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 560187 Inspection date 27/08/2009 Inspector Deirdra Keating

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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

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.

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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 1993. She lives with her husband and three adult children in Great Bentley, 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 dog, two cats and two ferrets as pets.

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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 seven 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.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are all inclusively welcomed and highly valued as individuals. They make good progress in their learning and development and their individual needs are catered for very well using information from parents. Well-written procedures underpin all areas of practice and ensure children's welfare, care and safety. The childminder is committed to improvement and has completed a self-evaluation of her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop opportunities to work in partnership with other providers delivering the EYFS to ensure progression and continuity of care.

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further?

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

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further?

 obtain prior written permission for each and every medicine from parents before any medication is given (Safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare). 31/08/2009

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provision

The experienced childminder provides an inclusive service using a caring and warm approach where all families are valued. The childminder uses her experience to organise routines and activities that meet children's individual needs well. Self- evaluation identifies targets for further improvement and the childminder shares This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 support and guidance from other childminders within her local community. She has attended all relevant training and keeps up to date with changes by liaising with other provisions and childminders.

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provision

The childminder has developed a strong partnership with parents using a two-way sharing of information that promotes excellent continuity of care. Parents truly value the high quality care that their children receive and provide detailed information to ensure children's home routines are respected and their learning is supported. The childminder cares for children that attend other early years provisions, however, she has not yet developed a system of working with them to support each child's individual learning.

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provision

Children are cared for in a safe environment and are safeguarded well as the childminder has clear written procedures with a good range of information. Regularly recorded risk assessments ensure that the house, garden and all outings are checked to minimise any risks to children.

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provision

Clear and individual written policies and procedures show the childminder's understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements and ensure children's ongoing welfare and care. Minor accidents are all recorded and written consents are sought to ensure children's ongoing health and safety, however, the childminder does not have a clearly defined written procedure to administer medication which could compromise children's safety.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has developed close and trusting relationships with the children in her care helping them to feel secure and valued. Babies enjoy lots of cuddles and reassurance and are happy and secure in their individual routines. Children play comfortable in the conservatory where they can spread toys out on the floor. They sit together and pass a ball around learning how to catch it, participating with joy and enthusiastic as the childminder encourages them. The childminder uses encouraging, friendly and lively approaches to support children and increase their motivation. Children are happy and animated, giggling with delight as they gain new skills such as holding out their hands for a ball and developing their hand to eye coordination. The childminder supports individual children well, she is relaxed and enhances children's play by sitting on the floor and extending their ideas and skills. Children express their imaginary ideas through stories, conversation and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

drawing. Young babies are able to take part in all activities as the childminder promotes an inclusive environment where all children are given equality of opportunity and activities are adapted to suit each child's needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder works extremely closely with parents, using daily diaries to give a clear overview of the day. Parents are very positive about the childminder and provide extremely good written feedback regarding the consistently good progress their children have made whilst being in the childminder's care. Written records have been developed for each child showing their progress against the developmental milestones and areas of learning. The childminder has a broad framework for planning and spends time choosing themes and activities which are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 then adjusted to suit individual children's abilities and ages. Children are supported very well emotionally by the childminder who provides warm and responsive care tailored carefully to the events in children's lives.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's dietary needs are met well, they bring packed lunches and snacks from home which they eat at the table or in high chairs. The childminder encourages children to eat fresh fruit and drink regularly. Children walk daily in the local vicinity where learning road safety is all part of their daily routine. 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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