Childminder in Essex

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 19 January 2015 20 January 2011

p.1

3

Previous inspection: Satisfactory 3 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Requires improvement The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Requires improvement The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Requires improvement The setting does not meet legal requirements for early years settings

p.1

This provision requires improvement. It is not yet good because:

 All routes identified for an emergency exit are not appropriately risk assessed to ensure they are clear from hazards at all times. This is because the childminder stores toys in front of doors in the playroom.  Assessment arrangements are not strong enough to ensure appropriate activities are planned when children first attend.  Babies and younger children have fewer opportunities to play with natural and open- ended resources to encourage them to explore in different ways.  The accessibility of some resources means that younger children cannot always independently self-select toys to support their spontaneous play.

p.1

It has the following strengths

 Children are welcomed into a bright playroom that offers a wide variety of resources. They have their own coat pegs and shoe storage and these all create a real sense of belonging. They settle quickly as they have formed close attachments with the childminder.  The childminder provides a range of activities both indoors and outdoors that effectively promote children's learning.  Children follow good hygiene routines implemented by the childminder. They enjoy healthy snacks and regular exercise and fresh air, which promote their good health.

p.1

What the setting needs to do to improve further

To meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage the provider must:

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

 take steps to ensure that all the emergency exit routes are kept clear of hazards at all times  improve the opportunities for parents to share information and contribute to the initial assessment of their child's abilities when they first attend, to ensure appropriate activities are planned to support children's needs.

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

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

p.2

What the setting needs to do to improve further

 provide young children with more opportunities to discover and explore using natural materials  focus more precisely on developing ways for younger children to access and select resources to ensure that all children can choose resources independently to support their spontaneous play.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the indoor learning environment where children play and viewed all areas of the home used for childminding purposes.  The inspector held discussions with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection.  The inspector looked at information to confirm the suitability of all adults living on the premises.  The inspector looked at a range of records and documentation including the children's development records.  The inspector took account of the views of parents written comments obtained by the childminder in preparation of an inspection.

p.2

who attend. This requires improvement

The childminder uses her knowledge of how children to learn to provide a range of learning opportunities. Children use quality resources available to them within a bright playroom and older children access these to initiate their own play. However, toddlers find this more difficult because books are stored out of reach and toy boxes are too heavy for them. Babies also have fewer opportunities to explore and discover for themselves using natural play materials. The childminder uses her observations to follow children's development. Parents are encouraged to play an active role in their child's learning. However, the childminder has not sought sufficient information from them about their children's abilities and starting points to ensure she can accurately plan to support learning when they first attend. Children's communication skills are promoted by the childminder as she uses simple and clear language, repeating words for babies. The childminder

p.3

who attend. This requires improvement

encourages children's independence. For example, children learn to dress themselves and take care of their personal needs to help prepare them for their next stages of learning.

p.3

requires improvement

The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of child protection. She completes daily risk assessments to ensure children's safety. For example, the garden is out of bounds to minded children as the childminder considers this area unsafe. However, the temporary storage of some large play equipment restricts children's swift exit if they needed to leave the playroom in the event of an emergency. The childminder promotes children's understanding of being healthy through daily routines. Nutritious snacks are provided and babies are encouraged and supported when learning to feed themselves. Children play daily in the fresh air at the park. The childminder is calm and caring. Children enjoy cuddles and stories while sitting on the childminders lap. Children participate in trips to toddler groups to enhance their social skills, prepare them for meeting new people and build confidence in new environments.

p.3

provision requires improvement

The childminder has a sound knowledge of how children learn and develop, but is not yet fully meeting all the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are provided with an interesting educational programme that offers challenge. Planning and observations are evaluated to ensure all areas are covered. The childminder attends child protection training to ensure she is fully updated on current procedures, and uses her clear knowledge of how to protect the children in her care. The childminder is now reflecting on her practice to review and evaluate her provision. The childminder understands the importance of working in partnership with parents. They are welcomed into the home and speak positively of the care and learning their children receive. They comment on how well the childminder nurtures their children and encourages independence. The childminder works well with local schools and other early years

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number EY274653 Local authority Essex Inspection number 877651 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 8

p.4

Name of provider

Date of previous inspection 20 January 2011

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and two school-aged children in Chelmsford, in Essex. The childminder operates all year round from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays.

p.4

Telephone number

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.

p.4

Telephone number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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, safeguarding and child protection.

p.4

Telephone number

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’.

p.5

Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

p.5