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 EY308241 Inspection date 13/02/2009 Inspector Deborah Kerry

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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 registered since 2005. She lives with her family and works with her husband who is also a registered childminder. They live in a residential area of Haverhill. The whole of the property is used for childminding, except the converted loft room. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The premises are accessible via a step.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time when working on her own; this maximum number is increased to eight children when working with another childminder and when working with another childminder and an assistant the maximum number of children is increased to 10. She currently has 17 children on roll, all of whom attend on at part-time basis. This provision is registered on the Early Years, Compulsory and Voluntary childcare registers.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA)The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and playgroups. The family have two dogs, two cats, rabbits, two budgerigars, fish and a giant African snail as pets.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children's welfare, learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage is successfully promoted as the childminder has a clear understanding of children's individual learning needs. The childminder has developed close working relationships between parents and other settings children attend and ensures that there is a good exchange of information to support their individual care needs and to help them feel secure. The childminder has put in place effective systems to review, monitor and update her policies and practice to ensure outcomes for children remain positive and they continue to make good progress.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop resources to help children develop their awareness of the cultures and beliefs of others.

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provision

The childminder has in place a comprehensive rang of policies, procedures and daily routines to support her excellent practice which ensures that children's individual needs are effectively met. The childminder works with her husband and both take responsibility for developing all policies and documentation. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminders work well together as a team, written daily routines include a wide range of activities and outings throughout the week to ensure that children's individual needs can be met effectively. All the childminders policies and procedures are shared with parents, she ensures that they are kept up-to-date through regular newsletters, daily diaries and through verbal feedback.

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provision

Children's welfare is effectively supported as the childminder has written procedures in place around safeguarding children. She has attended training and is fully aware of the steps to take should she have concerns about the welfare of the children in her care. The childminder has in place written risk assessments for all areas inside and outside of the home to ensure that children are not exposed to any potential hazards. Risk assessments for all outings are included which ensures that children are protected from potential dangers when outside the home. The childminders share joint responsibility for ensuring that their home is safe and secure for all children that attend and take turns to complete a daily check.

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provision

The childminder has attended training on the EYFS which has developed her understanding on children's learning and development needs. She is currently undertaking training to support children with learning difficulties or disabilities so that their needs can be met appropriately. The childminder has completed an NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Childcare and Education and has achieved Quality Assurance Status along with her husband. She is seeking to gain accreditation to offer funded places for children's early education. She reviews her practice, policies and procedures on a frequent basis to ensure that they reflect her aims for children's learning. There is a good exchange of children's individual care and learning needs with other providers delivering the EYFS, as they share the learning journey records.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of nutrition, children are provided with a variety of healthy foods to support their growth and development. The childminder prepares meals and snacks for some children and ensures that their individual dietary needs are met appropriately. Children's cups are placed within their reach so they can help themselves to drinks when they are thirsty. Children have opportunities for regular exercise as they can access a range of equipment in the garden to promote their physical development. They enjoy doing exercises to music which helps them develop a good understanding on how to keep themselves healthy. Children's understanding of personal hygiene is being developed as they all wash their hands before eating meals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder offers appropriate support and gets down to children's level, she talks with them as they build a track for the train. She reads stories to children that they have chosen and gives cuddles to little ones when they are ready for a sleep. The childminder ensures that she plans a broad range of activities around their individual interests. Children's records show that a balanced range of activities are provided which meets their interests and covers all six areas of learning. The next step in the children's learning is clearly identified and their records are regularly updated to show how they are progressing in their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development. Children's learning journey records are shared with parents and include their comments which helps to keep them involved in their child's early education. The childminder is responsible for writing up observations undertaken

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

for the children's learning journey records and writes the daily diaries which are also shared with parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are play well together and there are sufficient resources for them all to push or pull wheeled toys around the home and their imagination is promoted as they put dolls into pushchairs and cover them up with blankets to keep them warm. Older children enjoy sitting at the table to roll and cut play dough to create different shapes and babies are helped to pull themselves up onto furniture to support their first steps. Children's independence is promoted as they are able to self select resources from the range placed within their reach. All children are welcomed into the setting, the childminder ensures that the activities provided are adapted to ensure that all children can participate regardless of their abilities. Children are beginning to develop an awareness of other cultures and beliefs as the childminder has some resources in place. 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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