Clark, Mrs Janet Claire

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 EY304116 Inspection date 06/03/2009 Inspector Patricia Mary Champion

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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 2005. She lives with her child aged 10. They live in a house in Maldon within walking distance of schools and shops. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children in the early years age group. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a cat, two guinea pigs and a hamster as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted 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 attends the local carer and toddler group 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. Children settle well and take pleasure in the time they spend with the childminder. They enjoy many stimulating experiences that promote all aspects of their learning and development. The childminder finds out about each child’s routines, enthusiasms, and capabilities right from the start so that she can efficiently plan to meet their needs. The two- way flow of information with parents generally supports children’s welfare and progress. Detailed risk assessment ensures that the family home and outings are safe. Self-evaluation is accurate and the childminder is committed to improving outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 encourage parents to contribute to their children's learning and development records  extend further the essential records taken on outings.

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provision

The childminder is a qualified nursery nurse and has attended all the required training in relation to her childminding practice. She is well-organised and motivated in all aspects of her childminding. This ensures that the services she provides for families and children are well-informed and effective. Records are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 well-maintained and information about the children is systematically filed. Each child has an individual folder with all the essential information the childminder needs to plan and deliver the best possible care. Clearly written policies and procedures promote children’s health, safety and enjoyment. Risk assessment of the premises is thorough to ensure that children remain safe. On outings, the childminder carries the vital equipment needed to safeguard children’s welfare and has now identified that also taking additional records such as consent agreements

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provision

will enable her to act without delay in the event of an emergency. The childminder uses reflective practice to help her identify how she can improve the work she does with children and families. Her method of self-evaluation accurately and incisively details her strengths and areas for further improvement and both children and parents are involved in the evaluation process.

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provision

Children benefit from the effective working relationships that have been established with parents and carers. This is achieved through worthwhile discussions and sharing of information to ensure that both parties are kept fully informed on the routines and care needs of each child. Parents are provided with a copy of the childminder’s written policies and procedures and they sign to confirm that they have read these. Although parents know that they can view their child’s record at any time, they have not yet contributed to their children’s learning and development record. Parents speak positively about the care provided and are impressed by the social interaction and stimulation offered to the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play in a very safe and secure environment. The older children develop a very clear understanding of what safety means and how they can contribute to keeping themselves and others safe. There are superb arrangements in place to protect children’s health. Outdoor shoes are removed on arrival and consequently babies play in a house where standards of hygiene are exemplary and all rooms are scrupulously clean. Children flourish and thrive because they have a very strong introduction to a healthy lifestyle. The childminder has an extremely good understanding about allergies and special dietary requirements and ensures that menus cater for all children’s needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is a positive and calm role model and she ensures that children are purposefully occupied and stimulated throughout each day. Strategies such as star charts and the friendship tree ensure that children develop self-esteem and a great respect for others. Children learn about cultural diversity in meaningful ways. They learn about the local community by going on outings to local places of interest, for example, the library. A variety of cultural and religious festivals are explored and children investigate play materials and books that portray positive images of culture, ethnicity, gender and disabilities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder plans activities that challenge and support children’s learning and maintains regular assessment of their achievements and progress. She liaises with other childminders to organise learning experiences and outings linked to topics and themes. Beautifully presented observation folders are compiled with a wealth of photographs of the children engaged in activities. Good quality play materials This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and equipment provide support for children’s enjoyment and plenty of opportunities for their development and learning. Brightly coloured toys are thoughtfully presented so that they are accessible to the youngest children. Any play materials within reach of babies are safe for them to explore using their mouth or hands. Interaction between the childminder and children is affectionate and sensitive. The childminder talks to children in a very calm and reassuring

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

manner, consistently developing their early verbal and non-verbal communication skills. 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? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 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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