Childminder in Essex

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 02/05/2014 11/06/2009

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 1 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 enjoy directing their own play and learning while exploring activities and resources that support their interests and abilities. As a result, they are motivated and eager to learn.  The childminder provides a warm, nurturing environment where children form secure attachments to give them a feeling of well-being and a sense of belonging.  Children are well protected as the childminder fully understands and effectively meets the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.  The childminder builds strong and effective partnerships with parents and other professionals and ensures that all children's individual learning and development requirements are successfully supported.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 Imaginative resources to extend children's interest in information and communication technology are not always available. This means that children's natural curiosity is not supported to help them develop skills for the future.  There is scope to further enhance the range of positive images in the setting to promote children's understanding of differences in society.

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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 home.  The inspector spoke with the childminder and children.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of parents' views by reading parental comments and feedback.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector sampled policies and procedures, risk assessments, children's development records and other relevant documentation.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2005 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives in a house in a residential part of Hutton, Brentwood, Essex, with her two children aged six and nine years. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and she also uses the bathroom and one bedroom upstairs. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The family has a pet cat. The childminder attends local groups and regularly takes children to the library, park and organised outings. She takes and collects children to and from the local school. There are currently eight children attending who are within the early years age group and she also cares for children of school age. All children attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

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

 extend children's interest in technology by the provision of exciting and imaginative resources that will develop their natural curiosity and willingness to learn

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

 extend the range of resources promoting positive images of people to enhance children's understanding and respect for differences in the world around them.

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who attend

The childminder has a good knowledge of the seven areas of learning of the Early Years Foundation Stage and understands how children learn. She carries out regular observations, which she uses to assess and plan for the next steps in children's development. The childminder ensures that she understands children's starting points by discussing them with parents. She records these details to help her to track children's progress against developmental guidelines. The childminder has systems ready for the progress check at age two to share with parents when the children reach the relevant age. She uses an online system to record children's development, which parents can access at any time. Photographic evidence of the activities and experiences the childminder uses to promote children's learning and development are included for parents to see. The childminder works closely with parents and shares ideas and activities that parents can do

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who attend

at home to support their children's learning.

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who attend

Children enthusiastically make choices over their play and learning, as they confidently select resources from the low-level storage units available to them. Trays of resources are clearly labelled to enable children to easily self-select and a range of interesting books is constantly available. The childminder provides children with a range of interesting activities and experiences to stimulate their curiosity and they are eager to learn. However, children do not always have frequent access to technology resources and this means that they do not constantly access toys that promote their learning of skills for the future. Children's communication and language is promoted as the childminder constantly engages children in conversation. She asks open-ended questions to encourage thinking skills and problem solving.

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who attend

Children spend time socialising with other adults and children on a regular basis, which supports their personal, social and emotional development. Their physical skills develop as they play in the well-equipped garden with a variety of interesting play resources. The childminder understands that children must take risks in order to learn and she provides a safe environment for them to practice their physical skills. There is a good balance of child-initiated and adult-led, play-based activities. The childminder follows the children's lead and asks what they would like to do next. Her planning is flexible to meet their changing needs and circumstances. She provides appropriate activities that offer challenge suitable for the children's age and stage of development.

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

The childminder provides a safe and welcoming environment where children feel secure and protected. Their behaviour demonstrates that they feel settled and content. Children form close, positive relationships with the childminder and her family. They demonstrate a strong sense of security because the childminder works closely with their parents to ensure they receive continuity in their care and learning. Children learn to share and take turns. They learn to care for each other and talk about their feelings. The childminder is a good role model for the children as she leads by example, teaching good manners and promoting positive behaviour through praise and affirmation. Children feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. They are safe because the childminder carries out daily risk assessments of the childcare environment and on outings. External doors are kept locked when children are in the setting and all visitors' identification is checked. Children learn to

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

keep themselves safe as they listen carefully to the childminder's instructions. Fire drills are practised and made into a fun game to ensure children understand and remember what to do should an emergency occur.

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

The childminder provides a healthy, nutritious diet for the children and toddlers are encouraged to feed themselves learning skills of independence. Children with special dietary requirements and allergies are well protected as the childminder carefully follows parents' instructions. The childminder encourages independence by providing children with opportunities to try things for themselves. They learn to put on their own shoes and manage their own personal care needs appropriate to their age and stage of development. Nappy changing is discreet and hygienic and the childminder ensures that children remain comfortable. The childminder takes children out regularly for fresh air and exercise and they have free access to the garden and an exciting array of resources. Children have plenty of opportunity to exercise in the fresh air. They are taken out frequently to local parks where they can experience a variety of large play equipment. They experience a

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

wider view of the world when they are taken out in their local community or for a walk in the woods.

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

Children thoroughly enjoy playing in the garden as they explore its newest features. They plant seeds in soil and learn to care for them, watching in amazement as they grow into tall sunflowers. Older children are patient and caring to the younger ones, learning skills for the future. The childminder plans appropriate activities which encourage the children to explore different cultural festivals and customs, which help them to learn respect for others. However, there are fewer opportunities for children to learn about differences in society as the setting lacks many positive images of a variety of people and communities. Children spend time gazing around their play environment at the many photographic displays of themselves and their families and activities they have enjoyed. These photographic reminders of outings and fun times help children to feel secure and develop a feeling of belonging. Children are emotionally well prepared for school when they

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

interact with older children and learn about the school environment on their daily journey to collect them.

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provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. She understands how children learn and regularly undertakes written observations, assessments and planning for the next steps in their learning and development. The online tracking system is closely monitored for accuracy and shared regularly with parents. Parents have constant access to this secure website by logging in with a password. The childminder works closely in partnership with parents, giving daily reports about children's care routines and the activities they enjoy. The childminder evaluates the activities she provides to ensure they meet children's individual needs. Parents are encouraged to give feedback on the service the childminder provides.

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provision

Parents speak highly of the care given to their children and say they are confident that their children are safe and happy. The childminder asks parents to complete a questionnaire giving their views on her service. Parents report positively about the service provided and say how highly they value the reports on their children's progress. The childminder has a very good understanding of safeguarding and child protection. She maintains ratios to ensure good quality care for children. She has completed safeguarding training and is keen to continually extend her knowledge by attending further courses. She has completed all the necessary mandatory training, including paediatric first aid. The childminder has effective policies and procedures including a policy for the use of mobile phones and cameras. She reviews her policies regularly and shares them with parents.

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provision

The childminder is well organised and keeps well-maintained records that ensure that any information needed is readily accessible, and confidentially stored. The childminder exchanges information with other settings the children attend to share good practice and ensure continuity of learning. The childminder has links to a variety of professionals, should she need to seek support or signpost parents for appropriate guidance. The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to continually improve her service. Self- evaluation takes into account the views of parents and children are encouraged to reflect on their day and offer their opinions. The childminder understands her strengths and areas for development and has clear plans for future improvements, which include introducing a covered area in the garden, a mud kitchen and water table.

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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 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected within twelve months of the date of this inspection. 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

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Grade Judgement Description

the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. 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 EY303688 Local authority Essex Inspection number 965802 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8

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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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