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

p.1

Unique reference number 560253 Inspection date 18/05/2009 Inspector Deirdra Keating

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

Introduction

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and adult son in Brigtlingsea, Essex, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. She has a cat.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) years. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis. She is a member of an approved childminding network.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides very well for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and has created a safe, welcoming and clean environment in which children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder plans flexibly for children and is skilled at making sure all children enjoy motivating learning experiences. The childminder carefully monitors her provision, demonstrating a good commitment to continuous improvement.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 ensure the procedure to obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given is clearly implemented.

p.3

provision

Children are cared for well by an experienced and dedicated childminder who organises her home and routines carefully to ensure children's individual needs are met. Children's welfare, care and safety are promoted well because the childminder has completed a good range of training and is committed to her ongoing professional development. The childminder has a dedicated approach and works hard to access the appropriate training in order to update her knowledge and skills. A strong commitment to improvement is demonstrated by the childminder, who works closely with other childminders to share knowledge and access support and training.

p.3

provision

Written policies and procedures are maintained well, minor accidents are all This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 recorded and most written consents are sought to ensure children's ongoing health and safety prior to admission. However, the childminder has not clearly defined her procedure for obtaining prior written permission for administering medication. The childminder understands her roles and responsibilities in protecting children from potential harm and has attended relevant training. Children are cared for in a safe environment where all adults in the house have undergone checks to ensure they are suitable to be with children.

p.3

provision

The childminder has proactively developed links with other early years provisions that the children in her care attend. She has sourced information and ensures all communications are taken back to parents via a handover at the end of the day. This ensures that there is a flow of information between all provisions and children consistently receive good continuity of care.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has created an environment that is homely, reassuring and comforting for all children, while providing interest through the good range of resources. Children are in a secure routine of visiting a group in the morning and coming home for lunch and activities in the afternoon. Children's learning and development are encouraged very well by the childminder, who sits on the floor, providing tactile and tailored support as she encourages children's increasing independence. Children practise pulling themselves up onto furniture; they feel confident in the environment and are willing to try things out, knowing that their effort is valued. The childminder has developed a genuine bond with children and offers a settled, close relationship in which children's achievements are truly valued. A good partnership has been established with parents, for example, younger children have a daily diary giving parents a clear overview of their welfare

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

routines and sharing their achievements.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder observes children sensitively and responds appropriately to encourage their learning, for example, children make choices when they have been out in the morning according to how they feel on the day. She has developed records for each child in the Early Years Foundation Stage which shows the good progress they are making towards the early learning goals. The childminder clearly knows children extremely well and encourages them to recognise their own unique qualities and the characteristics they share with other children.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle as the childminder ensures they have fresh air and exercise every day; children walk along the promenade and play at the park. The childminder practises safe routines with children to teach them about road safety. The well maintained garden is promoted well and links the indoor and outdoor environments so that children can move freely between them. This offers children the freedom to explore, use their senses, and be physically active and exuberant in the safe and well maintained garden. The childminder provides healthy snacks, for example, fresh fruit and encourages children to have regular drinks which are stored on a low table. Children are cared for in an extremely clean environment and learn about good hygiene practice through consistent routines implemented by the childminder. The childminder is careful to tailor her care This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

towards the individual child and ensures that any additional needs would be sensitively provided for, promoting a fully inclusive and welcoming environment. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7