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 560139 Inspection date 25/02/2009 Inspector Lynn Denise Smith

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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 1993. She lives with her husband and five children, two of whom are aged under 16 years, in Chelmsford. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group, takes children to the library and to the park. The childminder has regular links with other local childminders.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time and regularly works with another registered childminder. All of the children currently attend on a part-time basis. Three of the children are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder has a dog and a cat. A low step to the main door provides access to the premises. The bathroom is situated on the ground floor.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children's welfare is met in most aspects, however, provision to meet the requirements of the learning and development section of the Early Years Foundation Stage is limited. Children are settled and comfortable in the childminder's care which she describes as a 'home from home' experience and in which she endeavours to meet all children's inclusive needs. There is currently no provision for reviewing and evaluating the setting, links with other providers within the EYFS are limited and to date risk assessments have not been carried out. The childminder's knowledge of safeguarding procedures contains information which is out-of-date and some of the documentation is not effectively recorded.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements of the EYFS with particular regard to observation, assessment and planning children's individual learning paths  develop a culture of reflective practice, self-evaluation and informed discussion with parents and other co-workers to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children  promote positive attitudes to diversity through activities that encourage children to talk about similarities and differences, the celebration of different cultures and to learn to value other people's differing needs This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  ensure knowledge regarding safeguarding procedures and the action to be taken if concerns arise is up-to-date  extend opportunities for parents and others across different settings to share

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further?

what they know about the children and become involved in identifying the next steps in their learning and development  ensure all records and documentation is clearly recorded, this is with reference to the recording of accidents and medication and the accuracy of the daily registers.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 carry out a full risk assessment for each type of outing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 13/03/2009  maintain a record of risk assessments, clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom and when it is to be reviewed (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 13/03/2009

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provision

Children are cared for by an established childminder who has cared for minded children for over 16 years. She regularly works with another registered childminder which enables additional children to be cared for. The childminder was registered at a time when there was no requirement to attend introductory training. She has completed some workshops on childcare issues, however, she has not attended any training regarding the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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provision

All adults on the premises are appropriately vetted and clearance is held on file. The childminder always ensures that the children in her care are well-supervised by herself or her co-minder. Children's individual needs are acknowledge and the childminder tries to ensure that she is providing an inclusive provision by working closely with the parents and carers to establish a clear understanding of their home backgrounds.

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provision

The childminder has some written policies and procedures in place, however, these are not routinely shared with parents and carers. Whilst all required records are available for inspection, the method used to record and keep these causes concern. A general book is currently used to record accidents children have, significant incidents, fire evacuation practices, medication and messages from parents and carers. The entries do not provide confidentiality and appear muddled. The method for recording children's attendance does not produce an accurate record as the childminder usually completes it at the end of the day and the co- minder keeps her register and records at her own home.

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provision

There is currently no procedure in place for reviewing and evaluating the practices used to strive for improvements. The childminder ensures that her home is safe before the children arrive, however, the requirement to carry out regular risk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assessments indoors and for each type of outing has not been addressed, this is now a requirement of the EYFS.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is, in part, promoted, as the childminder uses her established procedures regarding their health and safety, there are, however, some aspects of welfare requirements which need to be enhanced to bring them in line with the changes introduced by the EYFS. For example current safeguarding knowledge is limited and some of the records regarding accidents and medication are not appropriately recorded. Children learn through play, however, the 'learn and develop' aspect of the EYFS has not been fully implemented in respect of the planning and assessment requirements. Children develop some understanding about keeping safe and healthy as they follow the childminder's directions. They enjoy outdoor physical play most days when they make use of the childminder's garden and when they visit local parks. Children enjoy a range of meals at the childminder's house and are provided with a selection of fresh fruit for snacks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a clean and child-friendly home whereby a good selection of toys and resources are stored at their height for easy self-selection. They rest in appropriate cots and beds and have a comfortable area in the lounge for watching television or listening to music. The childminder's garden is accessed through the playroom and provides play opportunities in all types of weather.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are settled and content within the childminder's care and enjoy each other's company. They receive positive praise and encouragement and understand the childminder's boundaries and simple rules. Discussion around other people's cultures and religions promotes some knowledge of diversity and equality, however, the range of special occasions and festivals celebrated is limited. Two- way verbal communication enables the parents, carers and the childminder to share relevant information, however, at present there is no provision for parents and carers to play an active role in their children's learning experiences. Links with other settings providing for the EYFS are in their infancy as the childminder works closely with the staff at a local pre-school, however, she has not yet implemented a procedure for sharing information about the children's progress with other settings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn at their own pace and most play is child-initiated, based upon them feeling comfortable and secure in their surroundings. The childminder demonstrates very little knowledge of the six areas of learning and is unable to evidence the way in which she plans for children's individual learning or records and evaluates their progress. Children do have opportunities to express themselves through role play and dressing up. They develop social habits as they visit a number of toddler groups and indoor play centres with the childminder. They make progress in their physical development as they participate in craft activities planned by the childminder, often using scissors and following a template created for them. 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 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 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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