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

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Unique reference number EY302064 Inspection date 26/11/2008 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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2005. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She lives in a house in Harwich, Essex with her husband and four children. Her husband is also a registered childminder at the same address. Access is via steps to the front door. Children use the whole of the ground floor and the upstairs bathroom. Children have use of a secure enclosed outdoor play area.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of four children aged from birth to under eight years may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently four children on roll, of whom one is in the early years age range. The childminder is in receipt of funding for nursery education. She attends a parent and toddler group and visits the local library, playground and other places of interest.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder offers a 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, so children can develop independence and self- esteem. Children are safe and secure, well protected by the childminder's knowledge and understanding 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 enjoyable and worthwhile activities and outings.

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further?

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

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further?

 review and update policies and procedures to reflect current requirements.

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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 carefully detailed documentation including consents, contact details and personal care requirements. These require updating to reflect the language in current legislation. Parents are given information outlining the main aspects of the childminding and can see the policies and procedures on request. A daily diary enables parents to be fully informed about the children's daily care and activities. Additionally the detailed development profiles This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 tell a story with drawings, observations and photographs 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 holding hands and listening carefully for commands.

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provision

The high quality of care is a result of the childminder's dedication and positive 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 one little girl making a fish tank for her mummy because 'mummy doesn't have any fish'. Parents and other carers are included and their views and wishes accommodated as far as possible. 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 enjoy a stimulating and varied choice of activities and play and learning opportunities ensuring they make excellent progress towards the early learning goals. The house is exceptionally child-friendly and all resources are easily accessible, promoting children's decision-making and free choice of what they would like to do. Whilst the childminder enjoys actively teaching and joining in with the play there is also time for children to be independent and relax with books or engrossed in imaginative play. Children have a computer set at a low level unit specifically for their use, with a good variety of educational programmes. Outings in the local area, such as along the seashore, help children develop an understanding of the world around them and the changing seasons. They collect items from nature to use in art and craft work and enjoy celebrating festivals and events of significance such as birthdays. Again these are recorded in albums and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

folders with lovely photographs to invoke happy memories and give children a sense of belonging.

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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. Children's records link closely to the Early Years Foundation Stage and show progression and challenge, helping them to develop at their own pace. Parents can share the record of what children have done via the very well presented scrapbook-style development profiles. These include many photographs annotated with comments and observations, bringing the pictures to life. Children have a clear understanding of how to behave as the house rules are understood 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 Children are safe and secure. A door entry system means they cannot leave the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

premises unseen and all visitors are screened before admittance. An evacuation plan is practised at different times so children know what to do if the smoke alarm sounds. Children are released only into the care of a known adult with an agreement in place: no exceptions to this are allowed. Any concerns are monitored and referred if necessary to the appropriate authority, keeping children safeguarded from harm or neglect. Children do not attend if they are sick or unwell: parents are told of the exclusion times for different infectious conditions, helping to keep all the children healthy. Mealtimes are family occasions where all share food and a social time at the dining table. Dietary needs and preferences are accommodated and children have access to a drink at any time, keeping them hydrated and healthy. 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

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is 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? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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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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