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 250844 Inspection date 26/02/2009 Inspector Deirdra Keating

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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 1989. She lives with her husband and adult children in Leiston, Suffolk, close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The childminder’s home is situated in a residential area and accessible via a low step. The ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. She has a pet rabbit and a turtle.

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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 is currently minding five children who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered on the Early Years register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder cares for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Description of the childminding

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

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Individual needs are carefully respected and met using information from parents which promotes a fully inclusive environment. Children and families have developed good relationships with the childminder and are confident and assured in her welcoming home. The childminder has evaluated her practice and shows a good commitment to improving her practice by accessing further training.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve children's safety by restricting their access to the area of the garden that is undergoing building work.

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further?

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

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further?

 complete an appropriate paediatric first aid course (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 30/04/2009

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provision

The childminder has completed part of the training as required by the Early Years Foundation Stage and is fully committed to developing her knowledge and skills by attending further training this year. Due to mitigating circumstances the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder has not maintained a current first aid certificate and potentially lacks knowledge of how to best care for children when they have an accident. The childminder works well with other local childminders, ensuring she is well supported and has good contingency plans in the event of an emergency. She is committed to continuous improvement and has completed a good self-evaluation to specify areas for further improvement.

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provision

Written policies and procedures are maintained well to ensure children's ongoing welfare, care and safety. Written risk assessments are documented in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. The organisation of the childminder's home enables children to make choices in their play and become increasingly independent.

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provision

The childminder is strongly committed to ensuring that her service is inclusive for all children and families. Parents are warmly welcomed, supported and receive good information about their children's care. Children's journals are proactively shared to ensure parents are involved in their children's learning and care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides well for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are all inclusively welcomed and cared for in a stimulating environment in which children's originality and uniqueness are valued. The childminder has created an environment that offers a range of activities which encourages children’s interest and curiosity, both indoors and outdoors. Children enjoy watching the birds feed in the childminder's garden, this promotes discussions and teaches them about wildlife. The childminder uses encouraging, friendly approaches to support children and increase their motivation. During an imaginary game which is brought to life with toy kitchen equipment, and a washing line is requested. The childminder quickly makes this using flexible resources that she adapts; she shows that there are several ways to make it work encouraging children's perseverance and concentration. The childminder follows children's

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

interests well facilitating changes of equipment and providing good support. This approach allows sufficient time for children to explore, develop ideas and finish working through these ideas and consequently, children are confident and motivated to learn.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children gain a good sense of local community as the childminder makes effective use of the local neighbourhood, taking children to the beach, local parks and the indoor play centre. This promotes fresh air and exercise encouraging children to have a healthy lifestyle. The childminder has a very good understanding of nutrition and provides children with healthy meals including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Children have regular drinks as fresh drinking water or juice is accessible to them throughout the day. They walk to local schools where they learn about road safety, visit the beach and play on equipment in the park. The house and garden are secure, however, children's safety could be compromised by an area in the garden that has not been adequately cornered off. 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? 3 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 or 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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