Childminder in Essex

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 EY359627 Inspection date 23/09/2008 Inspector Jill Nugent

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 registered in 2007. She lives with her two children, aged six months and nine years, in a house in Harlow. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a secure garden for outdoor play. There is good access to the house at ground level.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time. Currently she is minding two children within the Early Years Foundation Stage and one child on the childcare register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides effectively for children in the setting. She offers a safe and stimulating environment where children can explore freely and learn new skills. There is equal access for all children to resources and activities. The childminder provides opportunities for children to learn about diversity. She notes children's progress in learning but is not yet linking this to planning for their developmental needs. She organises her provision to cater for children's individual needs and liaises closely with parents regarding children's care. She has highlighted some areas of her practice for improvement although her self-evaluation is limited in scope.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop a system for using observations of children's learning when planning activities  extend the use of self-evaluation to help work towards continual improvement.

p.3

provision

The childminder has a set of clear written policies in place and her paperwork is well maintained. She has completed her initial childcare training and is attending training to develop her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has improved her practice since registration through increasing the range of resources and liaising with other childminders regarding documentation. However she is not yet evaluating her practice effectively so as to ensure ongoing improvement. There are appropriate procedures in place with regard to safeguarding children and any regular visitors to the premises are vetted.

p.3

provision

A close working partnership with parents and carers benefits the children in her care. All parents receive a copy of the childminder's policies and are given daily This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 feedback, either verbally or in the form of a written diary. The diaries are particularly informative and include records of children enjoying different experiences alongside a few notes on their development for example, extending social skills when mixing with others at playgroup. Parents express their satisfaction with the care provided, in particular the childminder's flexibility and range of activities on offer. She is also beginning to develop links with the local primary school in order to support children's learning on planned topics out of school.

p.3

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming play environment for children. They enjoy exploring a wide selection of toys which encourage them to use their imagination for example, dolls and play kitchen equipment. Their exploration is enhanced by the interaction of the childminder as she joins in and develops their role play. Music playing in the background promotes a relaxed atmosphere and helps to keep very young children content. Children gain self-confidence and develop close relationships with the childminder. They acquire new vocabulary as they engage with her in conversation. Their self-esteem is boosted as the childminder shows interest in them for instance, asking questions about the pictures they have drawn. Children learn to behave appropriately and respond positively to the childminder for example, when reminded to use good manners.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder plans various activities and outings for children during the week. She has started to collect photographs showing children involved in a range of interesting activities. They especially like to go to the local shops, the park and also enjoy participating in creative activities at the local playgroups. Older children make their own choices after school and have much fun making different things, such as masks. The childminder supports children in developing their numerical skills and they often count spontaneously. Children also enjoy playing computer games. The childminder is experienced in adapting activities to meet children's individual needs. She is particularly interested in sport and encourages children to learn a variety of physical skills. However, she has not yet developed a system for making use of her observations of children's development in planning future activities to help increase

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes an awareness of health and safety issues so that children learn about the importance of hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy a varied diet including fresh fruit and salad. They discover new tastes for example, the taste of fruit juices made with the childminder's assistance. Children are well-supervised and learn to abide by rules which help to keep them safe. They develop good relationships with each other, learning to share and take turns. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments and safety checks around the house to ensure children are safe on the premises. She liaises closely with parents and carers with regard to children's well-being and seeks advice from outside agencies if necessary. 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.5

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.5

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. Satisfactory

p.5

Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

p.5

Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

p.5

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

p.5

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.5

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

p.5

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.5

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.6

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.6

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.7

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.7

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

p.7

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.7