiene practices, such as hand washing as part of the nappy changing routine and before eating. The childminder provides some meals and snacks and some are provided by parents. These are not always healthy options but the childminder introduces children to new foods, such as strawberries, and encourages a toddler to use a cup rather than a bottle.

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and outcomes for children

Children can rest or sleep in a travel cot or in a buggy as parents prefer. Children learn about staying safe as the childminder constantly talks about her actions and enables children to move safely around the house. When out and about, children start to understand about road safety and stranger danger. 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

 undertake a risk assessment of the premises and equipment to ensure all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) (also applies to the voluntary register) 26/07/2012

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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 on the compulsory register (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment). 26/07/2012

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