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 251167 Inspection date 09/03/2009 Inspector Hazel Meadows

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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 was registered in 2000. She lives with her family, which includes three teenaged children aged 18, 16 and 15 in a house in east Ipswich. There is one small step to access the premises. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding activities and the bathroom is upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The garden is terraced with a number of steps to each level.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She also offers care to children aged over five to 11 years. She is currently minding eight children overall, three of whom are in the early years age group. Most children attend part-time. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and children for whom English is an additional language. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a relevant Early Years qualification and is a member of the National Childminding Association. She takes and collects children to and from local schools, attends a local toddler group and takes the children to local places of interest.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder is caring and attentive to the children and provides a safe and welcoming play environment. She knows the children in her care very well as individuals and has a positive and inclusive approach towards all families. The childminder develops trusting partnerships with parents and all documentation is in place to support the welfare of the children. She is at the early stages of developing a method of monitoring their progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and establishing partnerships with other providers delivering the EYFS. She reviews her practice and is taking steps to increase her knowledge of the requirements of the EYFS.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop systematic observations and assessments of each child, to identify learning priorities and plan the next steps to help them progress towards the early learning goals  develop opportunities to work in partnership with other providers delivering the EYFS to promote continuity and progression  develop knowledge of the EYFS in order to fully put into practice the requirements of the EYFS. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder has a secure knowledge of child development and has an NVQ level 3 qualification in Early Years Care and Education. She ensures her training is updated as required and endeavours to apply what she has learned to her daily practice. She recently attended an information day about the EYFS and is gaining understanding of the requirements of the EYFS. She previously maintained progress folders for each child, containing photographs and examples of their craft activities. She is now beginning to develop systems to monitor children’s progress through the EYFS, using Suffolk County Council learning journeys. However, observations are not assessed to identify children’s individual starting points or learning priorities and information gathered is not used effectively to inform and aid planning for children’s next steps towards the early learning goals. The childminder is at the early stages of establishing links with other settings delivering

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provision

the EYFS, attended by the children in her care, to promote progression and continuity of care.

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provision

The childminder organises her resources and time well to support children in her care and maintain their routines. She has a very positive attitude and approach to diversity and values children as individuals. She has attended training regarding safeguarding children and has a clear understanding of her responsibilities to protect children. She understands the policies and procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child. She has a good practical knowledge of keeping children safe within the home and when they are on outings and has written risk assessments in place.

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provision

The childminder develops very positive partnerships with parents and works co- operatively with them to meet children's individual needs. She values diversity and welcomes all families, fully supporting those for whom English is an additional language. She writes daily diaries, for children under five years old, recording practical aspects of the children’s care plus an overview of their day, to keep parents well informed. She encourages a regular exchange of information with parents to promote continuity of care and has written clear policies which are shared with parents. All essential documentation and consents are in place to promote children’s welfare and ensure children are cared for according to their parent’s wishes. She values parent’s feedback and has provided them with a questionnaire to help her to evaluate and improve upon her practice.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy, settled and relaxed in the childminder's care. They share warm, friendly relationships with the childminder and her family, which helps develop their confidence and self-esteem. Children's ideas and opinions are valued and respected by the childminder and used to help her reflect upon her practice. For example, they completed a questionnaire about their time at the childminder's and had fun discussing the activities, foods, outings and how they treat one another. The childminder provides a balanced range of activities according to children's individual interests and abilities. Most toys are easily accessible in low- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 level storage units, enabling children to make their own choices. Older children can request games and puzzles from a higher shelf, where items unsuitable for pre- school children are stored. The childminder plays with the children at their level, to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

support and extend their play learning and to encourage them to focus. She speaks clearly to toddlers, using proper language and listening attentively to them, which encourages them to respond. Children’s behaviour is generally very positive and good manners are encouraged. Any behaviour issues are managed calmly and fairly by the childminder, who offers clear explanations and options to the children. She works in consultation with parents and is consistent in her approach, promoting children's understanding of right from wrong and fostering consideration and respect for others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have opportunities to do a range of creative activities, such as cookery and craft using a variety of media. They enjoy doing their own drawing and paintings, mixing paints to discover new colours. A variety of props and resources promote and support children’s imaginative play, such as dressing up and role play. Routine use of numbers, for example, counting steps when going up and downstairs, helps develop young children’s awareness and familiarity with numbers. Visits to the library are enjoyed by all and develop children’s appreciation of books. Children develop their understanding of their local and wider community by visits to places of interest such as the museum, the beach, local parent and toddler groups and play facilities. Several of the resources and activities positively reflect different cultures and children are encouraged to value and appreciate differences. Children are encouraged to share and learn from one another’s

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

experiences, talking about places they have visited. Brochures from the travel agents are used to show pictures of various countries and children enjoy trying to say ‘Hello’ in different languages. The childminder works closely with parents who have English as an additional language, to help and encourage their children as they gain proficiency with English.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn the importance of good hygiene from an early age, for example, they know the routine of using wet wipes to clean their hands after a nappy change or before and after snacks and meals. Healthy choices are promoted as the childminder provides a range of healthy and nutritious foods, encouraging children to try new tastes and textures. Children have regular opportunities to experience fresh air and exercise while walking to and from school and they regularly play in the garden, gaining competence on ride on toys. They sometimes visit local play areas, where they can develop their skills and confidence playing on larger equipment and occasionally go swimming. 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? 3 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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