Childminder, Out-of school day care 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 251367 Inspection date 02/12/2008 Inspector Glenda Kathleen Field

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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 a registered since 1997. She lives with her husband and two children aged 18 and 15 in a house in the town of Beccles, Suffolk. The whole of the ground floor apart from the study are used for childminding. Minded children have access to the kitchen/dining room, lounge, conservatory, toilet and bathroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. There is low level access to the provision. Local shops, parks and schools are all within walking distance. The childminder takes children to parent and toddler groups, childminder support groups and the local park.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. There are currently six children on roll of whom three are within the early years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a relaxed and comfortable environment where all parents and children are welcomed and valued. Children's individuality is recognised by the childminder who obtains useful information regarding individual requirements to ensure their needs are inclusively met. Children make satisfactory progress in their learning as they enjoy a variety of age-appropriate activities supported by effective interaction with the childminder. Recommendations made at the last inspection have been satisfactorily met demonstrating capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop records of observation and assessment and use these to plan the next steps in a child's developmental progress  implement the process of self-evaluation to identify strengths and weakenesses of the early years provision.

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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 written record of risk assessment of the premises identifying all areas to be checked on a regular basis, including a full risk assessment for each specific outing (Documentation). 23/12/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder understands her responsibilities with regard to conditions of registration and how to meet the welfare requirements, although her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage documentation is limited. Some self-evaluation and monitoring systems are used and the childminder shows a keen interest in developing her skills and knowledge further.

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provision

The childminder works well with parents through providing support and guidance when needed. Information is obtained from parents before care commences regarding children's health and welfare needs and daily news is shared effectively. Appropriate documentation such as contracts, records of attendance, consents and accidents and medication are in place along with a set of comprehensive policy statements, these include the procedures for safeguarding children and complaints. All are shared with parents.

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provision

Space and resources are organised well and the childminder visually checks her home regularly to ensure hazards are kept to a minimum. For example, the house is secure and equipment is suitable and safe for the ages of children attending. The childminder has a laminated chart as a reminder for her visual risk assessments. However, she has not completed a written risk assessment of the premises or of specific outings made. She has a good awareness of her responsibilities with issues relating to child protection and is fully confident in the procedures to follow in line with the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are confident and settled in this comfortable environment. Their sense of belonging is promoted as they enjoy a warm welcome from the childminder. They receive healthy snacks and have regular drinks throughout the day to ensure they are well nourished. Packed lunches provided by parents are stored appropriately. The suitable storage of resources enables children to self-select from the range of age-appropriate toys available. The childminder adopts a calm approach to the children. She encourages good behaviour through gentle reminders during play and opportunities to share and take turns with favourite resources.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a clear knowledge of the children in her care. For example, she knows about their favourite toys and provides equipment for particular interests. There is a good balance of adult-led and freely-chosen or child-initiated activities. The childminder interacts well with the children asking age-appropriate questions and responding positively to their actions. Outdoor opportunities are delivered through playing in the secure garden and visits to local parks. The childminder meets with other childminders at groups to provide further social experiences for children and to enjoy a wide range of 'messy' play activities such as painting and sticking.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

During play and through discussions with parents, the childminder recognises children’s progress and developmental milestones. However, she does not have a This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 clear understanding of the learning and development requirements within the EYFS framework. As a result, the assessment arrangements and educational programme are informal and do not relate fully to the six areas of learning and development. 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? 2 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? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 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: 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

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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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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