Wheatley, Victoria Emma

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 EY366392 Inspection date 06/10/2008 Inspector Janette Elaina Lockwood

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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. She lives with her husband and one child aged three years in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. The whole of the childminder's flat is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. There is a low threshold into ground floor flat for disabled access which leads into a wide passageway although there is one step down into living area.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five years. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The setting provides inclusive practice taking account of children's individual needs and incorporating information given by parents about their children into practice to ensure there is sound overall effectiveness in their care, learning and play throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Continuous improvement is facilitated by the childminder identifying and making changes to her practice such as liaising with a mentor about the Early Years Foundation Stage to help with her understanding or pursuing information and training relating to letters and sounds.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop a system to ensure that practitioners from each setting a child regularly attends, share information about the child's development  ensure fire blanket can be used as intended (this refers to the location of the fire blanket)  ensure practice promotes and values diversity (this refers to the provision of multicultural resources)

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provision

Taking account of all the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, the childminder organises her setting in a satisfactory manner promoting children's welfare, learning and development so they make steady progress towards the early learning goals in a safe and healthy environment. Learning and development is promoted very well with children and a good balance of activities both child- initiated and adult-led is implemented into the daily routines. Although there is no This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 written self-evaluation, there is evidence of steps taken to promote improvement with the childminder showing willingness to identify and address any weaknesses, for example, providing resources that reflect diversity.

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provision

The setting works closely in partnership with parents and takes account of their requirements for the care that is offered. Parents are welcome to stay for coffee in the mornings for information sharing sessions with the childminder which are beneficial to the parents and the children. Although the childminder has built these strong working relationships with parents, there is currently little contact between her and other providers where children attend, which may impact on the partnership working.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because there are suitable child protection policies in place which are understood by the childminder and she is aware of her responsibilities to protect children throughout her practices, including providing a safe and secure environment. However, although there are suitable arrangements for fire safety, the fire blanket is not located on the wall for ease of access in an emergency.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning and development is good as they sustain interest at activities and receive skilful support from the childminder who devotes her time to them. They enjoy the planned activities that help them learn across the curriculum and are further encouraged by plenty of praise and encouragement to help build their self- esteem and good dispositions and attitudes towards learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The welfare requirements are promoted because the childminder understands and implements sound practices based on written policies and procedures to meet children's needs. For example, regular risks assessments are carried out to help identify any hazards to children and they learn simple rules to help keep themselves safe such as holding hands when on outings. They are encouraged to practise healthy habits such as using tissues and covering their mouths when they cough to help prevent the spread of germs and infection and the childminder keeps her home very clean and hygienic.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The happy and well-ordered atmosphere helps children to feel secure and develop a sense of belonging and trust with the childminder, which in turn helps them to enjoy their time at the setting and make achievements. Taking account of what children can do, their interests and what they need to do next to progress is the basis for planning activities to benefit their development. They learn acceptable behaviours because the childminder is consistent in her sanctions and manages any unwanted conduct sensitively and with the minimum of fuss.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

A sound understanding that children need to learn effectively to become independent and confident in the future together with spontaneous activities which help them learn skills in numeracy, communication and information technology help contribute to their future economic well-being. 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? Satisfactory The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Satisfactory

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

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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 the last inspection/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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