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 504430 Inspection date 24/02/2009 Inspector Marilyn Peacock

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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 registered in 1998. She lives with her partner, two adult children and grandson aged five months. The family live in a house in Dagenham which is within walking distance of local schools, shops, parks, and bus routes. The whole of the ground floor area of the property is used for childminding and 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 five children aged under eight years at any one time. There is currently two children on roll, one of whom is within the early years age range. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children enjoy their time at the setting and are making good progress in their learning and development. Parents are made to feel welcome, the childminder builds positive relationships with them enabling her to successfully promote children's welfare. Her knowledge of each child’s individual needs ensures that she is able to provide a fully inclusive environment where all children are valued. She demonstrates a commitment to improving her provision through self-evaluation, reflective practice and attending training.

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further?

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

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further?

 implement systems for sharing information on children's progress towards the early learning goals with parents and encourage parents to contribute observations of children's learning at home.

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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 specific outing. (Safeguarding and welfare) 18/03/2009

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provision

Children's welfare, learning and development are supported by clear policies and procedures which are shared with parents when they enrol their child into the childminder's care. Information is gathered from parents regarding their child's needs before they are left in the childminder's care. The childminder strives to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provide an inclusive service where every child matters. Children play in a comfortable homely environment where toys and resources are easily accessible. Resources reflect the multi cultural world and give positive representation of gender and ability. The childminder explains that she rotates resources regularly to sustain children's interest and provide them with choice. She plans her day around children's home routines providing quieter activities when children's energy levels are low.

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provision

The childminder has started to evaluate her provision. She is aware of the strengths and weakness in her practices and is in the process of re-organising her paperwork and documentation to reflect changes legislation and has enrolled on training courses to help her develop her service further. There are effective risk assessments carried out on all aspects of the childminding environment ensuring children are cared for safely. However, assessments have not been extended to include outings or regular trips. Detailed records are kept of the hours children attend and the childminder has a good understanding of child protection she fully understands her responsibility to ensure all children are safeguarded.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children that attend, enjoy a happy, relaxed relationship with the childminder, they are comfortable in the child friendly, homely environment. The childminder has a good understanding of child development and supports their learning successfully. She uses effective questioning to challenge children's thinking. She records children's achievements in line with the areas of learning and has started to link these with the development matters columns of the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance to enable her to identify children's next steps. The childminder shares general observations of children's play with parents. However, at present there are no systems for sharing information on children's progress towards the early learning goals with parents and parents are not encouraged to contribute to the assessment process systems by sharing observations of children's staring points or their learning at home.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are becoming confident communicators. The childminder listens to children and she introduces new vocabulary as they play often repeating children's responses to clarify their understanding. She helps children sound out letters using an electronic key board. Children recall past experiences with the childminder, they both laugh as they remind each other of the time the snow came up to their knees when they played outside. They discuss events at home when looking at photographs of them baking cakes and painting. Children enjoy completing jigsaw puzzles with the childminder, she encourages children to finish the puzzle by explaining that they need a square piece it to finish the puzzle.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses a calm, consistent approach to behaviour management she is good role model reminding children to say please and thank you and praising their achievements. She gently reminds them of the house rules, for example not jumping on the furniture. Children are starting to take responsibility for the environment, they know they must clear their toys off the floor before getting out new resources, understanding this is so that no one trips over. Their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding of staying safe is developed through clear safety procedures, they know they cannot enter the kitchen as it can be dangerous. Children share their experiences with the childminder they discuss visits to the seaside, explaining that you cannot take the family dog to the seaside in the summer as it is to hot. The childminder explains that you need lots of drinks in the sun so that you do not get

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

thirsty and tired and that you must cover up in the sun so you do not get burnt. Children learn about the importance of eating five pieces of fruit and vegetables a day and enjoy healthy snacks and fresh drinking water throughout the day. However, the childminder has chosen not to provide main meals for the children but she encourages parents to provide their children with healthy packed lunches in line with her healthy eating policy. Children enjoy physical activities, they use the garden most days, they walk to the local school daily and go on trips to the park regularly. 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 make sure a statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email is in place. 18/03/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report 18/02/2009 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 with required Ofsted to take action 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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