Durrant, Emma Maria

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 EY336714 Inspection date 09/12/2008 Inspector Lisa Paisley

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and three years and a baby under one year in Benfleet, Essex. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the childminder's home is via a small step at the front door.

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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 when working with an assistant is registered for a maximum of five children at any one time. The childminder is currently minding three children under five part time, who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This provision is registered by Ofsted on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children and she attends the local parent and toddler group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children’s individual needs are met to an exceptionally high standard as the childminder has an extensive understanding of the uniqueness of each child in her care. Children's welfare is successfully promoted and all children make outstanding progress in their learning and development. The childminder is highly professional and effective in her role and she consistently takes effective steps to ensure that she continually improves outcomes for children. Effective monitoring and evaluation systems of the provision are in place, ensuring effective and continuous improvements are sustained.

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further?

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

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further?

 strengthen partnerships with parents in relation to children’s learning in the home.

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provision

The considerable range of documentation, including policies and procedures are comprehensive and are accurately completed to ensure children's individual needs are met to a high standard and they are fully safeguarded. The childminder works extremely hard as she ensures children's welfare, play and learning are paramount while in her care. She is proactive in further extending her professional development, for example, completing a CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare, undertaking short training courses and being part of the accredited This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminding network. Consequently, the childminder is well informed of any changes with regard to childcare practices and she has a comprehensive understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Self- evaluation systems have been effectively developed, ensuring that the childminder

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provision

has a fundamental understanding of the overall effectiveness with regards to her childminding.

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provision

Space and resources are well organised to provide children with an extensive range of interesting and enjoyable play experiences and activities. The planning of play and learning routines provide children with extensive opportunities to explore within small groups and on an individual basis at their own time and pace, ensuring consolidation and extension to their learning is achieved. Effective relationships with all parents have been successfully established as the childminder ensures all parents are informed about every aspect of their child's care. This includes detailed feedback sheets incorporating both written and pictorial comments and observations and parents completing six monthly evaluation forms. Effective working partnerships have been created with other agencies to ensure successful continuity of care for individual children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Extensive planning, assessment and observational systems are in place and are used successfully to record and monitor each individual child's progress and overall development. This ensures that each child receives extensive and enjoyable, challenging experiences across the six areas of learning. Their learning is encouraged in the home, however, this is not yet fully developed. Children's individual interests and developmental needs inform future activity plans as the childminder has both an excellent theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how children play and learn. Consequently, children are making outstanding progress in all areas of learning. Their individual achievements and positive behaviour are valued as the childminder effectively supports all children; this includes using star charts and positive verbal praise for individual achievements. Older children attending the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

provision are fully included and consulted on all aspects of the childminding, for example, they are encouraged to complete a compliments slip and their views are considered when planning for trips out, such as the Natural History and Science museums and the London Aquarium. Children attending after school are also encouraged to complete some homework with sensitive support from the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All children are happy, contented and secure within the home; they settle into the environment and activities quickly as they are all excited to attend the childminder's. Children's personal, social and emotional development is exceptionally well promoted as the childminder successfully promotes an extended family environment for all children attending. Daily routines, play experiences and planned outings, for example, toddler groups, local park, Hadleigh Castle and Marsh Farm further extend children's social skills and confidence. Children's appreciation of books and stores are developed from an early age, as the designated book corner allows children free access to an extensive range of books This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 that are age appropriate. Children's experiences of problem solving, reasoning and numeracy are promoted through daily routines and planned focussed activities,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

such as sequencing and linking numbers. There are extensive opportunities for children to learn about the natural world, local community and historical facts, for example, older children participating in an archaeological dig. They all particularly enjoy fruit picking to make jam for their parents and they also enjoy growing vegetables and using the ingredients in their snacks and meals. There are excellent opportunities for children to participate in an extensive range of creative activities; this includes making Santa money boxes for Christmas. Children have excellent opportunities to develop their physical skills as they have daily access to the outdoor play area and indoor play centres during the winter months.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Safeguarding, health and well-being is an outstanding aspect of the childminding, as the childminder has an excellent understanding of her role in the protection of children. The premises are effectively planned, and are secure, both indoors and outside and collection procedures are in place if someone other than a parent is collecting a particular child. Children develop healthy eating habits because they have a choice of different fruit and vegetables, such as bananas, grapes and carrots at snack time. All food is freshly prepared, ensuring that meals and snacks are low in salt and sugar content. Menus are on display and are reviewed regularly, considering both parents' and children's comments. Children have a good understanding of keeping themselves safe through clear messages from the childminder and the practising of fire evacuation procedures. Children's positive behaviour is highly valued and inclusion is successfully promoted through daily

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

routines and all planned activities. Children are well-behaved and enjoy very close and effective relationships with the childminder and other family members. The home environment has been successfully created as the childminder is highly skilled at actively promoting children's participation within all areas of the childminding. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 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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