Baron Linda

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 250724 Inspection date 16/03/2009 Inspector Moira Oliver

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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 ground floor is used for childminding and the children have access to an upstairs toilet. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play and there is level access to the premises. The family have a dog, three cats, a rabbit and a budgerigar as pets.

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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 is currently minding seven children, five of whom are in the early years age range. She 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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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children and takes children to the local play areas, parks and the beach. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and the Felixstowe and District Childminding Group.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Clear, well-organised documentation supports the childminder to provide effectively for the children in the Early Years Foundation Stage and they make good progress. The children benefit from the childminder's trusting and close relationships with the parents and information is shared daily. Children's welfare is promoted through daily routines and discussions and the premises are safe and secure. The childminder strives to improve her practice through attending regular training and sharing good practice with other childminders and is beginning to use new systems to self-evaluate.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure self-evaluation clearly identifies specific areas for future improvements in practice and the impact on outcomes for children  develop the use of observation and assessment to clearly identify children's next steps in their learning.

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provision

The childminder is experienced and qualified in childcare and keeps up-to-date with developments by attending training and workshops. She is dedicated to her role as a childminder and builds close relationships with all the children and their families. She has begun to monitor and evaluate her setting, however, this is mostly descriptive and not evaluative and therefore does not clearly identify areas for development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Well-organised documentation supports the childminder to provide appropriate care and education for all children. Parents complete registration forms and permissions as well as providing valuable information about their child's interests and abilities which helps the childminder to plan effectively. Very positive references are evidence that parents are extremely happy with the provision and they state that their children are excited and keen to attend.

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provision

The childminder organises her home to ensure that it is welcoming and safe for the children. Thorough risk assessments take place daily on the premises and before any outings ensuring the children are safe at all times. Recommendations from the last inspection have been effectively addressed which has provided the childminder with additional information to enable her to fully understand her role in safeguarding children. This has developed her confidence to put procedures into practice when necessary.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settle well. They are confident and very much 'at home' in the childminder's company and it is obvious that they are very fond of her. For example, children enjoy cuddles and they chat freely to her, involving her in their play, asking for support to complete puzzles and access additional resources. The childminder encourages lots of discussion during their play ensuring they make good progress in their language and numeracy skills. For example, children confidently count the number of dolls in the pushchair and match patterns such as, spots and stripes on the animal puzzle. They have opportunities to explore their local environment as they visit the woods, the beach and the parks where they look at and discuss nature and the seasons. Children learn about their own and other cultures through activities, celebrations and resources such as books. Reference and story books are used to promote discussion as children learn about

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

similarities and differences. Children enjoy physical exercise and love climbing, running and kicking footballs on a large playing field.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's creativity is promoted through activities using a range of media such as collage and paint. They make masks and have fun making a large dragon using their painted hand prints. Children enjoy role play and have additional opportunities to play with dolls, cots and play kitchen resources when they regularly visit the local toddler group. These visits also provide valuable opportunities for children to socialise in larger groups and learn to share equipment.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has developed a system to observe, assess and plan stimulating learning experiences for all children and is using 'Learning Journeys' to record their interests and achievements. The observations are descriptive and some include photographs to enhance the observation further. However, they are not always evaluative and therefore do not clearly identify the child's next step in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted well and they are safe and secure in the childminder's care. They learn how to keep themselves safe through regular fire This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 drills where the older children take the lead demonstrating that they understand the procedures. They learn about road safety as they take and collect children from school and younger children hold the childminder's hands as they cross the road. Children are healthy because the childminder follows effective procedures for handling and storing foods as well as encouraging effective hand washing and nappy changing routines. The children have opportunities for fresh air and exercise daily and photographs show them enjoying using umbrellas in the rain. Parents are encouraged to supply the children with healthy meals and snacks and the childminder provides ideas and examples if requested.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning to share the toys and equipment and treat each other with respect. The childminder offers praise and encouragement, building the children's self-esteem. They talk about their feelings using a picture with a variety of facial expressions to encourage these discussions. Through acknowledging and discussing their feelings it enable children to have a greater understanding and respect for others. 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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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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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