Mercz Carol

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 203049 Inspection date 12/03/2009 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 1999. She lives with her four children aged 16, 14, eight and six years, in Chelmsford, 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.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time. There are currently six attending who 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 on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder works with an assistant. The childminder is also registered to offer overnight care for one child. The family have a dog as a pet.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder regularly visits the local toddler groups, library and parks.

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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 and high aspirations for quality, results 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?

 update safeguarding training in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

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provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is therefore able to effectively promote children's learning, welfare and development. The childminder works full-time with an assistant and as a result children receive very good care. An extensive range of robust policies and procedures are effectively implemented and underpin the childminder's practice; This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 these are readily available for parents. The childminder encourages excellent working practices with the parents who are welcomed into the home which is breathtakingly welcoming for both children and parents. 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

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provision

references from parents detail their gratitude and complete confidence that their children are receiving the highest standard of care and are extremely supportive of the childminder and her assistant. A robust safeguarding policy and procedure is in place that underpins the childminder's practice, as a result, the children's well- being is not compromised. The childminder however has not completed any recent training with regard to safeguarding children and is keen to update her knowledge with regard to child protection.

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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 an excellent system of self-evaluation which includes annual questionnaires for children and their parents. The childminder is able to discuss aspects of her provision that she would like to develop further which will have a positive impact on the service provided for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning, development and welfare is promoted exceptionally well as the childminder provides an inspirational provision, is exceptionally organised and provides a fun learning environment. This enables children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals. Children are able to play in an exceptionally 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.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are able to explore and discover for themselves as they have many opportunities to play in the outdoor environment. They excitedly watch the birds in the garden using binoculars and plot which species they see using pictures and posters. They dig the mud and find bugs and plant sunflowers and vegetables. They have great fun splashing in puddles in their wellies or building snowmen and igloos when it snows. They watch in fascination when ice cubes placed in the water tray melt into water. Early math skills are supported exceptionally well, for example, children match laminated numbers on their ride-on toys to the parking bays in the garden. Children are able to explore materials, such as water, sawdust, noodles and compost as the childminder provides a wide range of experiences and activities to support their creativity. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

In addition a wealth of excellent activities are organised and adult-led, such as visits to the police and fire station to meet 'people who help us'. They work together at harvest time and make scarecrows and home-made bread. The childminder positively encourages child-initiated ideas and plans around each child's individual interests and ideas. For example, children are interested in 'space' and 'underwater'. Activities are organised to support these interests and the children's artwork is beautifully displayed within the playroom creating a sense of pride. The childminder and her assistant are skilful in talking to children and understand the importance of allowing the children to discover for themselves. Very young children play happily with their dolls and are supported by the childminder who provides resources and props to assist and extend their play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

An abundance of children's artwork, photographs and posters are displayed within the home creating a sense of belonging. 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. Text and numbers are displayed within the home and children are beginning to understand that text has meaning. Mobiles and pictures on the ceiling of the playroom provide a stimulating environment for very young children. Children use books well and happily read to their friends whilst waiting for their lunch. The childminder has a flexible weekly plan which includes visits to library, toddler groups and visiting other local childminders. Children learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder explains about road safety when out walking.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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. The childminder and her assistant sit with the children and mealtimes are a happy social occasion. Young babies are spoken to softly and cuddled when having their bottles. They are made comfortable in travel cots or buggies with their soothers when they are tired and a stringent nappy changing procedure is in place and ensures children are protected from infection. 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 artwork and photographs.

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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, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 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, both the childminder and her assistant are excellent role models for the children. The childminder has a 'star of the week' award chart that is very achievable for all the children. They also delight in being given 'Tango' the teddy to look after if they have been kind or achieved in something. 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

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

activities provided. Children are beginning to have a very good understanding of diversity as the childminder encourages conversations regarding everyone's individuality and provides excellent resources and opportunities to celebrate different cultures and diversity. Welcome posters in different languages and displays within the playroom prompt questions from the children. They relish the opportunity of tasting Chinese and Indian snacks when learning about Chinese New Year, Diwali and Holi. They enjoy dressing-up and making clay divas and lanterns. Children are made to feel special as the childminder ensures that their birthdays are celebrated with a birthday cake that they share with all their friends. 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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