Childminder in Suffolk

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 250766 Inspection date 20/01/2009 Inspector Gill Thornton

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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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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. 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 childminding since 1979. She lives with her husband and adult son in a bungalow in Woodbridge in Suffolk. The whole of the property is used for childminding. Access to the childminder's home is via one step. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and she is currently minding seven children in the early years age group all on a part-time basis. The childminder also cares for children older than the early years age group and is registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The family has a pet rabbit and some goldfish.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and well settled in the childminder's care and make satisfactory progress in their learning and development. They have access to a wide range of toys and resources so they can freely initiate their own play and explore their own interests. The childminder has not yet established an effective system of evaluating her practice to identify priorities for development to improve outcomes for children. Partnerships with parents are generally effective in ensuring all children are included and their individual needs met. Documentation, although limited, is generally satisfactory to ensure parents understand the care their children receive.

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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  develop the use of reflective practice to identify strengths and priorities for improvement that will improve the quality of the provision for all children  improve the two way flow of information with parents to promote a shared understanding of children’s individual needs and involve parents in practical ways to support their child’s learning and development  promote positive attitudes to diversity and difference so that children learn from an early age to value diversity in others  provide opportunities for children to develop an understanding of dangers and how to stay safe, for example, by devising and implemeting an emergency evacuation procedure.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain a record of risk assessments, identifying aspects of the indoor and outdoor environment that need to be checked on a regular basis and for each 20/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 type of outing (Suitable premises, environment and equipment)  develop a procedure for dealing with concerns and complaints from parents and keep a written record of complaints and their outcomes. (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare; also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 20/02/2009

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provision

The childminder bases her practice on her years of experience as a childminder, during which time she has gained a sound understanding of child development. She has attended recent training to help her update her practice in line with the EYFS and as a result of this she has started making observations of children's capabilities and interests as a record of the progress they have made in her care. However, she has not implemented a system of encouraging parents to share what they know about their children's starting points and working together to support their learning and development.

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provision

The childminder has a sound practical knowledge of keeping children safe within her home, garden and on outings, however, she does not keep a record of risk assessments as required by the EYFS and she has not devised and implemented an emergency evacuation plan to ensure children know what to do in the event of a fire. She has appropriate systems in place to gather information to support children's health and welfare. However, there is little written information available to parents to keep them fully informed about her childminding practices or what to do if they have any concerns. She has generally taken appropriate action to address weaknesses identified at her last inspection, for example, obtaining prior consent from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. The childminder has attended child protection training in the past and is aware of her responsibilities to protect children and the action to take if she has a concern.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and secure in the childminder's welcoming and child-friendly home where they have ample space to move around freely and safely. They develop good relationships with the childminder and each other as they play together happily, negotiating and sharing ideas while using their imaginations. For example, pretending to be a dog being taken for a walk with a dolly in a pushchair. They are able to make positive choices and be independent and confident in their play whilst exploring the wide range of toys stored within their easy reach in the living room. The childminder is close by to offer support and encouragement to motivate them and promote their learning and interest. For example, encouraging them to find more plastic animals and line them up on a low table. Children develop a love of books and confidently chose ones for the childminder to read to them, or contentedly 'read' one of their favourites to themselves.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder plans weekly routines to ensure children enjoy a variety of activities within the home and community, including regularly attending toddler groups as an opportunity for social interaction. She knows the children in her care well and has a clear understanding of their interests and capabilities and uses this knowledge to provide them with activities to further their interest and learning. However, she has not developed a system of working with other providers delivering the EYFS, consequently, she is not aware of what children may have been doing in the morning in order to plan effectively for their afternoon.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses appropriate strategies to promote children's understanding of right from wrong and provides simple explanations of why a certain behaviour is not acceptable. She reminds children to be polite and to show concern for each other, however, they do not have regular opportunities to develop a positive understanding of the diversity of the wider world. Children have opportunities to learn about keeping themselves safe while practising road safety procedures. However, they do not practise emergency evacuations to ensure they develop an understanding of what to do in an event of a fire. The childminder prepares and serves their meals according to their parents' wishes and she takes appropriate steps to ensure her home is clean and hygienic. 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? 3 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? 3

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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?

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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: 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

 develop and implement a written statement of the procedures to be followed for the protection of children (Arrangements for Safeguarding Children) 20/02/2009

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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 line with the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. 20/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There has been one complaint made to Ofsted since the last inspection. Concerns were raised relating to suitability. In order to investigate these concerns Ofsted liaised with outside agencies and carried out an unannounced visit. The Provider agreed to a variation of the conditions of registration to ensure that the person named in the letter dated 29/11/2007 is not present at the premises when childminding is taking place and does not transport minded children.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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