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 EY370264 Inspection date 24/02/2009 Inspector Greg Wolff

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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 was registered in 2008. She lives with her husband and two children aged 13 years and one year in Chigwell, Essex. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. Access to the premises is by way of a single step up to the front door. The childminder lives within walking distance of schools, parks and library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family have a pet rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and is currently minding a 15 month old and a 20 month old part time. The childminder is registered 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 satisfactory. The childminder provides a range of suitable activities for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Good organisation of her childminding service ensures that children are happy, have positive experiences and are well cared for but learning opportunities do not yet meet their individual developmental needs. The childminder provides an inclusive environment and works effectively with parents and carers to ensure that all children are valued. The childminder has not yet started to evaluate her own practice thoroughly in order to identify strengths and areas for future development.

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further?

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

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further?

 make systematic observations and assessments of each child's achievements, interests and learning styles and use these to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child  ensure that information regarding children's achievements is shared with parents and offer support for extending learning in the home  use a suitable self evaluation form and quality improvement process as the basis of ongoing review, assessing what is offered against robust and challenging quality criteria.

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provision

Children's care and welfare are well promoted. They benefit as the childminder makes good use of her time and organises the play environment to be accessible to all ages. As a result, children receive ample adult attention to support their learning. The childminder makes effective use of the premises and a wide range of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 resources to provide a stimulating, child-centred learning environment. Children are safeguarded as the childminder carries out risk assessments both in her home and for outings that she may take the children on, for example taking a trip to the local farm. Appropriate supervision of children further promotes their safety. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and procedures in order to safeguard children. All adults in the household are appropriately vetted.

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provision

Parents and carers receive plenty of information about the childminding service and their child's care, though not currently regarding their education. The childminder spends time talking to parents and carers and gathering information before the child starts. This enables her to find out about children's individual interests and starting points and she is then able to plan and provide appropriate activities and resources to support each child. The childminder has recently started to make basic observations as children play, but these are not yet assessed and she is not yet in a position to use these to inform planning for their next steps. The childminder has a developing awareness of her own provision and is able to identify areas for improvement in basic terms. She is yet to start to evaluate her practice in order to ensure that improvement is ongoing and relevant to the children in her care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make satisfactory progress in the childminder's care because their individual needs are met. The childminder has a developing understanding of the learning and development requirements of the EYFS but she is yet to use these to plan successfully to meet them. Observations of the children at play are not yet used to identify their next steps for learning so that children are not consistently supported to progress and gain new skills. Children are becoming active learners and readily engage in activities. Their emerging language skills are encouraged as the childminder talks to children and listens for suitable responses. Children thrive on the praise and encouragement they receive and are confident and happy in the childminder's care. The childminder uses children's free play to introduce learning opportunities, for example, counting, colour recognition and concepts of size and shape. Children freely explore a variety of materials. They are able to take part in

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

exciting and relevant outings such trips to see the animals at the local farm.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well and they show care and consideration for others. From an early age they are learning to share resources and socialise, for example when playing with the train set inside. Children are learning to behave in ways which are safe for themselves and others. The childminder offers simple explanations, for example, why they need to tidy up the play spaces. Children are able to gain an awareness of the wider community as they visit places such as the park or local farm. Children's well-being is effectively supported and they are learning to keep themselves healthy. They are regularly offered drinks and healthy snacks are provided, ensuring children have sufficient energy for play and exercise. The food which the childminder provides is healthy and nutritious. Children frequently enjoy opportunities to exercise and access fresh air. The garden enables children to explore their bodies as they run and play on the equipment provided. Outings to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

the park enable children to use more challenging physical equipment. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 have space to move freely indoors and, with the use of soft flooring, are able to further develop their movement and co-ordination skills. Children enjoy close relationships with the childminder who shows genuine interest in their play and involves herself in their activities in order to fully support children's learning and development. 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? 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? 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: 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

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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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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