Childminder in Southend on Sea

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 22/11/2012 12/07/2011

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early years provision

This inspection: 3 Previous inspection: 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 3

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This provision is satisfactory

 The childminder provides children with the support to be curious, explore and play. They are also given many opportunities to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings, for example, through a variety of art, imagination and role-play activities.  Children feel safe, secure and happy with the childminder and the arrangements for safeguarding the children are sound.  The childminder creates a stimulating environment that offers a range of activities which encourages children's interest and curiosity, both indoors and outdoors.  Purposeful interactions by the childminder, such as singing favourite rhymes together, enables children's knowledge and skills to be consistently built upon.

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It is not yet good because

 The quality of planning is not established enough to show how it builds on children's interests to provide an interesting and challenging experience for each child.  Procedures that enable parents to review their children's progress regularly and contribute their child's learning and development is not currently in place.  Observations and assessments of individual children lack some of the necessary detail needed to enable the childminder to have a precise understanding of what children can do and need to do next.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are scheduled:  at least once in every inspection cycle. The current cycle ends on 31 July 2016  more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged as inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised for inspection where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children playing in the downstairs area.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's learning journeys, planning documentation and a selection of policies, children's records, self-assessment and parent questionnaires.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered 1987 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and three adult children in Southend-on-Sea, Essex. The whole of the ground floor and first floor bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Information about the setting

The childminder has completed first aid training and child protection and regularly updates her knowledge through specific courses, such as food hygiene. The childminder regularly takes children on outings to the local shops, park and other places of interest. She is able to take and collect children from local schools, nursery and pre-schools.

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Information about the setting

The childminder currently has seven children on roll, of whom two are in the early years age group. The childminder operates all-year-round from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday except for bank holidays and family holidays agreed in advance. Children are able to attend a variety of sessions. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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must:

 use observations of children's learning more effectively to clearly identify how to support their individual next steps so that they continue to make progress.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 improve the exchange of information with parents to involve them more in children's ongoing assessments of their learning and development

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 develop the planning of activities to ensure that it takes account of children's individual learning needs.

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who attend

Children are happy, settled and secure in the care of the childminder. They are made to feel welcome and have good relationships with her and her family. The childminder has a sound understanding of children's development and is increasing her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder obtains useful information from parents about children's starting points. She builds up a picture of children's abilities through regular written observations. However, the childminder does not use this information effectively to assess children's next steps in development. She does track children's progress but does not do this rigorously. Consequently, the childminder does not plan good levels of challenge for all children. Positive praise and celebrating children's achievements has a positive impact on children's self-esteem. Clear and realistic boundaries are established which effectively promote children's understanding of right and

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who attend

wrong. The children are developing a sound understanding of diversity and difference as they experience an environment that promotes positive attitudes. This is because there is a range of resources that are provided which reflect positive images of others within society.

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who attend

Children benefit from a balance of planned activities and the opportunity to make their own choices from the variety of resources made available to them. Children learn about cause and effect when playing with activity centres. They show an interest in playing with sounds, songs and rhymes as they enjoy singing their favourite songs with the childminder. This captures young children's interest as they clap and join in. Secure interaction is demonstrated through a caring relationship that has been developed between the children and the childminder. The childminder makes good use of resources within the local community to extend children's experiences. For example, children regularly visit the local parks, farms, beach and toddler groups. These provide a varied range of experiences, such as making friends with other children of a similar age and having the space to run and play in safe, open areas.

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who attend

Children express their imagination through role-play games. The children explore resources such as a toy phone, which they use to begin mimicking adult behaviour. Children's imaginations are further encouraged as the childminder plays along with their pretend play. Children's creative and expressive development is nurtured as they participate in a soft dough activity. They create a range of models using tools, cutters and presses.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder develops strong and positive attachments with children. Babies and children become independent, by being able to depend upon the childminder for reassurance and comfort. The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual likes, dislikes, needs and routines as she obtains lots of information from their parents and carers. Children have access to a large spacious play area, which enables young babies and early walkers space to explore, play and learn in a safe and secure environment. Children's early investigative and curiosity skills are promoted through the use of a wide range of resources and natural materials, such as sea shells and fir cones.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

All children are made aware of the rules of the home; they respond to the expectations and are involved in decision making to promote a sense of belonging. Children respond positively to praise and encouragement. Their behaviour is good and they develop positive relationships with adults and their peers. Children are safe within the home. For example, they are involved in regular fire evacuation drills to develop their awareness of fire safety and know what to do in the event of an emergency. The childminder teaches them the importance of road safety when they are out and about, walking around the community. Children become aware of the diverse world in which they live through toys, resources and activities provided, which reflect different cultures. For example, the children enjoy celebrating different festivals from around the world. Healthy lifestyles are promoted very well through the effective use of both the indoor and outdoor areas. Children have access

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

to the outside on a daily basis, whatever the weather. They enjoy trips to the local parks, enjoy playing in the garden and take part in the daily school run. Young children develop good self-care skills, for example, learning to feed themselves with finger foods at lunch time and making healthy choices at snack time. Good hygiene practices ensure children wash their hands after using the toilet and before snack time. Younger children are given privacy when having their nappy changed.

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provision

The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding issues and has recently attended a safeguarding refresher course to update her knowledge and understanding. As a result, children are safeguarded as the childminder knows what to do should she have any concerns regarding their well-being. A successful partnership with parents and the effective sharing of information helps to safeguard children. All necessary records of accidents, incidents and medication are in place. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate, which ensures that children can be cared for in an emergency without delay. The environment is safe and the childminder is proactive in minimising any risks to children. Safety checks are carried out on a daily basis. In addition, risk assessments of outings are in place, which promote children's safety when out and about. The childminder has compiled a range of clear policies and procedures that inform parents about the

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provision

service she provides. Confidentiality is maintained and documents are kept secure and are well-organised.

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provision

Equality and diversity practices are sound. Children are welcomed into a warm and caring environment, where they are all valued and included. The childminder is committed to providing an inclusive childminding provision for all children. The home is made welcoming and inviting to children. The childminder has established effective partnerships with parents and this ensures that she is well informed about each child's individual requirements. She collects information about their routines and preferences when children first start with her to help them settle quickly and feel comfortable in her home. Daily discussions with parents ensure they receive useful information about their child's day and individual care routines. However, the childminder has not yet established a system of sharing children's learning and development with them so that they know how their children are progressing and can support their child's learning at home. A system of self-

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provision

evaluation has been established to promote effective monitoring and identification for future priorities. The childminder shows a commitment to further training and updating her knowledge and understanding of childcare by attending short training courses.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY218273 Local authority Southend on Sea Inspection number 888903 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 7

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises that are usually their own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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