Fitzgerald Michelle Angela

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 202232 Inspection date 30/09/2008 Inspector Sarah Williams

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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 has been registered since 1996. She lives with her son, aged 16 years in a house in West Bergholt, a village to the north of Colchester. The whole of the property is used for childminding. There is a safe and secure garden for outside play. Access for disabled people is possible as there are toilet facilities on the ground floor.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to provide care for six children aged under eight years. At present she is caring for 19 children in total, five of these are in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools and pre-school to deliver and collect children. Outings to parks, woods and other local places of interest are regularly included.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder offers an exceptionally high standard of care and educational provision for children. The environment is carefully created to provide a welcoming and stimulating place to play and learn, developing independence and self-esteem. Children are safe and secure, well protected by the childminder's extensive experience and knowledge of safeguarding procedures.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Each child is highly valued as an individual and their needs met through effective partnerships with parents, carers and other settings such as the pre-school. The childminder listens carefully to parents' and children's views and acts upon them whenever possible. This systematic reflection ensures the childminder constantly strives to improve her practice to benefit the children by offering them an innovative choice of activities and outings.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 maintain the strong and effective partnership with parents by ensuring that methods of communication are clear and provide them with the latest information.

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provision

The childminder strives to keep abreast of trends and developments, attending all training courses and reading widely from a range of literature. Children are supported by the maintenance of extremely detailed and comprehensive documentation including consents, contact details and personal care requirements. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Parents are given a prospectus outlining the main aspects of the childminding and many posters and notices are displayed, providing useful supplementary information. A daily diary enables parents to be fully informed about the children's daily care and activities. Additionally there are detailed development profiles with sensitive observations helping to build a clear picture of children's achievements and capabilities.

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provision

Children's safety and security are assured as the childminder ensures she is well informed and confident to protect children through her understanding of safeguarding procedures. She ensures her home is child-friendly and that children understand evacuation procedures as well as day-to-day routines such as keeping stairgates closed when vulnerable young children are present. Road safety is impressed on the children and they understand and respond to the rules such as walking in twos, holding hands and listening carefully for commands.

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provision

The exceptional high quality of care is a result of the childminder's dedication and positive, robust approach to making improvements to build on her good practice. This is evident through the embracing of new ideas and listening to children's wishes for activities, such as making a special cake to celebrate Jewish New Year. Parents and other carers are included and their views and wishes accommodated as far as possible to fit their various work patterns. They contribute to their child's play and learning by keeping the childminder informed of interests and family events, so these can be incorporated in the play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children flourish well and enjoy purposeful, meaningful play and learning opportunities in the stimulating and homely child-centred environment. They are all valued as individuals and the childminder is exceptionally attuned to their emotional and psychological well-being, as well as their physical and developmental needs. Each child enjoys care and activities designed to help them make excellent all-round progress in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. They can be independent, making choices and exploring the range of toys and play materials whilst under the watchful but unobtrusive eye of the childminder. She instinctively knows when to intervene and assist the children, extending the play and introducing new ideas, and equally when to leave them to investigate and discover by themselves. Photographs of special events, celebrations and outings clearly show the joyous and memorable times that children enjoy whilst in the childminder's care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The space is dedicated to meeting children's needs and provides them with resources and equipment to pursue their interests and be creative and imaginative. Crafts and artwork linked to themes, the seasons, festivals and cultural events broaden their knowledge and experience of the wider world. Children go out and about regularly to see animals, nature and wildlife at first hand. A building site and local road works also provide exciting discussion and observation for children fascinated by large machines and diggers. Children extend their vocabulary as they enjoy a fresh choice of library books every week. They are inspired to dress up and stage a full scale production of a favourite story to the delight of watching parents: everyone down to the youngest toddler has a part with a costume, make-up and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 supporting props. Counting and awareness of number forms a natural part of daily

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

routines, such as when walking up the stairs, collecting conkers, sharing out drinks and snacks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is intuitive as she observes the children and plans for future learning. Excellent photographs show parents the fun activities and birthday celebrations and present new parents and children with an exciting vision of the kinds of activities they may enjoy. Children's records link closely to the Early Years Foundation Stage and show progression and challenge, helping them to develop at their own pace. Children have a clear understanding of how to behave as the house rules are displayed and used as a basis for discussion when necessary. They learn to co-operate and share whilst having regard for the needs and feelings of others. Praise and encouragement are freely given and laughter and fun help the harmonious atmosphere prevail. 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? Outstanding 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? Good

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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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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Outstanding

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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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 the last inspection.

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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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