Childminder in Essex

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 21/01/2013 Not Applicable

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: Not Applicable 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

 The childminder provides interesting and challenging activities and experiences across all the seven areas of learning.  The childminder promotes children's safety and well-being by ensuring a safe environment and by providing opportunities for them to explore with appropriate support and supervision.  Excellent record keeping facilities ensure that parents are fully aware of their children's progress and events affecting their children on a daily basis.  The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding and there are effective measures in place to protect children.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 There is further scope to develop improvement plans for the setting to ensure that children's achievements are improved and maintained at the highest levels over time.  There is room to extend the provision of resources that promote positive images of diversity and inclusion in order to ensure that children are encouraged to value and respect others.

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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 activities in the lounge and kitchen.  The inspector spoke with the childminder.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of parents' views by looking at previous references and feedback.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at policies, risk assessment, children's development records and all relevant documentation.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in July 2012 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She holds a qualification at level 3. She lives with her partner in a house in Wickford, Essex. The whole of the ground floor, an upstairs bedroom and the rear garden are used for childminding. Family pets include a dog, a tortoise and fish kept in an aquarium. The childminder attends a childminder group and the local library. The childminder also visits a large park in a neighbouring town. She drives children to and from school.

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Information about the setting

There are currently four children on roll, of whom, two are in the early years age group who attend for a variety of sessions and two are school-age children who attend before and after school. She operates all year round from 8am to 6pm from Monday to Friday.

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

 develop self-evaluation further to ensure that improvement plans set challenging targets that will enhance and maintain children's achievements at the highest levels over time.

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

 extend the provision of resources which reflect positive images of people in a variety of situations that will further encourage children to value and respect others.

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who attend

The childminder has a good understanding of the requirements of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, and she uses the guidance document, 'Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage' to help her to identify children's next steps in their development and learning. The childminder carries out regular observations, assessments and planning, to ensure children are making good progress in all the prime and specific areas of learning. Children's starting points are discussed with parents and noted on an 'All About Me' document. A daily diary is shared with parents to ensure effective recording of children's developmental progress, both at home and in the setting. The childminder also produces photographic evidence of the activities and experiences she uses to promote children's learning and development. She keeps these with her observations and assessments and examples of children's work, in a

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who attend

Children's physical development is well supported by the childminder as she provides opportunities for them to try out new skills, such as standing unaided. She gently supports them while they gain their balance and gives constant encouragement and praise. She understands that children must take risks in order to learn and provides a safe environment for them to practice. Babies are provided with a range of interesting resources that stimulate their curiosity and they are eager to learn as the childminder demonstrates the use of new toys. An interesting treasure basket is available for babies to explore and they learn through their senses as they examine the textures, sounds, smells and sight of the many interesting objects.

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who attend

Children's sensory skills develop as they engage in messy play. For example, children enjoy playing with coloured fruit jelly, squeezing it through their fingers, using spoons to scoop it up, picking it up and dropping it, tasting it and feeling the wobbly texture. They learn to understand how it makes their fingers sticky and how they must wear an apron to protect their clothes.

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who attend

Children's communication and language is promoted by the childminder as she reads a story, using a puppet to bring the story to life. Children become involved in the story as she holds their hand to help them touch and stroke the puppet. Babies are supported in their use of language as the childminder repeats their sounds and first words. The childminder encourages independence by providing children with the opportunity to try things for themselves, such as putting the toys in the box and taking them out again.

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who attend

The childminder plans appropriate activities which encourage the children to explore festivals, such as Diwali and Hanukkah. Diversity is promoted in the setting by the provision of suitable resources. However, there is scope to extend teaching and learning in this area by providing more positive images of people that will further encourage children to value and respect others.

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who attend

Parents are regularly informed about their children's development, in paper form and on the computer. They are given access to their own secure web page where the childminder uploads children's progress reports for parents to view on a continuous basis.

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

The childminder provides a safe, clean and welcoming environment where children feel protected. Their behaviour demonstrates that they feel settled and content. Children form secure attachments with the childminder and are confident to move freely around the areas available to them. The childminder is a good role model for the children as she leads by example, teaching good manners and setting boundaries.

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

Children are provided with healthy and nutritious food at meal times, as can be seen from the varied menu, and fruit is available for snacks. Children's self-esteem is promoted when they receive praise for their achievements. The childminder offers children cuddles and comfort, and understands the signs that show when children need to rest and sleep.

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

The childminder encourages toddlers to become independent and manage their own personal needs, as they learn to drink from a cup, and eat finger foods. Children are taken out regularly for fresh air and exercise. They learn about the world and the community they live in when they visit the railway station, the library and toddler group. Parental permission is obtained in writing for outings and the childminder drives to a park in a neighbouring town to give children a wider experience of the world around them.

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

Fire evacuation procedures are carried out regularly to ensure the children know what to do in an emergency situation. Regular risk assessments are carried out to ensure that children remain safe at all times, and safety gates are in place to protect younger children from the risk of falls. The kitchen area is used for children's messy play activities and is free from hazards. Children are supervised at all times, and the childminder uses a a baby monitor for times when babies sleep upstairs.

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

Photographs of the children's families are laminated and available for children to see and to hold. The childminder asks questions about the family and names them, which promotes a sense of security and aids the development of children's personal, social and emotional skills.

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

The childminder understands the importance of preparing children well for their next stages in learning, and supports their transition to other settings by working in partnership with parents and sharing progress reports. The childminder liaises with other providers and is supported by the local authority.

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provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and how young children learn. She regularly undertakes written observations, assessments and planning for the next steps in children's learning and development. The childminder holds an early years qualification and has completed all the necessary mandatory training, including paediatric first aid. She has previous experience of working in early years settings and families of children cared for have provided written letters of recommendation highlighting the excellent care received. The childminder is highly motivated to continuously improve and develop her setting by seeking and undertaking training to support her continuous professional development.

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provision

Self-evaluation takes into account the views of parents and children, gained from questionnaire feedback, and these are used to help plan for future improvements. However, development plans for the setting are not sufficiently rigorous to strongly improve and maintain children's achievements at the highest levels over time. Children's learning is well documented and is shared with parents on a daily basis. Parents are able to contribute by using a daily diary that passes between the setting and home. Parents are also provided with a high quality online information service where they can view all details the childminder holds about their children. These include developmental records, activity plans, policies and procedures, menus, permissions, accidents and incidents. Parents can update information and records as necessary. This clear, easy to use system, encourages parents to share in their children's experiences and learning. The childminder works in

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provision

partnership with parents, other childminders and local authority development officers. The childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding and there are effective measures in place to protect children. Policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and shared with parents. The childminder has attended specific safeguarding training and demonstrates a secure understanding of the procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child in her care.

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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 EY448155 Local authority Essex Inspection number 809248 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 5 Number of children on roll 4

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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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. 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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