Lane Thira

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 EY306062 Inspection date 06/03/2009 Inspector Lynn Amelia Hartigan

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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 partner and one child aged six years, in West Mersea, Essex. The whole of the childminder's home is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the childminder's home is via a low step. The family have a cat, dog and chickens as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. There are currently 11 children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) years. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder works with an assistant and is also registered to offer overnight care for two children.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder regularly visits the local toddler groups, library and the parks with the children and has regular links with other local childminders.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder and her assistant have excellent knowledge of each child's individual needs and are, therefore, able to ensure all aspects of the children's learning and welfare is promoted. Children are extremely safe and secure at all times and enjoy their play and learning, as challenging and exciting learning opportunities are provided within an inclusive environment both indoors and outdoors. The superb partnership with parents is a strength and significantly contributes to ensure that the needs of all the children are met extremely well. As a result, children are making very good progress with their learning and development. The childminder's commitment to training ensures that she is up-to-date with current childcare practices, resulting in a very high standard of service provided.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 continuing to develop systems and resources which show how the provision promotes children's understanding of diversity and differences.

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provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and effectively promotes children's learning, welfare and development. An extensive range of robust policies and procedures are effectively implemented and available to parents who sign to confirm they have read them. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder encourages excellent working practices with the parents who are welcomed into the home. The childminder is very accommodating of the parents needs and also offers overnight care when required. Verbal feedback is given on a daily basis and detailed written information in a daily diary regarding children's activities and learning achievements. Written references from parents detail their complete satisfaction of every aspect of care offered to their children and are extremely supportive of the childminder and her assistant. The childminder has

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provision

completed training with regard to safeguarding children and along with robust policies and procedures in place that underpin the childminder's practice, children's well-being is not compromised.

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provision

The childminder ensures that excellent procedures are in place to involve parents in their child's initial assessment to ensure each child's individual play plans are devised to meet their needs. The childminder has developed excellent links with the local pre-school that minded children attend and can effectively support their learning at home as a result. Children receive excellent care and attention as the childminder works exceptionally well with her assistant and with an appropriate number of children at any one time to ensure a quality service. The childminder is committed to continuous improvement and has developed a good system of self- evaluation and is able to discuss aspects to develop further.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning, development and welfare is promoted exceptionally well by the childminder enabling them to make very good progress towards the early learning goals. Children are able to play in a breathtakingly child-friendly atmosphere where the children's safety and happiness is paramount. The childminder is skilful in providing an environment that supports children's interests and ideas. In addition, excellent activities are organised and adult-led, such as planned visits to the local forest where children have great fun making dens or cooking activities where children enjoy making pizzas.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder positively encourages child-initiated ideas and plans around each child's individual interests and ideas. For example, children's interest in space prompts creative activities such as making model planets, cooking rock cakes and exploring the dark in dens using torches. Children have very good play space indoors which includes a dedicated playroom. An abundance of children's art work, photographs and posters are displayed within the home creating a sense of belonging. The children enjoy many outdoor activities such as growing flowers and vegetables, collecting eggs from the chickens, playing in the sand pit or in the sensory garden. Children delight in playing outdoors and are able to freely move from indoors to outdoors throughout the day in all weathers. Their play in the outdoor environment is supported as the childminder has a clear understanding of the importance of exploration and discovery with regard to all six areas of learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are able to safely make choices with regard to toys and resources that are available to them as an excellent range of well-presented toys are easily accessible, in labelled, organised storage units. The childminder has a flexible weekly plan which includes visits to library, park and local beach. Trips to the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 beach are a particular favourite of the children as they enjoy exploring the rock pools and feeding the seagulls. Children learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder explains about road safety when out walking. A robust risk assessment is regularly reviewed and updated as the childminder considers the children's safety as paramount. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices when choosing snacks and meals. A wide selection of fruit is offered and children happily choose for themselves. They sit comfortably at child-sized tables and chairs

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

and munch at grapes savoury biscuits and cheese. The childminder and her assistant sit with the children and mealtimes are a happy social occasion. Children understand about personal hygiene and are encouraged to wash their hands before snack and when using the bathroom.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Parental involvement is encouraged and it is evident that the childminder has excellent relationships with all the parents. They are involved with the children's learning and development and the children's interest and starting points are discussed when minding commences. The childminder has detailed observations and evaluations of the children and effectively plans for their next steps. These are shared with the parents along with examples of the children's art work and photographs. Social outings such as a summer garden party are arranged by the childminder so that all the families can meet with their children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a fully inclusive environment where every child is unique, valued and respected. They are very confident and secure within the setting and they have a good understanding of the childminder's positive approach to behaviour management. Children are congratulated and praised for their efforts and are clearly comfortable within the setting enjoying lots of cuddles with both the childminder and her assistant. The childminder understands that some children may require additional support and actively seeks information and advice to ensure they are fully involved in the activities provided. Children are beginning to have a very good understanding of diversity as the childminder encourages conversations regarding everyone's individuality and provides resources and opportunities to celebrate different cultures and diversity, however, this is an area that the childminder would like to develop further.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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? 1 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? 1

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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? 1 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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