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 251374 Inspection date 09/03/2009 Inspector Glenda Kathleen Field

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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 has been registered since 1995. She lives with her husband and two children aged 16 and 13 in a house in Beccles, Suffolk. The whole of the ground floor of the premises is used for childminding. A secure garden is available for outdoor play. There is level access to the provision. There are two dogs kept as household pets. An area of the garden is fenced off for sole use of the dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder may care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years at any one time. There are currently nine children on roll of whom four are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder is also registered on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary Childcare Register. The childminder takes children for visits to toddler groups, the local Children's Centre and other childminders. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides effectively for children within the Early Years Foundation Stage and most required documentation is in place. Children enjoy a varied range of age-appropriate activities which actively promote their learning and development. The childminder has a positive attitude to inclusion ensuring children's individual needs are met. Partnerships with parents are effective in supporting children's learning. The childminder has commenced the process of self-evaluation but has yet to identify the key strengths and areas for development within her provision in order to improve the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop the use of relective practice to identify the settings strengths and priorities for improvement that will improve the quality of the provision for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that all accident and existing injuries records are signed by parents.(Promoting good health) 06/04/2009

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provision

Children's care and welfare are effectively promoted. Detailed policies, which are shared with parents, support the care provided by the childminder. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder accesses training and has completed the required courses in order to develop her childcare skills. She is currently working towards a Level 3 qualification in Children's Care, Learning and Education. Children are effectively safeguarded because the childminder has a sound understanding of relevant issues and procedures. Adults in the household are appropriately vetted and are therefore suitable to have regular contact with children. The formal process of risk assessment has been carried out with hazards identified for outings and a comprehensive record of the checks carried out within the home has been developed. However, the accident and existing injuries records are not always

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provision

signed by parents to acknowledge the entry. This potentially impacts on children's health. Although the childminder has not yet fully completed self-evaluation of her provision she reflects on her practice and has made improvements since the last inspection to ensure children's safety.

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provision

Children play and learn in a child-centred, welcoming environment. The childminder makes good use of her time to engage with children and provide individual time and attention to stimulate children's learning. The play environment is set out so a variety of resources are accessible, encouraging children to become independent and active learners. The partnership with parents is effective. They receive a wealth of information regarding the setting along with a copy of the comprehensive policies and procedures adopted by the childminder. Children's well-being and ongoing progress is discussed with parents on a daily basis and well kept observation and assessment records of children's progress are shared. Children have equal access to all resources and the daily routine is flexible to take in to account children's individual needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and welfare are well supported. They are provided with healthy meals and snacks and play in the fresh air, riding wheeled toys or use the trampoline and slide. Skills are further extended as they frequently visit toddler groups and the local Children's Centre which are equipped with apparatus which provides additional challenges. Children's personal independence is encouraged as they access the toilet and wash their own hands. They learn to keep themselves safe through routine activities, for example, clearing away resources or safely crossing the road when out. Children are also involved in practising emergency escape procedures. The childminder offers clear explanations, such as why they should not run around the table as they may bump their heads. Children thrive on the praise and encouragement they receive and are confident and happy in the childminder's care. The childminder works with parents to encourage positive

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

behaviour. She works hard to ensure children are actively engaged in meaningful activities throughout the day. As a result, children develop habits and behaviour appropriate to good learners. The childminder gets to know children well and skilfully adapts activities so all children are able to join in and achieve their full potential.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a varied range of age-appropriate activities which support children in their learning. The childminder has ideas for activities broadly based on children's preferences and interests. She sets out a choice of resources each day This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which cover different areas of children's learning and children eagerly explore and engage in concentrated play. Observations and assessments of children's progress are made on a regular basis and the childminders uses this information to plan for children's next steps in their learning. These records are shared with parents so they may contribute to their child's developmental record. Children's interests are used to enhance their learning. For example, the childminder introduces additional train track to enable them to make different shaped circuits. Children are encouraged to think through skilful questioning by the childminder. Opportunities

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

for children to be creative are regularly available and children eagerly draw, paint or make collage pictures. Children benefit from a range of child-initiated and adult- led activities. As a consequence, children enjoy learning and are able to learn at their own pace. 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report.(Welfare of the children being cared for) 06/04/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report.(Welfare of the children being cared for) 06/04/2009 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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