Robinson, Connie

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY347568 Inspection date 20/06/2011 Inspector Ann Cozzi

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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 was registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and their two children aged four and seven years in Harlow, Essex. The whole premises are used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. When working with her assistant, she is registered for the same number of children. She is currently minding four children in the early years age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and part of the Childcare Register. The childminder has achieved accreditation with the local authority. The family has a pet rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 has a satisfactory knowledge of each child's needs which ensures that she adequately promotes their care and learning. The childminder promotes an inclusive, healthy and generally safe environment. Partnerships with parents are adequate and those with other providers of care and education are in their infancy. Children's progress is satisfactory given their age, ability and starting points. The childminder undertakes some reflective practice which makes sure that priorities for development are generally identified.

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further?

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

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further?

 make sure that outdoor and indoor spaces are safe and suitable for their purpose, this refers in particular to the access to the stairs, low level hazards and areas which are out of bounds. (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register). 04/07/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 make sure that risk assessments cover anything with which children come into contact  develop an awareness of the requirements of health and safety legislation, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 this is with particular reference to implementing appropriate hand washing arrangements for children after petting animals  develop further the current system of assessment to ensure that children's next steps are consistently identified in order that learning opportunities are tailored to meet their individual needs at all times.

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the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded from the risk of abuse or neglect. This is because the childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. Written risk assessments are in place, however, they do not include information regarding how some potential hazards are minimised. For example, how children are prevented from gaining access to out of bounds areas, such as the study, safety procedures for using large outdoor play equipment and details about how children are prevented from accessing low level hazards, such as motorbikes in the outdoor play area or the stairs leading to the entrance door of the premises. This could potentially compromise children's safety. All other records, contracts and permission forms, required by legislation, are in place. This includes daily registers and a visitor record which enables the childminder to account for all children and adults on the premises. The childminder

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the early years provision

has a current paediatric first aid qualification which means that children in her care are provided with appropriate care in the event of an accident. However, the childminder demonstrates a lack of awareness about the requirements of health and safety legislation. This is with regard to ensuring the provision of adequate hand washing facilities for children who have handled pets. The environment used by the children is organised adequately. The childminder sets out some resources at low level which enables children to access them independently. Children have supervised access to an outdoor play area adjacent to the setting. Children are provided with opportunities to learn about other cultures and the diverse world we live in. This is achieved by the use of resources and regular visits to toddler groups.

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the early years provision

The childminder exchanges verbal information with parents daily and ensures that they have access to their child's records. She has recently introduced a questionnaire for parents in order to assist her in seeking their views about her service. Partnerships with other providers of care and education are in their infancy. The recommendation raised at the last inspection has been implemented in practice. The childminder has undertaken training since her last inspection. This helps her to keep up-to-date with current childcare practice. The provider reflects on her provision using information gathered to identify some strengths and weaknesses. In the past she has sought the views of others, such as the local authority development worker. The childminder strives to ensure the provision is sustainable. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder adequately supports children to make satisfactory progress towards the early learning goals. However, whilst she demonstrates a sound understanding of the six areas of learning, it is not always consistently applied with regard to the current system of assessment. This is because the childminder does not always ensure that children's next steps across all areas of learning are identified and used to inform planning tailored to meet their individual needs. Children show an adequate sense of security as they move around the childminder's home. They are broadly content and make some choices about the activities they want to engage in from those set out by the childminder. Children generally know how to behave and how to use and care for their environment and resources, although, they sometimes need gentle reminders from the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children experience the natural world through regular trips to a local park and time spent in the garden of the setting. Where the environment is discovered and discussed and they can learn about the world on their door step. For example, how to grow and care for plants, fruit and vegetables. Children learn social skills and enjoy being with and talking to adults as they confidently approach the inspector telling her what they are doing. Demonstrating pride in their achievement they proudly show the inspector their creation and tell her 'I made a robot'. Children show a desire to help with hygiene routines, at times seeking to do things for themselves, knowing that an adult is close by, ready to support and help if needed, for example, as they independently use the toilet. Children attempt, sometimes successfully, to fit shapes into spaces on inset boards. When asked, they demonstrate their developing language skills and knowledge and understanding of

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and outcomes for children

the world as they name pictures, such as, a tiger, lion and elephant. Children investigate construction materials as they join construction pieces together to build and balance. Children understand simple sentences and respond to simple instructions, such as changing out of their school clothes when they arrive home.

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and outcomes for children

Children's understanding with regard to developing healthy habits is adequate, for example, they are encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet. Children's good health is promoted through daily trips out in the fresh air to a local park. Information from parents and carers about their child's individual dietary requirements ensures that children are provided with a balanced range of meals and snacks which are appropriate to their individual needs. Water is available ensuring that no child remains thirsty. 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: 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. (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 04/07/2011

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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. (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 04/07/2011

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