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 560114 Inspection date 01/06/2009 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 1991. She lives with her adult son in Chelmsford, Essex near to local amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder has no pets.

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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 eight children, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder offers places for children 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 to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group 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. Children are well cared for by the dedicated childminder, in a warm and safe environment. Interesting learning opportunities are provided and children make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder is committed to inclusion and has developed good relationships with parents in order to meet individual needs and ensure continuity of care. Self-evaluation is completed, effectively identifying areas for future development and 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?

 develop planning to ensure all areas of learning are covered equally. To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure the safeguarding policy includes procedures to follow in the event of an allegation being made against the childminder (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 03/07/2009  obtain required written parental permissions; this relates to permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice and permission to administer medication (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 03/07/2009  complete risk assessments to identify and minimise hazards to children (Suitable premises, environment and equipment; also applies to both parts of Childcare Register). 03/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has devised clear policies and procedures; they are implemented effectively, underpinning and supporting her good practice. Systems are in place to enable parents to share policies, helping to ensure they are fully aware of childcare practices. Some required parental permission have been obtained, however, this is not consistent in order to ensure children are cared for in line with their parents' wishes. Parents praise the care and education their children receive at the setting.

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provision

Children's welfare is promoted and protected as the childminder has devised a safeguarding policy and demonstrates a sound understanding of correct procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care, according to the Local Safeguarding Children Board. However, the policy does not include procedures to follow if an allegation is made against the childminder herself. Appropriate checks have been completed to ensure children are cared for by suitable adults.

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provision

Children practise road safety when outside the home and are reminded of safety rules such as not running inside, helping to develop a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe. The childminder assesses the environment to ensure it remains safe for children, although risk assessments have not been completed to identify and minimise potential hazards. The childminder monitors the provision and uses self-evaluation to identify potential areas for improvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder organises her home well to provide a nurturing and child-friendly environment. Children have ample space to move around and play and are constantly monitored to ensure they remain safe. Robust hygiene procedures are consistently implemented; children have access to suitable hand washing facilities and are reminded to wash their hands, helping to ensure their good health is protected and promoted. The childminder encourages children to make healthy choices about what they eat and drink, offering fresh fruit at snack time and ensuring fresh drinking water is constantly available. The childminder also prepares a range of meals, often including fresh vegetables. Children benefit from daily opportunities for physical activity as they access the secure garden and visit local parks and playgrounds. They enjoy playing on the swings, slides and climbing equipment and develop good physical skills including balance and co-ordination.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The experienced childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of how children learn and develop through play. She uses her knowledge to provide children with interesting learning opportunities and often sits with children to support and extend their thinking. For example, the childminder works with children to complete a puzzle, encouraging them to turn pieces to fit and offering praise when completed. Children have access to a range of imaginative play resources including small world toys, dressing-up clothes and role play equipment. They make This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 connections to their own experiences and develop good communication skills as they chat happily with the childminder during play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages children to follow their own interests, helping to engage and motivate them. For instance, children bring pictures of homes from different countries to the setting and enjoy using mark-making materials to create colourful pictures of them. Children have some opportunities for investigation and exploration as they visit local parks and observe seasonal changes. However, planning does not ensure all areas of learning are covered equally. For instance, children have ample opportunities for imaginative play but have limited opportunities for development of maths skills and knowledge and understanding of the world. The childminder completes regular observations of children's abilities, monitoring their progress towards the early learning goals and identifying some next steps in children's learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are relaxed and secure in the childminder's care. The childminder is attentive and listens carefully to children's ideas, demonstrating that they are valued and helping to foster good self-esteem. Children benefit from meaningful opportunities to learn about different cultures and beliefs as they participate in planned activities and access a range of toys and resources that are representative of diversity. The childminder is consistently calm and polite, acting as a positive role model for behaviour and ensuring children understand what is expected of them. Consequently, children behave well at the setting. 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 03/07/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 03/07/2009

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