Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY406240 Inspection date 28/08/2012 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 2009 and lives in a house in Colchester, Essex with her husband. The whole of the ground floor and the first floor bathroom are used for childminding. Children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of three children aged from birth to under five years may attend the setting at any one time. The setting also offers care to children aged up to eight years. There are currently two children attending who are within the early years age range. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends two local activity groups and visits the local country park and playground.

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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 provides a warm, welcoming and homely environment where children are happy and relaxed. They are offered a broad variety of play and learning experiences and make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder has a good understanding of the children's individual needs and establishes generally positive and trusting partnerships with parents. She reflects on her practice but does not yet systematically self-evaluate to highlight strengths and identify areas for improvement. The childminder has a generally good working knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage welfare requirements, however, her first aid qualification has lapsed and this has had an impact on the overall judgement.

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further?

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

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further?

 demonstrate how you ensure that a person with a paediatric first aid certificate is on the premises at all times when children are being cared for (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 25/09/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 implement an effective system of self-evaluation to identify areas for development in order to improve outcomes for children  find ways of including parents ideas and comments in the planning for children's development and sharing the records so that they can continue with learning at home. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding children and is clear of her role and responsibilities to protect children. She has a thorough written policy to refer to if she has concerns about a child and makes a note of any existing injuries. The childminder is attentive to children's safety, ensuring they are aware of basic safety rules, such as road safety when out and about. She has comprehensive and clear written risk assessments for her home and garden, as well as all outings undertaken. The emergency evacuation procedure is practised regularly so that children are familiar with what they need to do. The childminder has arranged to attend a first aid training course in the near future to update and refresh her knowledge, however, her current certificate has lapsed which is a breach of requirements. She understands the need to record any accidents and has a full set of policies and procedures in place to promote children's good health.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises her home, and uses her time and resources well, to support children and meet their varying routines and needs. She values each child's individuality and has a positive and inclusive attitude and approach to diversity. This is reflected in her practice and policies and some of the resources and activities, such as joining in with the local 'Fijian week' celebrations.

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the early years provision

The childminder maintains all required documentation which is stored in individual folders for each child. She has policies and procedures in place which are accessible to parents. The childminder gathers comprehensive details about the children and has all required parental consents in place, to ensure children are cared for according to their parents' wishes. The childminder reflects informally on her practice but has not yet developed a system for self-evaluation to highlight strengths and identify areas for further improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder develops very positive and trusting partnerships with parents and their comments and feedback are welcomed. A questionnaire was completed showing parents to be satisfied with the quality of care provided. She has daily informal discussions with parents regarding children's activities and achievements but to date has not included parents' ideas into the planning for children, or actively sought their comments in the children's development profiles. The childminder has established links with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage to ensure continuity of care.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder's care and are at ease in the child-friendly home. They share resources fairly and the childminder manages their behaviour calmly and consistently. Children understand the routines and cooperate in tidying away toys before getting out another activity. When a new child starts, the childminder has a settling-in period, liaising with parents to ascertain the child's capabilities, stage of development and their likes and dislikes. This provides This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 a starting point for planning future learning. All children are given a box where their favourite toys and a selection of age-appropriate learning resources, such as laminated phonics sounds, are kept. This promotes a sense of belonging and fosters independence and confidence as children access their special things at different times during the day.

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and outcomes for children

A wealth of stimulating resources is stored in accessible containers in the lounge, which is the main play space, and the childminder usually prepares a selection for the children, although they can also request other items, as they are familiar with what is available. They are able to make their own decisions and choices, which promotes their independence and enables them to initiate their own games. The broad range of good quality toys offers ongoing interest and challenge for the children as they progress in their learning and development. The childminder sometimes plays alongside the children at their level to support their learning but also gives them space and time to discover for themselves. She offers praise and encouragement for their efforts, for example, in setting out a roadway for the vehicles.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder offers a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities and understands the benefit of children following their interests and ideas. Cooking is frequently included and children eat what they help to make as part of their lunch or at snack time. They have exciting outings to a local country park to explore the changing seasons and spot wildlife and other features from nature. Children's imaginative play is well supported with small world toys, such as cars and figures with various attributes including disabilities and varied physical features. Puzzles and games promote children's problem solving skills and encourage them to explore and persevere.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage learning and development requirements and clearly records her observations of children's progress towards the early learning goals. Each child's progress is recorded in individual books and observations are supported by a wealth of photographs. Observations are used effectively to identify the next steps in children's learning and development and to inform planning. The profiles are available to be shared with parents, however, they make few comments or contributions.

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and outcomes for children

Children have regular opportunities for fresh air and exercise, for example, walking to and from school each day, promoting a healthy lifestyle. The childminder uses this time as an opportunity to teach road safety, backed up with a familiar song. Children also have fun playing in the well-equipped garden, where they are able to develop their physical skills and competence using balls and ride on toys.

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and outcomes for children

Positive hygiene is promoted and children are familiar with the routine of cleaning their hands with hand gel prior to snack or after any messy activities. Children can independently access the toilet and wash their hands, or are supported by the childminder if required. Children are offered healthy snacks and meals, for example, fruit and vegetables, wholemeal sandwiches and yogurt, and regular drinks ensure they are well hydrated. Babies and young children can rest as they need to; a travel cot is available although some prefer to nap in the buggy on the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 way to school. 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 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 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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