Childminder in SuffolkOfsted inspection, 10 Feb 2009

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 251226 Inspection date 10/02/2009 Inspector Deirdra Keating

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 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.

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 2003. She lives with her husband and son aged 13 years in Needham Market, Suffolk close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The childminder’s home is situated in a residential area. The ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. The family have a pet bird and a rabbit.

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 five children who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) years. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Good knowledge of each child’s individual needs ensures that the childminder promotes most aspects of children’s welfare and learning with success. Children are confident, assured, and have developed good relationships with the childminder in her welcoming home. Individual needs are met well by the childminder using information from parents which promotes a fully inclusive environment. However, systems for monitoring the provision towards improvement and ensuring written procedures are up-to-date require further consideration.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 ensure written risk assessments identify all aspects of the environment that need to be checked (this refers to the decked area of the garden)  develop the process of self-evaluation to ensure strengths and weakness of the early years provision are identified  update policies and written procedures to ensure they are regularly reviewed and reflect all areas of practice.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 maintain a written record identifying aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 26/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

Children are settled and secure in the homely environment where they receive good care and attention from the childminder. The organisation and routines meet children's needs and they are protected from potential harm as the childminder is confident in her knowledge and has attended safeguarding training. Written policies and procedures are generally maintained to ensure children's ongoing welfare and well-being, however, these could be updated and reviewed at more regular intervals. The childminder promotes a welcoming environment that is mainly safe, however, there are aspects of the garden which could present a hazard to children and risk assessments are not recorded in line with the EYFS. The childminder has acted on recommendations raised at the last inspection to improve the provision. However, self-evaluation does not yet clearly identify targets for further improvement.

p.4

provision

The childminder has established some links with other local provisions to ensure that the children receive continuity of care, promoting open communication systems and daily verbal handovers. The childminder works flexibly with parents to provide a consistent and reliable service that inclusively meets each family's individual needs. Parents are positive about the childminder's good practice and continuity of care.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder's good knowledge of the learning and development requirements enable her to confidently help children learn appropriately both in and out of doors. The environment is reassuring and contains resources which are appropriate, well maintained and accessible for all children. Children are encouraged to make choices about their play, plan the layout of resources and contribute to keeping it tidy. They request a wooden train track which the childminder lays out with them in her comfortable sitting room. This enables them to relax and play with the trains. The childminder uses local amenities and helps children develop a sense of community by using the library. This promotes children's enjoyment of books and supports their language development. The childminder takes children to a range of groups where they socialise and make friends. Children visit the local park and nearby lake feeding the ducks and

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

learning about the wildlife. This alongside the promotion of healthy snacks and meals encourages children to have a healthy lifestyle.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's achievements are recorded in 'learning journeys' for each child and made available for parents to share. Observations are illustrated with photographs and detail children's achievements and plans for next steps of learning. They are detailed and show the good progress children are making in order that parents and carers can support children's achievements. The childminder works very well with parents, diaries are used to give parents an overview of babies' care and activities during the day to ensure they receive good continuity of care. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is committed to the principles of equality and diversity and values each child as an individual. Children treat one another with respect ensuring that all children and families feel included safe and valued. This is supported very well by the childminder who provides a calm and consistent role model.

p.4

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? 3 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? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 3 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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

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

p.8

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.

p.8