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 EY367027 Inspection date 16/09/2008 Inspector Moira Oliver / Emily Alderson

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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 lives with her family in Felixstowe, Suffolk. The whole of the childminder's house, apart from the lounge, is registered for childminding, however, childminding mostly takes place on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and to work with an assistant. The setting also makes provision for children older than the early years age group which is registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report does not include an evaluation of that provision, but a judgement about compliance with the requirements of the Childcare Register is included at the end of the report.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and has suitable access. The childminder attends local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library, beach and park. She is a member of the Felixstowe and District Childminding Group and the National Childminding Association. The family has a pet cat.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are treated as individuals as the childminder uses her observational skills to get to know the children well. The childminder discusses children's individual needs with the parents and works alongside them to provide consistent strategies promoting inclusive practice. The childminder recognises her strengths and is working to improve her good quality provision further. She provides a secure environment for all children with plenty of space for them to freely access all areas of the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the use of observations and assessment to plan the next steps in a child's developmental progress.

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further?

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

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further?

 conduct a risk assessment and review it regularly in reference to fire detection and control equipment. 30/09/2008

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provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's well-being is promoted by the well organised records and policies providing parents with a useful insight into the setting. For example, an operational plan including photographs of children's work is available to parents. Parents provide the childminder with essential information to enable her to care for the children responsibly and according to their wishes. Strong relationships have been formed with the parents and communication is very good. Daily diaries provide valuable information about their child's day keeping them fully informed. References received are very positive and show that parents value the high standard of care and education provided for their children.

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provision

The childminder identifies her strengths and areas for continued improvement. She continues to update her skills by regularly meeting with other childminders to further develop her knowledge and share good practice. The childminder, takes effective steps to evaluate and monitor children's learning, development and welfare. She is beginning to monitor her provision, observing the children to see what they enjoy and how they use the equipment, which helps her to plan.

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provision

Children are protected because the childminder understands her role in safeguarding children. She is confident to put procedures into practice if necessary and has received relevant training. Children are cared for by safe and suitable adults as the childminder and her assistant have been fully vetted and deemed suitable to work with children. The childminder organises her home effectively to ensure children are safe, however, formal risk assessments are not conducted, therefore not all possible risks are highlighted. For example, the absence of a smoke detector on the first floor.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children independently access a range of toys and equipment to help them make good progress. All toys are stored in boxes and baskets on the floor so children can help themselves. This allows them to chose how to spend their time and as they self-select, their concentration is sustained. The children are happy and relaxed in her company. They clearly form good relationships with the childminder as they approach her for cuddles and ask her to play. All children are very settled enjoying each other's company, visibly having fun. Children attend daily toddler groups which provides them with the opportunity to socialise with other children and adults. Children are offered a wide range of experiences covering all areas of learning. For example, the childminder encourages lots of discussion during role play ensuring they make good progress in their language and numeracy skills. Children enjoy cooking activities and work together combining the ingredients learning to take

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

turns. Other activities include visits to the beach and the park where they explore their environment and develop their physical skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder effectively promotes children's welfare. Children are beginning to understand their own health needs as they access drinks when they are thirsty. Individual routines are maintained, for example, sleeping and food times are respected. Children are safe because the premises are secure. They use safe and suitable equipment as all the toys are regularly checked and small items removed when caring for young children. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 they are beginning to learn about road safety through discussions when on outings.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder offers the children regular praise and encouragement to develop their confidence and self esteem. Children are well behaved and are learning the boundaries and expectations. The childminder deals with behaviour in a developmentally appropriate way using the word 'no' for younger children and always explaining the reasons so that they are able to learn. Children's understanding of the wider world and community is promoted daily thorough groups and outings. The childminder has some resources which reflect positive images of diversity and uses the library to increase resources. 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

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound 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? Satisfactory The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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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 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

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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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