Fordham, Amanda Jane

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY367400 Inspection date 09/10/2008 Inspector Justine Leong

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2008. She lives with her partner in a house in Colchester, Essex. The childminder works with another registered childminder and minds from her own home. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. Access is via a small step to the front of the property.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding nine children on a part-time basis. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The childminder offers places for children on the Early Years Foundation Stage Register and the Childcare Register. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and park. The family has a cat.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are relaxed, confident and secure as the childminder plans and provides a warm and nurturing environment and ensures individual needs are met. The childminder works closely with parents and carers and is considering ways to ensure they are fully included in their children's learning. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement, further enhancing the experiences of children in her care.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop assessment of children's achievements to inform planning  develop sytems to identify areas for improvement and use training available by the local authority and other sources.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 complete a full risk assessment for each type of outing 31/10/2008

p.3

provision

Children's welfare, care and safety are well promoted as the childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification and is committed to improving her practice. Well written policies and procedures are in place and these are implemented effectively. All required records are maintained and written parental permissions have been obtained, ensuring children are cared for in line with their parents' wishes. Documentation is stored safely and confidentiality is maintained. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder has developed good relationships with parents and carers and shares her policies to ensure they are fully aware of her childcare practices. A daily diary is completed, detailing children's routines and achievements, helping to promote consistency of care.

p.3

provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities in protecting children. Appropriate systems are in place to promote children's welfare in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Thorough vetting procedures ensure children are cared for by suitable people and comprehensive risk assessments are completed regularly, ensuring children's safety within the home. However, risk assessments are not completed for outings, potentially compromising children's safety when outside the property.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes children's welfare, learning and development. Children learn to keep themselves safe as safety rules such as not running indoors are clearly displayed, and these are discussed with younger children. The childminder has carefully considered an emergency evacuation procedure. Children's health is promoted as the childminder provides frequent opportunities for physical activity in the safe and secure garden and during frequent trips to parks and local toddler groups. Nutritious snacks are provided in line with the healthy eating policy and children sit together to share fresh fruit, breadsticks or raisins, and drinks of water or juice.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well cared for in a warm, bright and child-friendly environment, where they have ample space to move around and play under constant supervision. The childminder organises her home very well to enable children to independently select toys and resources from the interesting selection offered. Each child is provided with an individual approach, and activities are adapted to meet their specific needs, abilities and interests. Parents provide information about children's starting points, likes and dislikes and the childminder uses this effectively to plan stimulating play opportunities.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit as the childminder has a thorough understanding of how children learn through play. They have independent access to a broad range of fiction and non-fiction books and enjoy sharing stories with the childminder on a daily basis. Planned craft activities such as painting, collage and drawing provide valuable opportunities for children to use their imagination and creativity, and the childminder offers support when required to ensure all children are able to access all activities. Some assessment is carried out 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.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing an understanding of the wider world as they access a good range of resources that are representative of diversity including dolls, books and puzzles. The childminder acts as a very positive role model for behaviour and encourages sharing and respect for others. Developmentally appropriate behaviour This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 management strategies such as praise and explanation are used effectively and children's behaviour is good. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

p.6

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

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

p.8

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.

p.8