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 EY298951 Inspection date 14/01/2009 Inspector Lynn Amelia Hartigan

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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 lives with her partner and two children aged eight and five years, in Mayland near Chelmsford, Essex. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the childminder's home is via a low step. The family have Bearded Dragon Lizards and Geckos as pets. The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also offers care to four children aged over five years. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a sound knowledge of each child's individual needs and they are all inclusively welcomed. This ensures that she can effectively promote all aspects of children's welfare, learning and development. Children are safe and secure at all times and they enjoy learning about the world around them. The childminder is committed to working in partnership with parents and is beginning to provide opportunities to include parents in their children's learning achievements. As a result, children are making good progress with their learning and development. The childminder's commitment to training and effective self- evaluation ensures that a good standard of care and education is provided.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure assistants are recorded within the attendance records  develop the use of observations and assessments and use these to identify learning priorities and plan relevant learning experiences for each child  continue to develop opportunities to work in partnership with parents, ensuring they are involved in their children's learning and development  review and update written policies, this refers to child protection and complaints.

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provision

Children are cared for by a childminder who has a good understanding and knowledge of their backgrounds and needs, this ensures she can effectively promote their learning, development and welfare. The childminder has completed some training courses to ensure she is up-to-date with childcare practice. Some written policies and procedures are effectively implemented in practice, to ensure children's well-being and safety. Parents and assistants are made aware of these, as a file is easily accessible for parents. The childminder is organised and all This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 paperwork is well maintained. However, the childminder does not record when working with an assistant in attendance records. The childminder positively encourages good working practices with the parents and endeavours to inform them verbally on a daily basis of their child's learning achievements. Some written

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provision

observations and photographic evidence is also offered to the parents. This is an effective way to document and share the children's developmental achievements. Children receive good attention as the childminder works with an appropriate number of children at any one time, enabling her to give good supervision and care.

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provision

Children are effectively protected from harm as the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding with regard to child protection and safeguarding children. The childminder has attended training relating to safeguarding and has a policy in place, however this should be regularly reviewed and updated. The childminder is comfortable and secure with the procedure to follow should she have concerns regarding a child's well-being. Thorough vetting procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for by suitable people. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards continuous improvement and has made satisfactory attempts to reflect on her practice and self-evaluate, this continues to be developed.

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provision

The childminder is committed to promoting inclusive practice. Some resources that promote positive images are available to the children. The childminder has identified diversity and equality as an area to develop further and now ensures that traditional days and festivals are reflected within the planning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning, development and welfare are promoted effectively by the childminder, enabling them to make good progress towards the early learning goals. Some good activities are planned and adult-led, however the childminder encourages the children to initiate their own ideas and supports their interests. Children are able to play in a welcoming and child-friendly environment. Children have a good play space indoors and outdoors. Children's artwork such as Chinese lanterns are displayed within the kitchen, creating a sense of belonging. The children enjoy many creative activities such as dressing up in hats and play shoes, cooking Easter cakes, playing with bubbles and painting. Children are able to safely make choices with regard to the toys and resources, as a very good range are well-presented in organised storage boxes within the lounge. The childminder has a flexible weekly plan which may include visits to the local library, Marsh Farm or

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

park. Children have fun playing outdoors, where a selection of apparatus is available to them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are beginning to learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder explains about the consequences of their actions. They are reminded of road safety when out walking. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices when choosing a snack. Fruit is readily available to them. They sit comfortably at the table and enjoy raisins and a buttered bun. They are beginning to understand about personal hygiene and are encouraged to wash their hands before snack and after using the bathroom. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Parental involvement is valued and encouraged with regard to the children's learning and development. However, more opportunities could be made so that the parents are encouraged to participate in the initial assessment of their child. The childminder has made a satisfactory start to observations and evaluations of the children and is beginning to effectively plan for their next steps. These are shared

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

with the parents along with examples of the children's artwork and photographs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a fully inclusive environment where every child is unique, valued and respected. They are confident and secure within the setting and they have a good understanding of the childminder's positive approach to behaviour management. Children are congratulated and praised for their efforts and are clearly comfortable within the setting. The childminder understands that some children may require additional support and actively seeks information and advice to ensure they are fully involved in the activities provided. Children are beginning to have a basic understanding of diversity as the childminder encourages simple conversations regarding everyone's individuality and through topics such as 'About Me'. Children have had great fun eating rice with chopsticks and making lanterns in preparation for Chinese New Year and excitedly identify China on a world map. 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

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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