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 EY364283 Inspection date 06/01/2009 Inspector Stephanie Graves

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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 2007. He is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. He lives with his wife, who is also a registered childminder, and their three children; one aged three and twins aged eight, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The whole of the childminder's home, with the exception of the master bedroom, is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. His home is accessible and close to public transport, shops, parks and other amenities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of two children in the early years age range at any one time, or five children when working with his wife. He is currently minding a total of nine children in the early years age range, all on a part-time basis. He takes children to the local toddler groups and play centres.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are settled and comfortable within the childminding environment and their welfare and development are clearly promoted. The childminder has a good understanding of how to best meet the individual needs of the children and nurture their learning and development. Children's safety is well considered enabling them to explore and play in safety wherever the childminder takes them. The partnership with parents helps to support each child according to their unique needs and interests. Self-evaluation is developing and the childminder is reflective and proactive about his practice and always looking to improve where possible.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the systems for ongoing observational assessment to inform planning for each child’s continuing development through play-based activities  continue to develop the methods of self-evaluation to identify the main strengths and weaknesses of the provision.

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provision

Children's learning and development needs are well promoted. The childminder ensures experiences and routines meet their needs and he offers a balance of child initiated and adult-led opportunities. He maintains effective links with parents to gather information about each child's likes and dislikes and uses this to ensure their early experiences are meaningful. Therefore, the individual interests and needs of every child is promoted. The range of records and documentation in place This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 help to promote the effective organisation and meet the needs of the children. The quality of the childminder's capacity for improvement is good. For example, he has ensured any improvements identified at the registration visit have been considered and addressed. The systems for self-evaluation are not yet fully in place but the childminder ensures parents are involved in the evaluation of the provision and has

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provision

attended various training courses. He understands the concept of inclusion and promotes this in all areas of the provision. This means that every child is treated with equal respect and concern and can enjoy equal access to the toys and experiences available.

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provision

Children’s welfare is promoted through the childminder's up-to-date knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures. He has attended relevant training and ensures a range of documentation is easily available. He understands the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what to do if any concerns arise. This helps to ensure that children's welfare remains his priority. A clear risk assessment is in place and includes the premises and any outings the children are taken on, as well as any action that is necessary to reduce possible risks to their safety. The childminder is an active learner. His practice is clearly linked to the Early years Foundation Stage requirements and includes good observation which, in most cases, reflects planning and assessment. This helps to ensure children receive purposeful learning experiences and are well cared for at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn and develop well because the childminder makes sure their personal interests and abilities are considered when planning activities. He works with parents to provide continuity of care and development, for instance, through verbal feedback and the use of contact notes. Children explore their preferred activities, for example, as they manipulate play dough and communicate with the childminder and his family. Clear observation strategies demonstrate children's achievements and are linked to the early learning goals, but do not consistently include assessments of their progress or the next steps needed in learning. However, children are provided with a good range of experiences based on their interests to enable them to make good progress and develop skills for their future learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Very young children demonstrate good relationships with the childminder because he is affectionate and acknowledges their needs. They enjoy a cuddle, for instance, upon waking up from a routine sleep and seek his attention through gestures and smiles. This means their emotional needs are met and they develop a sense of security and contentment. Children enjoy daily outings to local places of interest, including to the park, toddler groups and toy library. These experiences encourage each child to socialise, enjoy plenty of fresh air and exercise and develop an awareness of diversity in society.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The premises are secure and the childminder teaches children how to help keep themselves safe, such as, through practising the emergency evacuation procedure and learning about road safety. He ensures the toys and equipment are checked whenever they are used to promote children's safety at all times. Children's health This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 is well considered because the childminder ensures all areas of the home are hygienically clean, promotes regular hand washing and ensures children with infectious illnesses do not attend. This helps to prevent the spread of infection. Children are encouraged to eat healthy food, and benefit from the agreements in place with their parents regarding this. The childminder promotes their awareness of eating properly and involves them by taking them to his allotment where they learn about the different vegetables he grows. This encourages a good awareness

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

at an early age. Children have access to drinks whenever they are thirsty which helps to prevent dehydration.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder keeps accident and medication records along with written consent to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. This helps to ensure the necessary care can be provided to promote children's health needs. Children receive praise and encouragement from the childminder who is is a positive role model to the children in his care. He has a behaviour policy and speaks to children in a caring and positive manner. Behaviour management techniques promote children's safety, confidence and self-esteem. 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 registration.

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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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