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 EY297754 Inspection date 26/02/2009 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

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 2004. She lives with her children aged seventeen, thirteen and eleven years in Witham, Essex. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has a cat. 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 six children at any one time and is currently minding nine children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder offers places for children on the Early Years Foundation Stage, and is therefore registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools and playgroups to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group, library and park with the minded children. The childminder 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 organises her home very well to provide a nurturing environment, in which children feel relaxed and happy. Interesting learning opportunities ensure children make good progress in their learning. The childminder has developed caring relationships with children and works well with parents to ensure all individual needs are met. Self-evaluation is used effectively to continue to improve outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop planning to ensure all areas of learning are covered equally  develop assessment to identify starting points and ensure children make as much progress as possible.

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provision

The childminder has devised effective policies and procedures to support her good practice. Close working relationships have been fostered with parents and the childminder provides an informative welcome pack helping to ensure they are fully aware of childcare practices at the setting. Parents have provided the childminder with information about their children's needs, likes and dislikes and all children's details are stored securely and confidentially. Written parental permissions have been obtained, helping to ensure children are cared for in line with their parents' wishes.

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provision

Appropriate checks have been completed to ensure children are cared for by This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 suitable adults. Children's welfare is protected and promoted as there is a clear safeguarding policy and the childminder demonstrates a thorough understanding of correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care.

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provision

The childminder helps children develop an understanding of danger and teaches them to behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others. For example, children practise road safety whilst walking to and from local schools and parks. The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of how to keep children safe and has completed thorough risk assessments, identifying and minimising risks within the home and on outings. The childminder is committed to further enhancing the experiences of children in her care and monitors her own practice to identify areas for future development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are very well cared for by the experienced and dedicated childminder. They are secure and confident as the childminder spends valuable time getting to know them and their families well in order to provide an individual approach. The childminder encourages children to make healthy choices about what they eat and drink. They are provided with a range of nutritious foods at meal times including pasta dishes, roast dinners and fresh vegetables and sit together at snack time to share fresh fruit and drinks of milk, water or juice. Children's understanding is further enhanced as the childminder uses role-play activities to teach children about the benefits of a healthy diet. Children have frequent opportunities to enjoy fresh air and physical activity as they walk to and from school and visit the local park. They develop balance and co-ordination as they play on the slides, swings and climbing equipment. Children also enjoy participating in singing and music and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

movement sessions with the childminder. Children rest and sleep according to their own routines.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play and learn in a spacious environment and have independent access to many toys and resources. They enjoy selecting their own activities from the range provided, however, the childminder does not plan to ensure all areas of learning are covered equally. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of how children learn and develop and children make good progress at the setting. Observations are completed to identify next steps in children's learning, however, children's starting points are not identified and progress is not recorded in order to ensure children make as much progress as possible.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy playing with the wide range of imaginative play resources provided including role-play resources and small world toys. They sit with the childminder to complete puzzles, identifying colour and shape with support. The childminder uses very effective questioning to support and extend children's thinking. Children regularly attend toddler groups with the childminder, benefiting from the opportunity to participate in creative activities and developing good social skills as they interact with other children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play and chat happily with the childminder and are developing responsible behaviour as they assist with daily routines, such as tidying away toys before This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 lunch. The childminder is consistently polite and attentive and uses developmentally appropriate behaviour management strategies including praise, explanation and encouragement. As a result, children understand what is expected of them and their behaviour is very good. The childminder teaches children about a range of cultures and beliefs, helping to develop a secure understanding of the wider world. Children are actively encouraged to share their home experiences, clearly demonstrating that they are valued and helping to foster good self-esteem. 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

Since the last inspection Ofsted has received one complaint that required the provider to take action. This related to children's safety whilst on outings. A visit was carried out and an action set for the provider to ensure that children remain safe on outings. A second action was set to ensure risk assessments are completed for all outings. The provider remained suitable for registration at the time the investigations were closed.

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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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