Baker, Theresa Anne

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY371370 Inspection date 09/10/2008 Inspector Justine Leong

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Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Introduction

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of the registered early years provision. ‘Early years provision’ refers to provision regulated by Ofsted for children from birth to 31 August following their fifth birthday (the early years age group). The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and welfare, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Introduction

The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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Introduction

The provider must provide a copy of this report to all parents with children at the setting where reasonably practicable. The provider must provide a copy of the report to any other person who asks for one, but may charge a fee for this service (The Childcare (Inspection) Regulations 2008 regulations 9 and 10).

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Introduction

The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and/or compulsory part(s) of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a comment about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included in Annex B. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2008. The childminder works with another registered childminder and minds from her co-minders house. The co-minder and her partner live at the property in Colchester, Essex. The whole of the ground floor of the co-childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access is via a small step to the front of the property.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding nine children on a part-time basis. When working with her co- minder, they may care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years. The childminder offer places for children on the Early Years Foundation Stage Register and the Childcare Register. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are happy and comfortable in the childminder's care and clearly enjoy their time at the setting. The childminder works closely with parents and carers and is considering ways to ensure they are included in their children's learning. The childminder is committed to inclusion and improvement, and offers an individual approach to ensure all children make good progress.

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further?

To further improve the early years provision the registered person should:

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further?

 develop assessment records and ensure these are used to inform planning  develop systems to identify areas for improvement and attend training made available by the local authority or other sources.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 complete an 'Introduction to Childcare Practice' course 31/10/2008  ensure risk assessments are completed for each type of outing 31/10/2008

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provision

The childminder has devised comprehensive policies and procedures and these are implemented effectively. All required written parental permissions have been obtained, ensuring children are cared for in line with their parents' wishes. The childminder works closely with parents to meet children's individual needs, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 encouraging a two-way flow of information through regular discussions and completion of a daily diary.

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provision

Children are cared for by adults who have submitted to appropriate checks to ensure their suitability. However, the childminder has not completed the required training course in order to ensure requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage are met. The childminder has a sound understanding of her role and responsibilities in protecting children. A safeguarding policy is in place and the childminder is aware of correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care.

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provision

Comprehensive risk assessments are completed regularly, enabling the childminder to identify and minimise hazards and ensuring children's safety within the home. However, risk assessments are not completed for outings, potentially compromising children's safety when outside the property. The childminder is beginning to use self-evaluation to monitor the provision, although this is not used effectively to identify areas for improvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes children's care and welfare. Children learn to keep themselves safe as, for instance, they practise road safety when walking to and from school. An emergency evacuation procedure has been devised and this is clearly displayed at the setting. Children benefit from regular opportunities to develop good physical skills. They play together in the safe and secure garden with a variety of toys and equipment including bats, balls and ride-on toys. Children also enjoy regular visits to mother and toddler groups and the local park. The childminder provides a range of healthy snacks such as fresh fruit, rice cakes and raisins, helping children to develop an understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder organises her home well, enabling children to independently select toys and resources from the broad range offered. Children are well cared for in a warm and nurturing environment, where they have ample space to move around and play under constant supervision. Parents provide information about children's starting points, likes and dislikes and the childminder uses this effectively to provide stimulating play opportunities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are relaxed and confident in the childminder's care. They are developing good self-esteem as the childminder listens attentively to them and values their responses. The childminder acts as a positive role model for behaviour and encourages children to share, for instance, when playing board games together. Activities are planned to encourage progress in all areas of learning. Children develop good communication skills as they play with the role play resources, making links to their own experiences. They enjoy participating in craft activities including painting, drawing and collage. The childminder is beginning to use assessment to monitor children's progress, however, this is not consistent or used effectively to inform planning and ensure children make as much progress as possible. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder ensures each child is provided with an individual approach, and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

activities are adapted to meet their specific needs, abilities and interests. Appropriate support is offered when required, enabling all children to access all activities. A range of resources that are representative of diversity such as dolls, books and puzzles are provided, helping children to develop an understanding of the wider world. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

procedures set out in the guidance available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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