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 EY380153 Inspection date 11/02/2009 Inspector Justine Leong

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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 2008. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and seven years in Colchester, Essex. The whole of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has a pet dog. Access is via a small step to the front of the property.

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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 four children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder offers places for children on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder spends valuable time getting to know the children and their families well, developing good relationships and helping to ensure children feel relaxed and secure. Parents and carers are generally included at the setting, helping to ensure individual needs are met and that there is continuity of care. The childminder demonstrates a very positive attitude towards continuous improvement and uses self-evaluation effectively to identify areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure the accident record is consistently signed by parents  improve opportunities for parents to become fully involved in their children's learning.

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provision

The childminder has devised comprehensive policies and procedures, supporting and underpinning her good practice. Parents receive a detailed welcome pack containing copies of all policies and important information when they start at the setting, ensuring they are fully informed of the childminder's practices. Written parental permissions have been obtained, helping to ensure children are consistently cared for in line with their parents' wishes. The childminder is beginning to consider ways to involve parents in their children's learning.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities in protecting children. Appropriate systems are in place to promote children's welfare in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Thorough vetting procedures ensure children are cared for by suitable people and comprehensive risk assessments are completed regularly, ensuring children's safety within the home and when on outings. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are developing a very good awareness of how to keep themselves safe as, for instance, they practise crossing the road safely whilst outside the home and clear posters at the front door remind older children of safety rules. The childminder has carefully considered an evacuation procedure to be followed in the event of an emergency and frequently practises this with minded children. The childminder monitors the provision and identifies areas for future development

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder organises her home very well to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which children thrive. Robust hygiene procedures ensure that children remain healthy at the setting and a clear sickness policy is in place to support this. A clear accident record is maintained, although this is not consistently signed by parents. Children are developing a secure understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet as they are provided with nutritious foods at snack and meal times and have constant access to drinks. The childminder also plans interesting role-play activities to teach children which foods are good for them and why. Physical activity is encouraged; children regularly access the garden or visit the local park where they climb, run and play games under constant supervision. Children also enjoy regular music and movement sessions with the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play and learn in a spacious environment where they have independent access to many stimulating toys and resources, allowing them to make choices about their day. The childminder uses her thorough knowledge of how children learn to plan a wide range of activities, covering all areas of learning. They have access to small world toys, dressing-up clothes and role-play equipment, and the childminder works with them to encourage the development of communication skills. Children sit with the childminder to complete puzzles or play shape sorting games, using maths skills in context as they count and identify shapes. The childminder regularly monitors children's development and clearly records next steps in their learning to be used in future planning. The childminder's comprehensive knowledge of each child's level of ability enables her to sensitively adapt levels of support offered and ensures children make good progress towards

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very relaxed and confident in the childminder's care and chat happily to her during play. The childminder is attentive and listens carefully to children, demonstrating that their ideas are valued and helping to foster good self-esteem. Children have access to resources that are representative of diversity including dolls, books and small world toys, helping to develop an understanding of the wider world. This is further enhanced as they celebrate a range of festivals, learning about different cultures and beliefs. Developmentally appropriate behaviour management strategies are consistently employed including explanation, encouragement and praise. The childminder is calm and polite, acting as a positive role model. Children know what is expected of them and their behaviour is good. 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.

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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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