Bowman Julie Kay

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 EY103685 Inspection date 22/04/2009 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 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 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged 16 years and 18 years in Chelmsford, Essex. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has pet rabbits and guinea pigs.

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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 five children on a part-time basis and one child on a full-time basis. The childminder offers places for children on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary 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 attends the local toddler group, library and park with the minded children. The childminder 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. The childminder has a very good understanding of how children learn and develop and uses her substantial experience to provide a warm, caring and productive environment. Children are confident and happy and are making good progress in their learning. Effective relationships have been developed with parents and other professionals and the childminder is committed to inclusive practice. Detailed self-evaluation has been completed, effectively identifying areas for future development and further 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?

 improve opportunities for children to learn about diversity and the wider world  develop opportunities for parents to share their views on the care and education provided.

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provision

Clear and comprehensive policies and procedures have been devised and these are consistently implemented, supporting the childminder's good practice. Effective systems are in place to share policies with parents and all required written permissions have been obtained, ensuring children are cared for in line with the parents' wishes. The childminder completes a detailed daily diary, helping to promote continuity of care and parents are very complimentary about the calm and nurturing atmosphere at the setting. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder demonstrates a clear understanding of her role and responsibilities in protecting children and has undertaken safeguarding training. Appropriate systems are in place to promote children's welfare in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines. The childminder has undertaken several short courses to support her good practice and appropriate checks have

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provision

been completed to ensure children are cared for by suitable adults.

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provision

Children are developing a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe as, for instance, they practise road safety with the childminder and are well aware of safety rules within the home. Comprehensive risk assessments are completed regularly, minimising hazards and ensuring children's safety within the home and during outings. The childminder has completed honest self-evaluation, effectively identifying areas for improvement, although systems have not been developed to enable parents to share their views.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are relaxed and secure in the care of the dedicated and experienced childminder. They play and learn in a calm and nurturing environment where they have ample space to move around under constant supervision. Robust hygiene routines ensure that children remain healthy at the setting and they are regularly reminded to wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Snack time is used as an opportunity for the development of social skills as children sit together to share nutritious foods such as fresh fruit, raw vegetables and toast. Children benefit from daily opportunities to develop good physical skills as they play in the safe and secure garden with a wide range of toys and resources. They also enjoy frequent visits to local parks and playgrounds, developing balance and coordination as they access the climbing equipment, swings and slides.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a thorough understanding of how children learn and develop and uses her knowledge effectively to plan stimulating learning opportunities. Children have access to games, construction resources and puzzles and enjoy sharing stories with the childminder. Imaginative play with role-play resources and small world toys provides opportunities for children to develop good communication skills and the childminder sits with them, encouraging speech and valuing their responses. The childminder provides ample opportunities for children to be creative; they have access to paints, collage materials and drawing resources and also relish the opportunity to play musical instruments during singing sessions. Frequent visits to local toddler groups provide valuable opportunities for children to interact with their peers and develop good social skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have independent access to many resources at the setting, enabling them to make choices and decisions about their day. Regular observations are carried out to monitor children's progress towards the early learning goals. Assessments are used effectively to identify next steps in children's learning and inform planning. This ensures children make very good progress in all areas of learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have some opportunities to learn about different cultures and beliefs as they share books with the childminder and participate in craft activities at toddler This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 groups. However, this is limited, potentially compromising children's understanding of the wider world. Children are developing an excellent sense of belonging as they are very familiar with the childminder, her family and daily routines. The childminder is polite and attentive, acting as a positive role model for behaviour. Developmentally appropriate behaviour management strategies such as praise and encouragement are consistently employed and children behave very well. 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: 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

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