Childminder in Essex

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY309458 Inspection date 08/11/2011 Inspector Lynn A Hartigan

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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

There were no children on roll when this inspection took place. The findings in this report are based on evidence gathered from discussions with those who care for the children and an inspection of the premises, equipment and relevant documentation. Where there are no children on roll, no judgement is made on the quality of the early years provision as there is no reliable evidence on which to assess its impact on children. The report states if the provider continues to meet the requirements of registration.

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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 1998 and lives with her husband and two children aged 14 and 18 years. The childminder lives in Colchester, Essex. The whole of the premises is registered for childminding. The family have a cat as a pet. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. A maximum of five children under eight years may attend at any one time, all whom three may be in the early years age range.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. At the time of inspection there were no children on roll in the early years age group.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrated through discussion and documentation an appropriate understanding of the welfare and learning requirements within the Early Years Foundation stage. The childminder demonstrated her procedures to support children in their learning and how assessments and observations would assist this process. Systems that are in place to monitor children's development ensure children are offered sufficient challenge to progress through the six areas of learning. Sufficient toys and resources are available to support children's learning.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrated through conversation her secure understanding of child protection issues. A safeguarding policy is in place which includes contact telephone numbers and actions to take should there be concerns regarding a child's welfare. The childminder is currently completing a safeguarding training course on line to ensure she is fully informed with current practices. The premises are safe and secure and written risk assessments are in place which includes fire evacuation procedures.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder discussed how she promotes positive relationships with parents and carers and ensures good communication. Copies of all policies are offered to parents which includes a complaints policy. The childminder demonstrated how she ensures equality of opportunity and an inclusive environment in which to care for children. Some resources available to children depict the wider world and offer positive images of diversity. The childminder now has procedures in place to ensure children learn about keeping themselves safe and learn to take responsibility for personal hygiene through everyday routines. The childminder can provide healthy snacks and meals for children, with consideration given to each child's dietary requirements.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The quality improvement processes, such as a self-evaluation process and demonstrating a commitment to attend further training, ensures the childminder has an awareness of strengths and weaknesses of the service she provides. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Compliance with registration requirements

The registered person continues 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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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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