Childminder in Essex

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 01/08/2013 Not Applicable

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early years provision

This inspection: 3 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 3 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 3

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This provision is satisfactory

 Children are happy, secure and settled as there are suitable relationships with the childminder. This means that children are generally confident to take part and explore the activities and experiences that are offered.  Children confidently follow familiar routines and the childminder provides lots of praise and encouragement to promote their good behaviour.  Children's personal safety and well-being are suitably promoted through daily routines and ensuring children have healthy snacks and meals.  The childminder has a clear understanding of her role to ensure children's safety and has all the required documentation in place, including policies and procedures.

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It is not yet good because

 Activities for younger children are occasionally not well planned. Therefore, young children's interests are not always sustained.  Children have regular opportunities to play outside. However, experiences for children to learn about the natural world, with regard to growth, decay and change, is not explored.

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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 childminder's lounge the designated play area, and viewed all areas of the home used for childminding purposes.  The inspector spoke to the childminder about daily routines and planned activities.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at resources and play equipment in the designated playroom and the garden.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked documentation including training certificates and public liability insurance.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's records including activity plans and assessment arrangements.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2013 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She works with two other childminders in Shenfield, Essex. The whole of the premises and the rear garden are used for childminding. The childminder attends a toddler group. She visits the shops and park on a regular basis. She collects children from the local school.

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Information about the setting

There are currently six children on roll, of whom two are in the early years age group and attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round from 7am until 7pm Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays and family holidays. She is a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.

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must:

 improve the planning of activities for younger children to ensure they are purposeful and consistently support their individual learning needs, so children learn from a suitable range of exciting opportunities.

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

 extend opportunities for children to investigate the natural world, so that they develop an understanding of growth, decay and changes over time.

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who attend

The childminder has suitable knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children's planning and assessment arrangements are in place and there are a suitable range of activities planned for children. However, some planned activities are not age appropriate and on occasions adult-led activities, such as circle time, are too long for the younger children. This results in occasions when the young children becoming bored and restless; this means they are not consistently supported to make good progress in their learning. Each child has an individual learning journal and they include information with regard to activities and play experiences, observations and parents' comments. The learning journals are linked into the areas of learning and children's assessments; therefore, children are being continually assessed and monitored. The childminder is aware of the requirement of the progress check age at two. She has systems in place to make sure checks are

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who attend

completed, and this includes working with the parents.

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who attend

The childminder is attentive to the needs of children. She interacts warmly with them by sitting with them so that she is at eye level, participating in their chosen activities, praising them and offering encouragement as they try new activities. Children enjoy observing the natural world, for example, one child is absorbed in looking at the home-made bug hotel, collecting leafs and sticks and observing the insects. During this time the childminder supports and guides the child in their play, with an ongoing description of events and offering suggestions. Children enjoy exploring the garden area all year round, as they enjoy the summer rain and the winter snow. There are lots of opportunities for them to explore the natural world, however, this is not fully extended by the childminder to enable children to learn about growth, decay and changes over time.

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who attend

Children are becoming confident talkers as they are given time to talk to the childminder and their peers. Snack and meal times also offer positive opportunities for child-initiated conversations and reflect on the day's events. Children enjoy books and stories and they like participating in nursery rhymes. They have suitable opportunities to practise early writing skills, as finger painting and drawing activities enable them to confidently make marks.

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who attend

The use and inclusion of a range of dressing-up clothes and the home corner encourage children's self-expression and imagination. Children also enjoy building tents and dens in the garden, creating safe spaces for them to play in. There are regular trips out to the local park, museum and forests, providing opportunities for children to socialise and experience new activities.

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who attend

The childminder works with parents on their children's educational needs, and she shares their learning and development records with them. There are regular discussions about the child's day and there is written feedback. This ensures parents are involved in what their child has been doing and can continue their learning in the home.

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

There are suitable procedures in place to settle new children in the home. The childminder works with two other childminders, and because of this they have a key person system in place. This ensures that children receive appropriate care. Parents complete an 'all about me' sheet which helps the childminder to understand and meet children's needs, and supports transition well.

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

The childminder provides a welcoming environment. She thoughtfully considers the layout of the designated playroom so that it is inviting and welcoming for children. Also, the resources suitably cover the areas of learning and they are safely stored and accessible to children. There is a selection of children's artwork and photographs, and the 'wow' tree records children's individual achievements. This means that children play and learn in a positive, inclusive environment. Children enjoy healthy and nutritious snacks and meals as the childminder introduces the concept of health eating from an early age. She provides home-cooked meals for them and checks regularly if they need a drink. The childminder helps children to manage their personal self-care needs. This results in them being confident in washing their hands and putting on their socks and shoes. During the summer the childminder also makes sure that

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

all children have sun cream applied before playing in the garden, and during the hotter times of the day they play inside. This means that children's health is suitably promoted.

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

Children's safety is promoted through daily routines as the childminder explains to them about sharing. She reminds children to use all areas of play safely, for example, negotiating the step out into the garden area. Children access a range of physical activities on a daily basis. This results in them experimenting with different ways of moving. For example, the enjoy using the scooters and tricycles and the small playhouse.

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

The childminder ensures that information is obtained from other early years settings to support children within the environment. This ensures that continuity of children's learning and development is appropriately supported.

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provision

The childminder has a satisfactory knowledge of the Statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. She works hard with the other childminders in developing systems and embedding routines. The childminder's role in the setting is that of managing children's activity plans and assessment arrangements. She works with the other childminders with regard to planning suitable activities to meet children's needs. At times, however, some activity plans are not robustly focused on how to offer further challenge for children to ensure they are always age appropriate.

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provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She has attended mandatory training and parents know to inform her of any existing minor injuries. The safeguarding policy contains reference to the use of mobile phones and cameras in the setting. There are appropriate procedures in place to ensure the suitability of adults in the household. This means that children are safeguarded in the home. The childminder has completed all required mandatory training. All required policies and procedures are in place; this includes children's attendance's register, medication and accident records, risk assessments and fire drills, further safeguarding children. Self- evaluation has been developed and identifies clear targets for improvement, including developing the garden area and also additional training. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to improve the setting and make positive changes.

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provision

The childminder understands the importance of working in partnership with parents and external agencies involved in children's care and learning. New parents receive a 'welcome pack' and regular newsletters, and they have access to all policies and procedures. This means that parents are kept up to date with any events, outings or planned activities. They are asked to complete questionnaires, and complimentary comments include that the home is welcoming and the childminder is very supportive. Continuity of care for children is maintained because parents are involved in their child's care and learning in the setting.

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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 EY458269 Local authority Essex Inspection number 903857 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6

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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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