Childminder in Essex

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 10/12/2012 25/02/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 3 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 2

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This provision is good

 Children are happy, settled and have formed strong bonds with the childminder and her family.  The childminder's home and garden provide a safe and welcoming learning environment. Children have easy access to a very good range of toys and resources.  Children are making effective progress because the childminder has a secure understand of how young children learn. She provides stimulating activities in tune with their interests, enthusiasms and capabilities.  The childminder has a good working partnership with parents. Through regular exchanges of information the childminder keeps parents well informed about their children's learning and development.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 The partnerships with other early years providers are not yet fully embedded to provide continuity in children's care and learning.  Self-evaluation is not regularly reviewed in order to demonstrate clearly how targets are prioritised and planned to drive continuous improvements.

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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 compulsory part 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 activities in the indoor learning environment and toured the premises.  The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children.  The inspector viewed a sample of the children's development records.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector viewed evidence of suitability of the childminder and members of the household, risk assessment, policies and procedures and other documentation in relation to health and safety checks.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of the views of a parent spoken to on the day and from two written references obtained by the childminder.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 1993 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and five children in a house in Chelmsford, Essex. The childminder uses the ground floor of her home and the rear garden for childminding. The family have a dog, three cats and keep tropical fish in aquariums as pets.

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Information about the setting

The childminder has completed basic training including first aid and child protection. She meets with other childminders at local toddler groups and takes children on visits to the local shops and library on a regular basis. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Information about the setting

There are currently three children attending who are within the early years age range. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years and walks to local schools or pre-schools to take and collect children. She works Monday to Friday all year round, from 7am to 6.30pm, except for family holidays agreed in advance.

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

 extend the arrangements for sharing information and partnership working with the other early years settings that children attend, in order to provide continuity and fully support children's learning and development

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

 refine and strengthen the self-evaluation process to regularly identify and prioritise the targets for improvement that support and enhance children's achievements over time.

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who attend

The childminder ensures that all children enjoy a wide range of activities and social opportunities that offer challenge and encourage their all-round development. Toys and resources are arranged so that children can make independent choices and take decisions in their learning. Planning is flexible and child-led, allowing children to develop their own ideas and experiences. The childminder interacts sensitively with children to extend their learning. For example, the childminder counts and uses mathematical language to talk about shape and size when manipulating the play dough with the children. Children also experiment with a large box of shells as they sort and weigh them, to work out the heaviest and who has the most in their collection. A range of books, both fiction and non- fiction, are easily accessible during everyday play. Children choose to look at books for pleasure and turn pages correctly and point out pictures that interest them. They learn

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who attend

about technology as they use telephones, keyboards or electronic toys, and show great fascination when finding out when happens when they press buttons or turn switches on and off.

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who attend

Children make good progress because the childminder uses her observations of what children know and do, to identify and individually plan for their next steps. Discussions with parents and information gained when children first start contribute efficiently to the assessment process. Photographs are used effectively to illustrate achievements and participation in special events. The childminder regularly collates information from her observations to analyse the progress children make in all areas of learning. These reports contribute to the progress check required when a child reaches the age of two, and also help ensure that none of the children get left behind. Parents are involved in their children's learning in the setting. They contribute their comments to their children's development records and they share items from home that promote conversation and language development. For example, children bring in colouring pictures linked to

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who attend

Christmas to share with their friends and eagerly talk about where they found them.

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who attend

The childminder introduces children to simple activities that reflect different cultural celebrations to help them learn about their own traditions and cultures, and those of other children. The playroom is transformed for Christmas and children are enchanted by the interesting decorations and interactive toys that move and make sounds. Children also dress up in costumes that reflect other festivals and traditional events and have opportunities to taste and try food from around the world. The childminder makes effective use of local places of interest, such as, parks, the library and discovery centre, to further enhance the children's learning and development. She also plans her week to incorporate visits to various toddler groups to help children build their confidence when mixing with others. This helps prepare children as they progress onto other settings, such as pre-school.

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

Children are secure and relaxed with the childminder because they build warm relationships. The childminder places great importance on helping all children make smooth transitions between their home environment and her own. For example, she gathers important information from parents before children start and uses a daily diary to regularly exchange information about their everyday experiences. Sensitive reassurance and security is offered to children when they feel unsure about unfamiliar people. When someone arrives at the front door, the childminder explains to children that she is going to leave the room and why. This helps them to begin to understand about separation and they are reassured she is not far away. Consequently, they soon regain confidence and return to playing.

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

Good communication with parents enables the childminder to efficiently meet the children's individual care routines. She works closely with parents to support children in gaining independence in their toileting routines. Children learn about the importance of good hygiene practices. They explain why they need to clean between their fingers with the hand sanitising gel, as this 'might be where the germs hide'. They play in a very clean and comfortable environment. Cosy areas are provided, away from the main play space, for children to rest peacefully according to their individual needs. Children are offered regular drinks throughout the day. They enjoy a balanced, nutritious diet provided by parents and supported by the childminder. There are plenty of opportunities for children to develop their physical skills and take part in energetic exercise. The climbing apparatus in the garden provides interesting physical challenges. Children also negotiate space adeptly

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

indoors. For example, they skilfully avoid obstacles when manoeuvring the toy pushchair around the playroom.

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

The childminder appreciates the important role she has in setting a good example and her calm, gentle manner in all dealings with children helps to create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Children's confidence and self-esteem grows as they respond to praise and encouragement. They play harmoniously and develop good relationships with others. The childminder gives clear, age-appropriate explanations to help children understand about the need for safe and responsible behaviour. As a result, children learn to share and take turns with resources, and they apologise if they do something that upsets someone else.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. All the essential documentation that promotes children's learning, safety and welfare is systematically organised and stored confidentially. The arrangements for the protection of children are robust and the childminder has a clear understanding of her safeguarding responsibilities. There are secure policies and procedures in place and all adult members of the household have been suitably checked through the Criminal Records Bureau. The childminder places high importance on the safety of children. Clear risk assessments are carried out for the premises and when children go on outings. This ensures that children consistently play in a safe environment.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a commitment to her continuous improvement. She acts on advice given by her early years advisor and has regular discussions with an early years practitioner to share best practice and gain new ideas. The childminder has attended the mandatory training and is keen to attend further courses. She has suitably addressed the actions and recommendations raised at the last inspection to improve the quality of care and education. The childminder has completed an accurate self-evaluation that details the strengths of her provision. However, this self-evaluation is not regularly updated to clearly identify specific targets for development, in order to improve outcomes for children even further.

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provision

The childminder builds very positive relationships with parents. Parents are kept well informed through a comprehensive information folder containing written policies, procedures and leaflets. Important certificates are displayed in the entrance hall. Clear contracts and consent agreements are signed to ensure that parents are fully notified about the care and business arrangements. Parents are very appreciative of the care given and say that they are impressed by the way the childminder treats their children as part of her family. They also compliment the childminder on the wide variety of activities she offers that supports their children's development. The childminder has previously well- established links with nearby pre-schools. However, her arrangements for sharing current observations with key persons are in the early stages of development. As a result, these partnerships are not yet strongly contributing to continuity in children's care and learning.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory 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 560139 Local authority Essex Inspection number 819453 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 12

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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. 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

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Type of provision

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.

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Type of provision

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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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