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 EY308130 Inspection date 18/05/2009 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 2005. She lives with her daughter aged eight years in Dunmow, Essex. The whole of the property is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access is via a small step to the front of the property.

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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 eleven children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools and playgroups 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 developed close relationships with children and uses information from parents to provide each with an individual approach. Interesting learning opportunities are planned and children make good progress across all areas of learning. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to providing quality childcare and education and is beginning to use self-evaluation to identify areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve assessment to identify next steps in children's learning and inform planning  develop systems in order to maintain a regular two-way flow of information with other settings attended by children  develop self-evaluation to monitor the provision and identify areas for improvement.

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provision

Clear and comprehensive policies and procedures have been devised and these effectively underpin the childminder's good practice. Parents receive copies of each policy and written parental permissions have been obtained, ensuring children are cared for in line with their parents' wishes. 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. The childminder completes a daily diary for each child, ensuring parents are well informed of any significant events. The childminder is beginning to consider ways to share information with other This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 settings attended by the children in order to promote continuity of care.

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provision

Appropriate checks have been completed to ensure children are cared for by suitable adults. Children's welfare is protected and promoted as there is a clear safeguarding policy and the childminder demonstrates a thorough understanding of correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care.

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provision

Children are developing a secure understanding of how to keep themselves safe; they practise road safety when outside the home and understand safety rules such as sitting to use scissors and walking carefully on the stairs. Detailed risk assessments have been completed for within the home and outings, helping to ensure children remain safe. The childminder is beginning to consider areas for improvement in order to further improve outcomes for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a comfortable and homely environment and have independent access to many toys and resources. They enjoy selecting their own activities from the range provided and are encouraged to make choices about their day. The childminder demonstrates a thorough understanding of how children learn and develop and children make good progress at the setting. Observations are completed to monitor progress towards the early learning goals and the childminder is just beginning to identify next steps in children's learning to inform planning and ensure children make as much progress as possible.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy playing with the wide range of imaginative play resources provided including role-play resources and small world toys. They sit with the childminder and use speech effectively to share their ideas, making links to their own experiences. The childminder uses effective questioning to support understanding and extend children's thinking. Children regularly attend toddler groups with the childminder, benefiting from the opportunity to participate in creative activities and developing good social skills. Children also enjoy visiting local parks and allotments, developing good exploration and investigation skills as they observe seasonal changes and consider what plants require for growth.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children chat happily with the childminder and benefit from regular opportunities to develop independence, for example, washing their hands before eating and pouring their own drinks at meal times. The childminder is consistently polite and attentive and uses developmentally appropriate behaviour management strategies including praise, explanation and encouragement effectively. Children understand what is expected of them and their behaviour is good. The childminder values children's home experiences, providing books in languages spoken at home and helping to foster good self-esteem. Children have meaningful opportunities to learn about a range of cultures and beliefs through well-planned discussion and craft activities, helping to develop a secure understanding of the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are developing an understanding of the benefits of a healthy diet as the childminder prepares nutritious meals freshly every day. Children sit together to share roast dinners, pasta dishes or shepherd's pie, all of which include fresh This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 vegetables. Healthy snacks such as fresh fruit and raw vegetables are provided and children have constant access to drinks, helping to ensure they do not become dehydrated. Daily access to the garden or local parks provide children with opportunities for fresh air and physical activity. They develop confidence, good balance and co-ordination as they play with ride-on toys, bats, balls and climbing equipment. 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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