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 EY231058 Inspection date 03/03/2009 Inspector Lynn Denise Smith

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and two children, aged eight years and eleven years, in Witham. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group, takes children to the library and to the park. The childminder has regular links with other local childminders.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding seven children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. Four of the children are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 12 years. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has a pet dog, some fish and a gecko. A low step to the main door provides access to the premises. The bathroom is situated on the ground floor.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder's knowledge of the individual children in her care is good, however, she has not yet developed a system for observing and assessing their progress to inform planning for their individual learning. The partnership with parents is effective and based mostly on sharing information verbally; parents are, however, not yet playing an active role in their children's learning and links with other settings are in their infancy. Children are cared for in a child-friendly environment and the childminder endeavours to promote an inclusive provision throughout her practices. The childminder considers her practices, however, has not yet commenced reviewing and evaluating their effectiveness.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop knowledge of learning and development requirements to ensure the process of observation, assessment and planning gives equal attention to all six areas of learning  develop the use of reflective practice to identify the setting’s strengths and priorities for improvement that will improve the quality of the provision for all children  extend opportunities for parents and others across different settings to share what they know about the child and become involved in identifying the next steps in their learning and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 carry out a full risk assessment for each type of outing (Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare) 27/03/2009  maintain a record of risk assessment, clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review of incident, including for each specific outing with the children (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 27/03/2009

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provision

Children are cared for in a welcoming and relaxed setting. The childminder is beginning to develop some understanding of the EYFS and to implement the necessary changes to her working practices to enable her to meet the new requirements. Children make progress, however, sufficient planning and assessment procedures have not yet been implemented to evidence how the childminder is helping children to learn and develop.

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provision

All adults living on the premises are vetted through Ofsted's procedures and minded children are always under the childminder's supervision. Children are appropriately safeguarded whilst in the childminder's care as she demonstrates a clear understanding of her responsibilities. The childminder has booked a place on a forthcoming safeguarding course which she hopes will bring her knowledge up- to-date.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates some understanding of providing an inclusive provision and endeavours to gain as much knowledge about the children's individual needs and home backgrounds as possible by sharing information verbally with their parents. A basic risk assessment of the premises was carried out when the childminder moved to this address, however this has not been documented or updated. At present risk assessments are not carried out for each type of outing. The childminder considers her practices with a view to making changes and improvements, however, has not yet entered a culture of self-evaluation and reflective practice. Information about the childminder's services are shared verbally and informally with parents when then meet to discuss the arrangements. There are currently no written procedures in place detailing her practices with regards to safeguarding procedures or complaints from parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare, learning and development are being satisfactorily met and promoted. Children develop an understanding about keeping themselves healthy and safe as they follow the childminder's advice. They know that it is important to wash their hands after using the toilet and before they eat meals. Children enjoy physical activity when they play in the childminder's garden and when they visit This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 local parks and indoor play centres. Their dietary needs are effectively met as the childminder works closely with their parents to provide substantial and nutritious meals and snacks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play and develop in a welcoming and child-friendly environment. They have access to a good amount of clear floor space as the childminder organises her lounge and dining room effectively. Toys and resources are stored in the hallway and are generally accessible to children. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play which is well-equipped with physical play resources.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident and settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy their time with her and are seen as valuable members of the family. They are spoken to in a calm and positive manner and constant praise helps to develop their self-esteem and confidence. The childminder acknowledges that all children learn and develop at their own pace and endeavours to provide an inclusive provision whereby each child's individual needs are recognised and met. Parents are encouraged to share relevant information about their children with the childminder, which she in turn uses to inform her practices. Most communication is achieved on a verbal basis although some basic information about the children's day and routine is shared in writing. Links with parents regarding their involvement in their children's learning and links with other settings providing for the EYFS are in their infancy.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides toys and play equipment which can promote children's learning across all six areas. For example, they enjoy being creative as they access creative play materials from the exciting range presented for them on a daily basis. They use the childminder's computer to extend their knowledge and technical skills. They chat freely to the childminder and to each other and extend their vocabulary by sharing books and stories. Some mental observations of the children's activities and achievements are being made, however, these are not yet being used effectively to identify children's starting points and learning journeys. The observations are not currently being used as a process for planning future relevant learning experiences. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 develop a safeguarding children policy (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children) 27/03/2009  make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint (Procedures for dealing with complaints) 27/03/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 develop a safeguarding children policy (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children) 27/03/2009  make available to parents a written statement that provides details of the procedure to be followed if they have a complaint (Procedures for dealing with complaints) 27/03/2009 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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