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 EY307635 Inspection date 27/01/2009 Inspector Deirdra Keating

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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 husband and three children aged five, 14 and 16 in Colchester, Suffolk. The ground floor of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The premises are accessible via the front entrance which has a low step.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of five children may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently two children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) years. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 12 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group with the children. The family have two pet dogs.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder promotes children's welfare, care and leaning with success. The environment is well organised and inclusively meets the individual needs of all the children who attend. Children are confident and assured, and have developed good relationships with the childminder in her welcoming, family home. They are engaged well in activities that are matched to their individual interests and stages of development. The childminder has a close working relationship with parents which ensures they are well informed about their children's care and learning. Self- evaluation has been used very well to reflect on areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 identify training needs and update knowledge using training made available by the local authority and other sources  ensure that the written risk assessments identify all aspects of the environment that need to be checked (this refers to the bookcase in the playroom).

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provision

The organisation of the childminder's home promotes children's welfare, learning and development well. Children are settled in the welcoming, homely environment where they receive very good support from the childminder who takes pride in providing high quality care for each child. Consequently, children are confident and settle-in well. The childminder is very aware of cultural diversity and is confident in her knowledge of respecting children's cultural and religious backgrounds. This promotes a fully inclusive environment where all children are warmly welcomed This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and their needs are sensitively respected.

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provision

The childminder has completed all required training and is committed to developing her knowledge and skills by accessing further courses which she has highlighted through her self- evaluation. Good thought has been given to monitoring and reflecting on her practice in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage. Recommendations raised at the last inspection have been acted upon and the childminder has a strong commitment to improvement. Written policies and procedures are maintained to ensure children's ongoing welfare and care. Risk assessments are recorded and cover most potential risks to children, however, there are aspects of the house that have not been fully included. All adults in the household have undergone checks to ensure they are suitable to have regular contact with children and the childminder is secure in her knowledge of safeguarding children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with good opportunities to make progress across all areas of learning and development. The children have developed close relationships with the childminder in her spacious and comfortable home. They are warmly welcomed and made to feel part of the childminder's family. The planning is flexible and securely based on what children enjoy and can do. Information is carefully gathered prior to children starting which enables the childminder to provide activities that are carefully matched to children's individual needs and helps them to settle confidently. Records of children’s progress are being collected and are shared with parents. Additionally, the childminder uses a daily diary to keep parents informed about their child’s progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is knowledgeable and tailors her care sensitively to children's individual cultural and religious backgrounds. She also has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This inclusive approach ensures that all children are equally welcomed and their needs catered for sensitively and respectfully. The childminder provides a good balance of activities; children visit groups regularly where they make friends and develop their social skills. The childminder helps children learn about numbers and letters; they count as part of their daily routines and use numbers reliably to solve problems such as, how many plates they will need at the table. Children enjoy mixing paint and create pictures using their own style and method. They are given choices about colour, paper and brushes which gives them ownership and control in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has an extremely good understanding of child development; she offers good encouragement and support to children developing their self-esteem and sense of worth. Minor conflicts are dealt with very well promoting a safe and respectful environment. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle as the childminder promotes healthy eating and encourages children to eat fruit and vegetables. Children enjoy healthy meals of sandwiches and freshly chopped fruit and go out every day for fresh air and exercise. 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 registration or 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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