Childminder in EssexOfsted inspection, 2 Jul 2009

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 EY292258 Inspection date 02/07/2009 Inspector Deborah Kerry

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 2005. She lives with her family in Colchester. The whole of the childminder's house with exception of the master bedroom is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Four steps provide access to the main door.

p.3

Description of the childminding

A maximum of four children may attend the setting at any one time. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered on the Early Years register on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Registers. The childminder walks to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler group, takes children to the library and to the park. The childminder has regular links with other local childminders.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has a large dog, three rabbits and fish.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children's welfare, learning and development is supported in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) as the childminder knows their individual needs well. The childminder works well with parents to help children to feel settled and secure. There is some exchange of information with other settings delivering the EYFS, which minded children attend. The childminder has attended training to support her practice and has put in place some changes around the implementation of the EYFS, to support children's learning and development appropriately.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop partnership working to provide opportunities for parents to share in their children's learning and consider ways of liaising with other providers delivering the EYFS to ensure progression and continuity of care in the future develop risk assessments further to include the large trampoline in the garden and the premises and places visited on each individual outing.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 ensure that the first aid box is regularly checked so that the contents included are appropriate to meet the needs of children.(Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare) 17/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

The childminder has some policies in place to support her practice which she shares with parents. The childminder is provided with essential information from parents to enable her to care for minded children responsibly and their wishes are respected. She has most parental permissions in place to provide appropriate care for children's individual needs. However, there is no written permission for using the large trampoline in the garden to ensure parents are fully informed about the activities their children are undertaking. Parents have yet to add to children's progress records, so are not currently fully involved with their child's learning and development. The childminder has some exchange with pre-schools delivering the EYFS minded children attend on their interests and needs. However, this is limited and not fully established, which could hinder children's learning and development.

p.4

provision

The childminder has assessed her home to ensure that it is safe and secure when in the home and garden, so that they are not exposed to risks. However, the large trampoline in the garden has not been included and although the childminder has assessed the risks for the journeys she undertakes when on outings, this does not include the premises or places that she visits, which could compromise children's safety. The childminder is fully aware of her responsibilities to promote children's safety and welfare. She has undertaken training and has documentation on the steps to take with local contact numbers should she have any concerns on safeguarding children and their welfare. The childminder welcomes all children and works closely with parents to ensure that their individual health and dietary needs can be met. However, her first aid kit is not currently fully stocked to ensure the contents are appropriate to meet children's needs.

p.4

provision

The childminder has undertaken training on the EYFS to help develop her knowledge to support children's learning and development appropriately. She has reviewed her practice and made changes in line with the implementation of the EYFS. She is keen to continue to develop her knowledge and practice, to support children's ongoing progress in their learning and development.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder works with parents to ensure that children's individual dietary needs are met and ensures that any food they provide is stored appropriately. Through the daily routine they learn about the importance of hand washing to remove germs after using the toilet, playing in the garden and before eating. She ensures that children have access to drinks in their own cups to ensure that they are not thirsty. Children have opportunities to promote their physical development through going on walks and to the park. They can access the garden and to run and play on the large trampoline, they enjoy throwing, kicking and catching balls which helps with their balance and coordination.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder questions children about their play which helps to promote their thinking skills and they are able to follow simple instructions. Children are taken on This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 regular outings to develop their understanding of the environment and the wider world. Children take part in a range of activities to further promote their understanding on other cultures and beliefs. For example, they undertake activities to celebrate Chinese New year, Easter and make cards for mother's and father's day. They enjoy playing with the train track and load everything onto the carriages for a visit to the zoo.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has developed individual files to record children's progress and development, she undertakes regular observations on children to record what they can do and their achievements. She has identified the next step in their learning and records this in her further planning book to ensure that children are supported and make progress in their learning. Examples of children's craft work and photographs are included in their records, which shows what children are learning and what they have achieved. 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? 3 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? 3

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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?

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