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 EY319826 Inspection date 26/03/2009 Inspector Justine Leong

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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 husband and two children aged 13 years and 16 years. They live in a bungalow in a residential area within walking distance of schools, shops and the railway station in South Woodham Ferrers. All areas of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family has two tortoises

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding three children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder offers places for children on the Early Years Register and both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. 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 satisfactory. Children are comfortable and secure with the childminder, who works in partnership with parents to provide an individual approach and ensure their welfare needs are met. The childminder demonstrates some understanding of how children learn and develop, although activities are not planned or assessed to ensure children make good progress. The childminder demonstrates a generally positive attitude to improvement but does not use self-evaluation to identify areas for development.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the safeguarding policy to include procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against the childminder  improve opportunities for children to learn about diversity and the wider world  develop self-evaluation to monitor the provision and identify areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop planning to ensure all areas of learning are covered equally (Early learning goals) 23/04/2009  develop assessment to identify children's starting points and ensure they make as much progress as possible towards the early learning goals (Assessment). 23/04/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has devised policies and procedures to support her practice and has developed close working relationships with parents and carers. The childminder provides a welcome pack when children first start at the setting, helping to ensure parents are aware of childcare practices. Parents have provided the childminder with information about their children's needs, likes and dislikes and all children's details are stored securely and confidentially. Written parental permissions have been obtained and parents praise the care their children receive.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care, helping to protect children's welfare. However, the safeguarding policy does not include procedures to be followed in the event of an allegation against the childminder. Appropriate checks have been completed to ensure children are cared for by suitable adults.

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provision

The childminder helps children develop an understanding of danger and teaches them to behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others. For example, children practise road safety whilst walking outside the home. The childminder demonstrates a thorough understanding of how to keep children safe and has completed detailed risk assessments, identifying and minimising risks within the home and on outings. The childminder regularly rotates toys and resources to ensure children remain interested but has not developed systems to identify areas for future development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a warm and comfortable environment, where they have ample space to move around and play. The childminder constantly monitors and supervises the children, helping to ensure they remain safe in her care. Children are developing a sound understanding of the benefits of physical activity as they enjoy daily walks to take and collect children from school. They also develop physical skills such as balance and coordination as they play on the climbing equipment, swings and slides at the local park. The childminder generally provides children with healthy snacks of fresh fruit and they have constant access to drinks of water or juice. Children are developing a secure awareness of appropriate hygiene routines as they have access to suitable hand washing facilities and childminder ensures that their hands are washed after playing outside and before eating.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have access to imaginative play resources including small world toys, dolls and construction resources. They sit and chat happily with the childminder, developing communication skills as they discuss what they are doing. The childminder knows the children in her care well and offers sensitive support to enable them to complete their chosen activity. Some effective questioning is used to encourage children's language development and to extend their thinking. For instance, whilst playing with construction resources, children are encouraged to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 identify colours and this is extended to include light and dark shades of colour. However, planning is not completed to ensure all areas of learning are covered equally.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children regularly attend toddler groups with the childminder, benefiting from the opportunity to participate in creative activities and developing social skills as they interact with other children. They are developing an understanding of the world around them as they investigate play dough, sand and water and help to plant flower seeds in the garden. Children are making progress in their learning, although assessments are not completed to identify starting points and ensure children make as much progress as possible towards the early learning goals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and relaxed with the childminder, who spends time getting to know them and their families in order to provide an individual approach. They are developing self-esteem and are increasingly confident as the childminder listens attentively to them and demonstrates that their ideas are valued. There is an equal opportunities policy in place, although children have limited opportunities to learn about diversity, potentially hindering their development in this area. The childminder is consistently polite and uses developmentally appropriate behaviour management strategies including praise, explanation and encouragement. As a result, children understand what is expected of them and their behaviour is good. 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? 2 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

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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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