Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY412194 Inspection date 09/08/2012 Inspector Patricia Champion

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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 2010. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and eight years in a house in a residential area in Wickford, Essex. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is registered for childminding and access is via one low step into the front door. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family keep a cat and a rabbit as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There is one child currently attending who is within the early years age range. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The 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 walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. 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 has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and provides a caring environment for children where they are happy and feel secure. She has established effective systems with parents for gathering information about children's unique needs, capabilities and interests. Children are progressing well in their learning and development and they take part in a generally wide range of play experiences linked to each area of learning. The childminder accurately identifies her strengths and the priorities for development in most aspects of her practice. Consequently, she is well placed to make continuous improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend reflective practice and self-evaluation to widen the scope for improvements and involve parents more in this process  encourage children to show a greater interest in the world in which they live by planning more visits in the local area.

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the early years provision

All the essential documentation is in place and is systematically organised to help underpin children's welfare and safety. Very clear policies and procedures are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 implemented in order to safeguard children. The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of the procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child in her care. All adults in the home have completed the relevant background checks. Children play in a clean and well-organised environment. The childminder has completed food hygiene training and an environmental health officer has visited the premises to confirm that food is safely prepared. Effective risk assessments are in place for all areas of the childminder's home and garden, as well as the school run and visits to the nearby park. These demonstrate that the childminder has a good understanding of potential risks to children's safety and the

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the early years provision

necessary action to be taken to minimise these.

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the early years provision

Children benefit from the care of a qualified nursery nurse who has attended all the mandatory childminding training. She links with other childminders and early years professionals to share and gain ideas about best practice. There are well- established links with local pre-schools, nurseries and reception teachers, so that the childminder can promote continuity in children's care and learning, when the need arises. Overall, the childminder has a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of her service. However, she has not yet evaluated all aspects of her current practice to widen the areas for development and parents are not regularly involved in the evaluation process to maximise improvements.

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the early years provision

The childminder develops secure relationships with parents, providing them with good quality information about the service she offers. The most important information is displayed on notice boards and an impressive portfolio is available. There are also clear contracts and consent agreements so that parents are fully informed about the care and business arrangements. Parents are encouraged to be fully involved in their children's learning through reviewing the daily diary and learning story books. They also supply photographs and share their own observations about their children's progress at home or while on holiday. Thank you cards and personal references include positive comments about the childminding service and parents compliment the childminder on her welcoming and kind nature.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an effective policy regarding inclusive practice and recognises that every child is an individual and unique. Children are encouraged to respect each other. Activities and spontaneous events are used to widen children's knowledge of diversity, cultural festivals and special events. The play equipment offered to children is safe, stimulating and fun. Toys are regularly rotated to provide added interest and challenge. Any play materials within reach of toddlers are safe for them to explore using their mouth and hands.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop warm relationships with the childminder and her family. They are happy and settled and enjoy the time they spend in the childminder's care. They are making good progress in their learning and development. They are able to make choices and develop a good sense of belonging as they move around with increasing confidence. The learning environment is bright and well-organised, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 allowing children to play freely, both indoors and outside in the garden. However, they currently have fewer opportunities to take part in activities and visits outside the home where they can extend their knowledge of the world in which they live. The childminder makes regular observations and assessments, which she uses to check that the children are consistently moving on to the next steps in their learning and development. Beautifully presented learning story books are compiled

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and outcomes for children

with many photographs and samples of children's artwork. As a result, the childminder is developing a good knowledge of each child's learning needs and she efficiently takes account of these in her planning.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from the close support from the childminder as she joins in their exploration of the toys and play materials. They have access to a treasure basket containing a wealth of sensory items and safe household items they can explore and investigate. The childminder enjoys supporting children's early language skills and takes an interest in what they say and do. She uses numbers, colours and shapes in conversations when helping children to construct models with interlocking building blocks. She also helps them remember animal noises and parts of their bodies through careful questioning and lively discussions. Special events are used effectively to promote children's learning and development. For example, children make medals to celebrate the Olympics and develop their physical skills when taking part in racing and chasing games. Even the youngest children enjoy starting races in the garden with a loud exclamation of 'ready,

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes a very calm, yet consistent, approach to supporting children's behaviour. She is mindful of their individual stages of development, using clear explanations and distraction techniques to help children to play cooperatively together. Mealtimes are social occasions and children are very polite and learn the importance of saying 'please' and 'thank you' at appropriate times. Ongoing instructions ensure that children are reminded of how they can keep themselves safe. For example, younger children are closely supported as they learn to ride the scooter. They learn about road safety, including safe places to cross the road and emergency evacuation procedures are regularly practised. Children learn about healthy lifestyles by following good hygiene routines. Nappy changing is hygienically undertaken and the childminder recognises when children become tired. She helps them to relax by offering a cuddle and they then sleep peacefully

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and outcomes for children

and undisturbed. 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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