Childminder in Southend on Sea

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 15/03/2013 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

 Children make good progress in their learning because the childminder is confident in her knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She competently makes assessments of their development and offers a varied range of activities to support their learning.  Children's learning and development is effectively promoted as the childminder makes good use of clear and comprehensive observations of their play. This enables her to assess their progress efficiently and identify if there are any gaps in their learning.  Children are confident and happy. They are interested in their activities and eager to learn. The childminder asks open-ended questions and constantly engages children in conversation which stimulates their curiosity and encourages cognitive development.  Good partnerships with parents and other professionals are a key strength and ensure that each child's care and learning needs are met to a high standard.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 Although children have opportunities to learn about the weather, seasons and the natural world while inside, the garden environment is not used as effectively to reinforce this very focused learning outside and to fully promote children's good physical development.

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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

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged 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 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  scheduled 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 playroom and kitchen.  The inspector spoke with the childminder and children.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of the views of families by speaking to them on the day and by reading parent's comments and feedback.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's progress records, communications records, displays of children's work, planning, learning journals and other relevant documentation.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2012 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She works at the home of her sister, who is also a registered childminder in a ground floor flat in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. The whole of the premises and enclosed rear garden are used for childminding.

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Information about the setting

The childminder attends local childminding groups and activities at the local children's centre. She visits the shops, library and park on a regular basis. She collects children from the local schools and pre-schools.

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Information about the setting

There are currently 11 children on roll, seven of whom are in the early years age group and they all attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday, except for holidays agreed in advance. She is a member of the Southend and Thurrock Children Come First Childminding Network.

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

 plan effective daily use of the garden to ensure that children have first-hand experiences of the weather, seasons and the natural world and provide further opportunities for exercise and fresh air.

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who attend

The childminder carries out regular observations and assessments to ensure children are making good progress in all the seven areas of learning. She has a good understanding of how children learn and is fully aware of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children's starting points are discussed with parents, on entry to the setting, and daily diaries are shared with parents to ensure they are kept well informed of their children's development. The quality of teaching is good. The childminder tracks children's progress by using 'Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage' and other child development programmes to ensure that children's needs are met across all the areas of learning. Babies are provided with a large variety of colourful and interesting toys to develop their physical skills. They stretch to reach the xylophone and use the attached stick to make sounds. They push buttons and watch for a character to pop up. They are

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who attend

delighted when the childminder stacks bricks for them to knock down or bang together. Babies' communication and language development is supported as the childminder repeats their babbling and responds with obvious pleasure when they say 'dad dad'. 'Wow' moments such as this are recorded and entered into children's learning journals, which are shared with parents every two weeks. At parent's request for more photographs of their children, the childminder, and her co-childminder, developed a system on the computer for keeping the learning journals updated and sharing them with parents electronically.

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who attend

Children are progressing well in their development as the childminder provides a good range of activities and experiences that support the prime and specific areas of learning. For example, children's physical skills are promoted when they hold chubby chalks in their hands and draw patterns on a chalking table. Their mathematical development is supported when they are asked about the colours they are using. Their personal, social and emotional development is promoted when they receive tiny laminated pictures of animals to stick onto reward charts to celebrate their achievements. Their understanding of the world increases when they make symbols to attach to the weather chart and learn about the climate and the seasons. The children can make good use of the garden in the warmer months and when there is snow on the ground. Although, there is scope to develop the use of the garden by exploring the way the garden changes with the seasons

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who attend

and by providing even more opportunities for children to enjoy exercise and fresh air.

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who attend

The childminder and her co-childminder work closely with the pre-school attended by the children and provide communications books for exchanging information about their developmental progress. This, in turn, is shared with parents and ensures continuity of learning for the children. The excellent relationship between the childminder and the pre- school supports children in their transition from one setting to another.

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

The childminder provides a safe, secure, and welcoming environment where children feel comfortable and at home. Children demonstrate by their happy smiles that they feel settled and content. Children's art work is displayed on the walls of the playroom which helps children to develop their self-esteem and gives them a sense of belonging. Children form close relationships with the childminder, and her co-childminder, and this is enhanced at mealtimes when all children and adults sit down to eat together. Children are provided with healthy and nutritious meals, such as eggs, vegetables and wholemeal bread, and she adapts her menus for the fussier eater. The childminder works with parents to ensure that all the children are encouraged to eat a healthy diet.

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

The childminder is a good role model for the children as she leads by example, ensuring good manners are upheld. Children behave well in the setting because the childminder, and her co-childminder, maintain a calm and gentle manner towards all the children. Relationships are strong in the setting and adults and children appreciate each other and care for each other.

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

The childminder places high priority on developing strong and trusting relationships with parents. Children's likes and dislikes are shared at the initial meeting and their ongoing care needs are well documented to ensure that parents are aware of their children's needs when they go home. Children are learning to be independent and bathroom facilities are child friendly and well organised to support young children as they become more aware of their own personal needs. They are learning to look after themselves when they are encouraged to put on their own coats ready for the trip to pre-school. The childminder prepares children for the next stages in their learning by providing activities that help them get used to sitting still and listening, and they are helped to follow written instructions as they prepare to participate in craft activities. Children learn to socialise when they are taken to play centres and they enjoy play on the beach.

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

The childminder carries out regular risk assessments to ensure that children remain safe at all times within the setting and on outings. There are stair gates in place, and external doors are kept locked, to ensure that children are protected. Children are allowed access to the kitchen for eating and messy play, under the childminder's close supervision. Fire drills are carried out regularly to ensure the children know what to do if an emergency should arise.

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provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has a good understanding of the seven areas of learning and how children learn. Children's learning journals contain regular written observations with photographs, assessments and planning for the next steps in their development. The childminder develops secure relationships with parents, providing them with good quality information about the service she offers. She keeps daily records of children's achievements which she shares with parents in 'what I did today' books, which give details of children's care needs and development.

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provision

Effective steps are taken during all routines to ensure that children are as safe as possible at all times. Children's welfare is fully protected as the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures. Policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and shared with parents. Thorough risk assessments are in place for all areas of the childminder's home and garden, as well as on the school run and other outings. These demonstrate that the childminder has a good understanding of potential risks to children's safety and the necessary action to be taken to minimise them.

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provision

The childminder reflects on her practice and the service she provides. She is careful to ensure self-evaluation takes account of the views and needs of parents and their children. The childminder regularly talks with parents about their child's progress and any changes with regard to their daily care needs. She attends training as part of her ongoing professional development and to ensure her knowledge remains up to date. She is an active member of a local childminding network group and values the service this provides to her professional development. The childminder works in partnership with parents and with staff at the pre-school where she collects children. She exchanges information about children's development with pre-school staff in order to provide continuity of care and to ensure a smooth transition for children when they are ready for school.

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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 action. 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 EY450256 Local authority Southend on Sea Inspection number 884122 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 8 Number of children on roll 11

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection not applicable

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: 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, which are usually the childminder’s 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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