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

p.1

Unique reference number 202161 Inspection date 22/01/2009 Inspector Lynn Denise Smith

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1991. She lives with her husband in Maldon. The whole 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.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding 11 children, all of whom attend on a full and part-time basis. Three of the children are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also offers care to children aged over five to 12 years. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the Compulsory and Voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has a pet dog, three cats and a parrot.

p.3

Description of the childminding

A low step to the main door ensures access to the premises. The bathroom is situated on the ground floor. The childminder provides parents with a written prospectus which provides them with details about her service.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides superbly for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are provided with a safe and secure environment in which to play and explore which is regularly risk assessed. Children's learning and development is expertly promoted and clear planning and assessment procedures are in place to ensure children are provided with a stimulating range of activities. Good links are in place with the parents and other settings providing for the EYFS.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 record risk assessments for each typs of outing as required by the EYFS.

p.3

provision

The childminder demonstrates a sound commitment to updating her professional skills and knowledge through training and current literature. This enables her to proficiently promote children's welfare, learning and safety. The training the childminder has undertaken includes Safeguarding, EYFS and First Aid as well as working towards her Diploma in Home Based Childcare. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Expertly produced records, policies and procedures are in place to support the childminder's practices, these are regularly reviewed and updated and shared effectively with parents. Parents are encouraged to view their children's developmental records and are provided with a written daily account of their children's day and activities. Newsletters inform parents about the themes and topics to be covered and keep them informed of any changes. Parents are asked to

p.3

provision

provide feedback on the childminder's provision by way of a questionnaire.

p.4

provision

Effective and robust procedures ensure that all adults caring for the children have been appropriately vetted and cleared. Children are expertly protected from potential harm as the childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of her responsibilities with regards to protecting children. Thorough risk assessments are carried out to ensure that the premises are safe and secure. Risk assessments for outings are in place, however, these have not yet been effectively recorded in line with the EYFS. Ongoing continuous self-assessment enables the childminder to review her practices and to make effective changes for improvement.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare, learning and development is superbly promoted. They are treated as individuals and respected by a caring and enthusiastic childminder. Children's knowledge of good safety and hygiene practices are extended by the childminder, for example, she gently reminds them to wash their hands after using the toilet and to dry their hands on their individually labelled towel. Children enthusiastically enjoy physical play and outdoor activities as they make good use of the childminder's garden, play on the large scale play equipment at the park and go for regular walks in the local area. Children are provided with extremely healthy and nutritious meals. They enjoy making choices over their snacks from the large selection of different fruits available to them. Home cooked meals are provided every day which offer children a well balanced and nutritious diet. Children sit together and enjoy this special time of the day.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play and learn in a very well organised and child-friendly home. They move freely around the childminder's lounge and dining room, safely accessing toys and resources from the extensive range available to them. The dinging room is made bright and colourful as children are encouraged to display a selection of their works of art. An exciting looking dragon hangs from the ceiling in preparation for the Chinese New Year celebrations.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Parents are actively encouraged to play a role within their children's learning and development. They share relevant information with the childminder when she begins caring for their children and regularly update her with any changes or achievements recorded at home. The childminder uses the information effectively to inform her practices and provide her with a clear starting point on which to base the children's progress. The childminder is aware that all children progress at different paces and that some children need additional support, working with regular assistants enables the childminder to fully support all children. Good links are in place for sharing information with other settings working within the EYFS. An effective system for reviewing, monitoring and evaluating the childminder's This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provision enables her to seek feedback from the children, parents and assistants

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

on aspects of the provision which could be further improved.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have superb opportunities to develop at their own pace as they are provided with an extensive range of planned and free play activities to help them make progress across all six areas of learning. They are extremely confident speakers and enjoy conversing with each other and with the adults caring for them. They attentively listen to stories and join in at appropriate places, giggling excitedly as they are provided with opportunities to choose characters for the story. Children are provided with excellent resources to help them progress their pre reading and writing skills, for example, they freely access a large range of drawing resources. Children have regular opportunities to socialise with other children and enjoy their company as the childminder takes them to toddler groups and meets with other registered childminders. Children express themselves through role play, dressing-up and creative activities.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.8

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.

p.8