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

p.1

Unique reference number EY299143 Inspection date 07/07/2009 Inspector Christine Ann London

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and nine years, in a village in Lowestoft, Suffolk. The ground of the premises is used for childminding, with the exception of the utility room. The lounge is used for children to have undisturbed sleep. The home is accessed by level entry. A fully enclosed area of the garden is available for outdoor play. The childminder has a dog and a tank of fish as pets.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding three children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five to eight years. Children mainly attend on a part- time basis. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder has use of a car to transport children. She attends toddler groups and visits other registered childminders in the area regularly for support and to socialise. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder generally promotes all aspects of the children's welfare and learning, enabling them to make good progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She provides a welcoming and stimulating environment where children are generally safe, secure and healthy. She works closely with the parents and is building valuable links with the schools and pre-schools the children attend. The childminder is beginning to use useful systems to monitor and evaluate her childminding provision, to ensure improvements are made where necessary, although she is aware this is an area for ongoing development. She is committed in developing her skills further through professional training and workshops.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 improve the current fire log to include details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved  develop the current assessment records to evidence the next stages of learning for the children

p.3

provision

Children's welfare is promoted well through familiar routines which ensure that they are kept safe and secure. A clear set of policies and procedures have been This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 developed to help the childminder carry out her work effectively, support the care of the children and inform parents about the service. The parents are informed about the childminder's safeguarding responsibilities as detailed in her child protection policy. Details held within the childminder's complaint procedures also guide parents about what to do if they have concerns about the children's care. The childminder knows the children she cares for exceptionally well and organises her day to meet their individual needs. The wide range of activities both inside and outdoors help children to make good progress in their learning and promotes their welfare. Risk assessments are conducted to ensure that children are safe. As a

p.3

provision

result, parents are reassured that all risks have been minimised.

p.4

provision

The childminder's is beginning to use a self-evaluation system to help her to identify the strengths and weaknesses of her provision, enabling her to make improvements. Changes have been made since the last inspection to develop her knowledge and understanding. The childminder undertakes regular training to ensure her skills are up-to-date, such as safeguarding children, to continue to maintain a good quality service for the children and families who attend.

p.4

provision

Children benefit from the extremely positive working relationships the childminder has with their parents to ensure continuity of care. The childminder is proactive in gathering details from parents about the children before they start to attend, to ensure their individual needs are met. Parents receive regular information about their children's activities through photographs and daily feedback. Parents comment very positively about the exciting activities and play opportunities their children experience and that their wishes are respected by the childminder.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress across all areas of their learning and development. They are well-supported by the childminder who has a sound understanding of the EYFS. She uses her knowledge of the children as individuals to help her plan fun and interesting activities for them to enjoy, both indoors and out. The childminder plans activities to encourage the children's development, she is observing the children and making written assessments. However, the next stages of children's development are not currently recorded. The childminder shares these assessments with parents and uses photographs to make these attractive and easy to understand. Any individual development needs of children can be quickly identified because information is regularly exchanged between the childminder and parents.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have very positive relationships with the childminder and respond well to her, smiling and laughing as she talks and plays with them. She positively promotes their language development and the children converse easily with her. Children learn about their local community as they are taken on regular outings, for example, to local parks, an animal sanctuary and beaches. They also visit other provisions where they meet and socialise with other children. Children learn about keeping themselves healthy. They eat a healthy diet and talk about different foods and how they are good for you. They cook, making biscuits and treats, suitably assisted and guided by the childminder. They enjoy daily opportunities for physical This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 exercise and learn why this is good for them as they go to the local park or enjoy the garden to run around and play. Children learn how to keep themselves safe

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

through daily routines, such as learning about road safety as they walk to and from school holding hands with the childminder. They know about fire safety and how to get out of the house safely, as they have practised the emergency evacuation with the childminder. However, although records are maintained they do not include details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy selecting their own resources and choose from a wide range of toys and activities. Their independence is encouraged throughout the day from selecting equipment, to taking care of their personal needs. Children are learning right from wrong and how to behave well, using basic house rules. The childminder is a positive role model, she is patient and praises children for appropriate behaviour and teaches them to be polite and show respect for others. The childminder shares information with parents on a daily basis which enables them to be involved in children's care and learning. The many letters and cards provided by the parents support the very good care and attention she gives their children and the way she involves the parents in daily routines. They have many suitable resources that help them learn about diversity and disability, such as, play figures, dolls and books, which the childminder uses to promote discussions.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7