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 EY365104 Inspection date 04/12/2008 Inspector Suzanne Joyce Stedman

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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 2007. She lives with her partner and child aged three years in Epping, Essex. The whole of the childminder’s first floor maisonette is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five three days a week. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group. The family has a dog and a cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, Compulsory and Voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides interesting experiences for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She creates a safe and welcoming environment to ensure all children are included and enjoy their time in the setting. The professional approach which the childminder presents contributes successfully to the development of good relationships between herself and parents and the welfare of the children is considerably enhanced. The childminder has completed a comprehensive self-evaluation of her service and has completed first aid training, Introduction to Childminding Practice and other short courses to promote positive outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 put effective systems in place to ensure observation of children contributes to future planning of appropriate, sufficient and varied activities and experiences to enable children to make progress in all areas of their learning

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provision

The childminder has developed an excellent range of documents and practices to ensure continuous improvement and takes action to address any issues. Her professionalism has led to her providing a stimulating and welcoming environment for the children, with good care, education and support. Photographs of the children at various venues give children a sense of belonging. The arrangement of the equipment ensures children can freely access resources which leads to using their own initiative to instigate play. Development sheets have been created to share with parents and the childminder intends to expand these in line with the EYFS. Inclusion and integration of all children is enhanced, as sleep patterns and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 school routines are followed. Copies of the policies and procedures are presented to parents and complaints information is available.

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provision

Parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child and are well informed through a daily diary. Discussions about all children take place, to discuss progress and activities under the educational programmes. Partnerships with parents are effectively promoted and the childminder is aware she must liaise with external agencies or services to ensure children get the support they need if necessary. Risk assessments are very thorough and children's welfare is promoted well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports learning well, enhancing children's ability skilfully. The resources provided are rich in variety. There is planned, purposeful play and exploration, on site and on outings to local parks, with a balance of adult-led and child-led activities which are beneficial to the children. Information from observation and assessment is used to ensure that children achieve tasks. The children receive an enjoyable experience across the areas of learning. Observation sheets show an extensive variety of play is enjoyed by the children. Next steps are recorded on a well considered observation sheet and the detail on the child's individual check list of the stepping stones to the Early Learning goals is completed.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop a positive awareness of self and their needs. They are aware of how to behave and share and are eager to learn in stimulating surroundings. The childminder asks open-ended questions and children learn to communicate effectively, are confident and eager to share their knowledge or ask questions to extend it. They use sounds within their play and sing happily along with children's television. They enjoy mark-making and have access to a wide variety of books. Children are supported to develop numeracy awareness and words as they calculate how many buttons are on the childminders skirt. They develop a sense of caring for others and creatures from the natural world. Celebrations and festivals are planned into the adult-led activities to enhance children's awareness of the wider world. Children are encouraged to be active and healthy, developing competent skills of control and manipulation. They are curious to know how things

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

work and eager to try the exciting range of craft activities or feel textures while cooking.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health and well-being is well promoted. The childminder teaches children to behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others. They understand the benefits of physical activity and enjoy outside play in the home and on outings. Children enjoy their learning, making progress towards the Early Learning goals. They make friends and respect each other, taking into account their needs and backgrounds. The childminder is aware to ensure children make progress in communicating, and signing is used with the children. Progress is positive in sound and letter recognition for reading and developing numeracy. 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? 2 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

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the Statutory Framework of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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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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