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 202639 Inspection date 13/03/2009 Inspector Amanda Jane Gray

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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 has been registered since 1994. She lives with her husband. They live in a house within walking distance of South Woodham Ferrers railway station and local schools and shops. All areas of the property are used for childminding; the main play space is in the living room and conservatory. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

She is registered to provide care for six children under eight years, of these not more than three may be under five years, and of these, not more than one may be under one year. At present, the childminder cares for eight children aged from six months to six years, plus two children aged over eight years. At present, the childminder cares for eleven children, aged from one to nine years, all on a part- time basis.

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Description of the childminding

It is a non-smoking household. The family have no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder takes minded children on outings and meets with other childminders on a regular basis. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a well- organised and welcoming environment for children and their families. She has an inclusive approach and uses her good knowledge of the individual needs of each child to tailor activities and routines on a daily basis. All aspects of welfare, learning and development are promoted very effectively. The childminder reflects on her own practice and is currently developing the use of a self-evaluation form.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure sensitive observational assessments are carried out in order to plan to meet young children's individual needs in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage  develop the self-evaluation process to support continuous improvement. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 review and update the complaints policy so that it includes the requirement that complainants are notified of the outcome of the investigation within 28 days of writing (Safeguarding and welfare) 16/04/2009  ensure that a full risk assessment is carried out for each outing undertaken (Safeguarding and welfare) 16/04/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

There are proficient and well-organised systems in place to ensure all the required documentation, policies and procedures are effective for the daily management of the Early Years Foundation Stage setting. Comprehensive written policies and effective steps are taken to promote the health and welfare of children; this includes detailed risk assessments and a fire evacuation plan. However, changes to the legislation in regard to the complaints procedure and written risk assessments for outings have not been acted on or reflected within the current policies and require updating.

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provision

The childminder encourages parents and carers to share information about their children's abilities and interests. This enables her to provide a range of activities and opportunities, both within and away from the childminding setting. The childminder liaises with her childminding group and demonstrates a willingness to work in partnership with other agencies as necessary, to ensure children's needs remain met. The childminder feeds back to parents at the end of the day and provides them with scrapbooks containing their children's work. She meets up with parents for coffee and chats and discusses activities she is working with the children on. As a result parents are keep up to date about their child and possible future learning goals.

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provision

Children are safeguarded in this setting because the childminder has a good understanding of child protection procedures and signs and symptoms of abuse. She ensures children are supervised and kept safe at all times. She has attended recent training in this area and is fully aware of the correct procedures to follow should she have any concerns. Safety and security are promoted effectively. Children are reminded about the need to use tools and equipment safely, and the childminder talks to them about keeping themselves safe by discussing issues, such as road safety when out walking, and practising an emergency evacuation of the premises. As such children's welfare is promoted well.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Overall, children make good progress in their learning and development, and excellent progress in their personal, social and emotional development, due to the effective relationships that are made by the childminder. They play and learn in an environment where good behaviour is valued and inclusion is effectively promoted as the childminder successfully creates a positive environment that values individuality. Children are well-behaved and enjoy good relationships with the childminder and other family members, for example, they all read an animal book together and made animal sounds. Resources, play equipment and play areas are effectively organised, ensuring children can access resources safely, fostering choice and independence.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Early Years This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Foundation Stage (EYFS) and is aware of the ways in which children learn through play. She gathers useful information about children at the beginning of each placement through discussions with parents and a flexible settling-in process. This allows her to provide activities which build on children's interests

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop an awareness of the wider world and diversity through celebration of different festivals such as Chinese New Year and Diwali. A very good range of resources reflecting people's similarities and differences, together with play and sensitive conversations, help them see the needs of others in a positive manner. Children explore the local environment and the natural world on regular basis with the childminder, through trips to places of interest, such as Marsh Farm and Tropical Wings Butterfly Park. This is further supported through activities such as spring and autumn watch and exploring how things grow. Children learn the benefits of a healthy diet through activities such as 'Rainbow Week' where children are encouraged to choose a healthy food item in different colours of the rainbow throughout the week, introducing them to new tastes and experiences.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Through her past training, the childminder feels confident in delivering a good quality service and has plans in place, allowing her to provide a range of activities that capture children's interests and extend their learning. However, observations and assessments are not completed to ensure children continue to make good and consistent progress in all areas of learning. 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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