Childminder in Essex

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 11 May 2015 18 May 2009

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

Previous inspection: Good 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision Good 2

p.1

This inspection: Good 2

The setting meets legal requirements for early years settings

p.1

This provision is good

 All children make very good progress because they enjoy a stimulating range of well- thought-out activities, and outings to local places of interest and community groups. These opportunities excite and challenge the children and encourage them to explore and play freely.  Children show a well-developed sense of belonging and growing confidence. They make friends with one another and are emotionally bonded to the childminder, to whom they freely turn for reassurance and support.  Children stay safe and secure. The childminder thinks carefully about all areas of the home and garden, and about safety when out and about, and takes all steps necessary to ensure children's well-being.  Safeguarding is thoroughly considered and any concerns are swiftly addressed by the childminder to ensure that children do not suffer harm or abuse.  The childminder keeps abreast of changes and developments in childcare, and

p.1

This provision is good

considers her own practice critically so that she can make continuous improvements which help to raise the standard of achievement for children.

p.1

It is not yet outstanding because:

 Children have fewer opportunities at the childminder's home to explore resources that can be used imaginatively, and natural resources, to develop their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

p.1

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

 broaden the available range of natural resources and resources that can be used imaginatively, and activities offered, to promote the development of children's creative thinking and problem-solving skills through their freely-chosen play.

p.2

Inspection activities

 The inspector interacted with children and the childminder in the playroom and outside play area.  The inspector observed the childminder teaching a planned activity.  The inspector looked at a selection of policies and other documentation, such as qualification certificates, evidence of suitability checks and children's registration details.  The inspector took account of the views of parents spoken to during the inspection, and gathered by the childminder in advance of the inspection on questionnaires.

p.2

who attend. This is good

Children's good progress is assured because the childminder understands her role in planning and providing a wide range of activities matched to the needs of children. She provides consistently good quality teaching so that children gain the skills they need for future learning. The play environment is very appealing and offers varied and stimulating choices for children. They grow fruits and vegetables, play with water and dig in a tray of compost; gleefully burying and finding plastic bugs. They develop complex play scenarios with the dolls, buggies and other role-play props. Play dough strengthens little fingers and offers an engaging, expressive outlet. Children chatter about their creations, encouraged and supported by the childminder. The local environment is rich in wonderful experiences and children enthusiastically talk about the beach, playground, farms and duck ponds they visit regularly. Currently, when children are in the childminder's home, opportunities for

p.3

who attend. This is good

the more imaginative style of play or play with natural and found or recycled materials are more limited.

p.3

good

Children are settled, happy and show that they feel emotionally secure. They behave very well, responding to the childminder's reminders about conduct and routine matters, such as handwashing and personal care. Visits to several community groups are included in the weekly routine. These provide children with very worthwhile experiences and help them learn how to manage in a variety of social situations. As a result, children have high self- esteem and confidence and are well prepared for meeting changes in the future, such as starting school. Children enjoy lunch while sitting at a low table with their friends. They have drinks available at all times, keeping them hydrated and healthy. Children stay in the shade when the weather becomes very warm, and use suncream to protect their skin. They develop ideas of personal hygiene and wash their hands when necessary. Children can rest or sleep comfortably when they need to. A daily diary ensures that all information

p.3

good

is shared promptly and changing dietary and health needs are updated.

p.3

provision is good

Children are very well cared for as the childminder is well organised, efficient and professional. Safeguarding is fully considered and all contact details are to hand, to support children. Partnerships with parents are highly effective. Parents are included at all stages and the childminder listens to their views and ideas about what to do to improve her practice. Parents comment in their child's development profiles and help children at home as next steps in learning are clear and accurately identified. Where children attend any other early years settings, the childminder initiates the sharing of information, so that continuity is assured. She ensures that her occasional assistant understands her role in supporting the children. The childminder has a very professional approach and regularly attends training sessions to ensure she continues to improve the quality of her teaching. She also shares and seeks new ideas from other practitioners in the local area.

p.3

Setting details

Unique reference number 560253 Local authority Essex Inspection number 869491 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 12 Number of children on roll 12

p.4

Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 1992 and lives in Brightlingsea, Essex. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder receives funding for two-, three- and four-year-old children. She occasionally employs an assistant.

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