Harding, Tracy Anne

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 203172 Inspection date 07/03/2011 Inspector Patricia Webb

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 has been registered since 1989. She lives with her partner, her adult daughter and two teenaged stepsons in Chelmsford, Essex. Her partner acts as an assistant on occasions. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes, including toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has some fish in tanks in the lounge.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years of age, of whom three may be in the early years age group. There are currently 10 children on roll, four of whom are in the early years age range. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder offers a homely environment where children are relaxed and at ease. She knows the children well and provides opportunities to enable them to develop positive attitudes to diversity through effective inclusive practice. The childminder is developing the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage, although some gaps are evident, resulting in some legal requirements not being met. She demonstrates a willingness to improve and has started to evaluate her practice. She fosters positive partnerships with parents to identify and meet children's individual needs.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that a person who has a current paediatric first aid certificate is on the premises at all times; this is with regard to leaving an assistant in sole charge of children for short periods of time (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 09/05/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the safeguarding procedures by ensuring that contact information for the relevant agencies is readily available for responding to child protection concerns  extend the risk assessment to cover anything which a child may come into contact with regarding specific health needs  develop observations to consistently make links to the 'Development Matters' prompts to plan more effectively for the next steps in a child's developmental This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 progress and to ensure that all areas of learning are given equal importance.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a basic knowledge and understanding of implementing Early Years Foundation Stage and is working towards improving some documentation. She has a suitable level of knowledge of child protection issues and the signs and symptoms. However, the relevant contact telephone numbers for agencies to be informed are not readily to hand, hindering how swiftly such an incident may be managed in the child's best interests. Risk assessments are carried out both bi- annually and as a daily visual check, although some aspects of children's care have not been reflected in the record of risk assessments with regard to meeting specific health needs. The childminder is, however, aware of the procedures to be followed with regard to allergies and specific needs. Parents are assured of the suitability of the childminder and members of the household as they have been fully vetted. The childminder works occasionally with an assistant who has

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the early years provision

sometimes been left in sole charge of children. However, the assistant does not hold a current first aid certificate, meaning that at times there may be no qualified first aider with the children. The assistant is not employed at present due to the current childminding arrangements. Accidents and minor injuries are managed adequately, with records maintained and signed by parents.

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the early years provision

The layout of the clean and well-maintained home affords children ample space and freedom to move around with ease. They develop their independence as they are able to select from a range of toys, resources and equipment that are safe and clean. The childminder is aware of delivering inclusive practice as she is developing the use of sign language on a regular basis with children. They respond happily, copying the childminder and the character on the television as they build their skills. Signs are also used throughout the home to instruct and direct children in selecting activities, developing a sense of belonging for all children.

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the early years provision

The childminder is developing the partnership working with other settings involved in children's early years care and education. She shares newsletters from school and preschool to promote a consistent approach to some topics and activities that children engage in. Parents supply adequate levels of information regarding their child's needs and care routines, which the childminder follows effectively. Verbal feedback is given to each parent with regard to their child's progress, although the current system of observation and assessment is in its infancy. It does not fully ensure that all areas of learning are covered effectively, particularly in the area of knowledge and understanding of the world. The evaluation process the childminder has engaged in sets out the routine of her practice and how children gain key skills. This is developing as the childminder gains confidence in reflecting on how her practice enhances outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

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

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and outcomes for children

Children settle well with the childminder. She is softly spoken and interacts well with each child, supporting them in their chosen activities. For example, when looking at a book, the child begins to sing a number rhyme and the childminder joins in, extending the numbers further. Having chosen a plastic construction set, the child settles at the table and begins to use the pictures and diagrams on the box to inform how the construction may be formed. Detailed discussion takes place between the child and the childminder regarding how the figure will balance, how many eyes the figure has and why the one at the back of its head may help the 'monster' to see behind him. The childminder then takes the activity further, encouraging the child to speak in 'monster talk' and demonstrates the squeaky speech, with laughter and giggles from the child.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has started to undertake observations and assessment of children's progress. However, these are still being developed and do not fully track a child's attainment or progress across all areas of learning rigorously enough to identify learning styles or plan in detail for children's next steps. The childminder is able to articulate what children are learning and how they can be supported in reaching their developmental milestones.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is suitably promoted as children understand the reasons why hand washing is important. Signs in the toilet remind them about forming good habits, such as, flushing the toilet and using their own individual towels to reduce the risk of the spread of infection. While most parents currently supply their children's main meals as packed lunches, the childminder is aware of ensuring that foods are stored safely to reduce the risk of spoilage. Dietary needs and allergies are monitored, although the arrangements for managing such occurrences are not fully recorded in risk assessments. Children's behaviour is positively managed as they learn from the positive role model offered by the childminder. They are reminded about good manners and show care and consideration for each other, sharing and taking turns. They receive well-deserved praise from the childminder for their efforts and achievements, which are also shared with parents to promote

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and outcomes for children

children's self esteem. Children are developing an awareness of their own safety as they practise road safety when walking out and about. They also understand why it is important to pick up toys and tidy away to prevent trip hazards. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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Stage

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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