Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 251199 Inspection date 01/02/2011 Inspector Lynn A Hartigan

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 1999 and lives with her husband and two children aged 13 and 15 years. The childminder lives in Kesgrave in Suffolk. The whole of the premises is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a dog and fish as pets.

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Description of the childminding

A maximum of six children under eight years may attend at any one time, three of which may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently caring for ten children on a part-time basis. The childminder works with an assistant.

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Description of the childminding

Care is also offered to children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides exceptionally well for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring young children consistently make significant gains in their development and learning. Children have an abundance of toys and resources available to them within a dedicated playroom, although not all are easily accessible. The childminder offers an excellent range of activities which effectively promotes their future learning and understanding of diversity. Superb opportunities are available for communication, positive relationships with parents and other carers ensures continuity of care. The childminder has rigorous systems in place to evaluate the provision and is committed to securing training opportunities. As a result, children's wellbeing and outcomes are very good.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 providing further opportunities for children to self-select toys.

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the early years provision

The childminder and her assistants have a comprehensive understanding and awareness of child protection issues. Regular safeguarding training and collaborative working with other key agencies is exemplary and therefore children are able to play and learn effectively in a safe, secure environment where their wellbeing is considered as paramount. Extensive and comprehensive policies support the childminder's practices. Exceptionally thorough risk assessments and robust suitability checks have been conducted to ensure children are in contact This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with suitable people.

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the early years provision

Outcomes for children are clearly attributed to the abundance of excellent resources available to the children and time dedicated to them by the childminder. Children play in a dedicated playroom where they can access a wide selection of high quality toys and equipment appropriate for their developmental stages. Further excellent resources are available but children's spontaneous play is limited as these are not as readily accessible. However the superb resources and the environment provided effectively contribute to children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder is highly committed to rigorous monitoring of the service she provides. The childminder's understanding has been enhanced by the completion of a reflective practice module within the Foundation Degree in Childcare, Learning and Development that she is currently studying. As a result, targeted areas for improvement have had a positive impact on the early years provision provided for the children. For example, recent evaluation of daily diaries that are provided for parents, resulted in positive feedback. Parents comment that they are exceptionally happy with this form of communication. The childminder now includes wonderful photographs of the children's activities enabling even young children to share their day using the pictorial evidence.

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the early years provision

The childminder and her assistants have highly positive relationships with parents and carers. They are encouraged to be involved in key matters that affect their children and their time at the childminder's home. This is effectively achieved through excellent communication opportunities and information provided for parents. For example, the childminder has established trusting and extremely open relationships with the parents. Information was provided in advance regarding the inspection so that parents had the opportunity to contribute their views. Written references strongly suggest that they are extremely happy with every aspect of care offered.

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the early years provision

A consistent approach to the care of the children ensures the best outcome for their welfare and this is strongly encouraged by the childminder. Inclusive policies and systems for communication ensure that there is a consistent and productive partnership. For example, informative newsletters are regularly provided for parents and include photographs of what the children have achieved. Information booklets for new parents assist in the transition from home to childminder. Opportunities provided to contribute to the self-evaluation process results in strong levels of respect and trust.

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the early years provision

The childminder is committed to working in partnership with other settings children attend who are delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is proactive in establishing effective working relationships with the local pre-school and school to ensure continuity of care and progression within their interests and learning. The childminder is very effective to ensure all children are integrated well and that they develop to a good standard.

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the early years provision

The childminder's exceptional knowledge of the children's background and completion of diversity training ensures she can effectively help children learn This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 about the society they live in. Children receive a high level of support in their learning and outcomes for children are positive. The childminder is very knowledgeable of different cultures and acknowledges traditional days and festivals within the planning. For example, children are able to learn about Chinese New Year as they make Chinese dragons. These are beautifully displayed within the home. They have fun eating their snacks with chopsticks and enjoy playing in the 'Chinese restaurant'.

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and outcomes for children

All children are able to make very good progress towards the early learning goals. They can access excellent learning opportunities and activities that cover all the six areas of learning. The childminder provides planning that is flexible and includes the children's interests and ideas to offer an abundance of learning opportunities. The playroom is homely and welcoming. Children's artwork, photographs and posters create a wonderful sense of belonging. Through continuous training and evaluation of practices, the childminder has an expert knowledge of how children learn and develop. Excellent systems are in place for planning to meet each child's individual routines. Established systems in place encourage parents to contribute to their children's learning.

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and outcomes for children

Rigorous assessments and observations of the children assist in the planning process and their next steps in learning are clearly identified. Children are encouraged to initiate their own play and learning. For example, they choose to make their own play dough. Superb organisation by the childminder ensures children's requests are supported. They excitedly choose the colour they want and help count the spoonfuls of flour, completing simple sums. They have sustained levels of interests at this activity as the childminder makes it fun and exciting.

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and outcomes for children

Children have immense fun in the outdoor environment. They are able to grow plants and vegetables, make dens, swim in the pool with supervision and develop their physical skills using the superb climbing equipment. They enjoy playing in the snow, puddle jumping and riding in the wheelbarrow. Children have opportunities to help others as they sort toys and deliver these to the local charity shop. They have excellent opportunities to learn about their own environment. For example, they are learning about the importance of recycling and composting as the childminder educates them on these issues.

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and outcomes for children

Children excitedly watch the men at work in the street. They safely watch the diggers and wear hard hats and reflective jackets. The childminder is skilful in expanding on their interests and continues and supports these interests within the home. For example, continuing the construction site theme within their play.

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and outcomes for children

Children have excellent opportunities to learn about keeping themselves safe and healthy as the childminder discusses these issues during everyday routines. Even very young children are able to independently take themselves to the bathroom and are praised on doing so. Prompt photos in the bathroom remind children to wash their hands and the provision of paper towels and a stringent nappy- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 changing processes ensure children are protected from cross-infection.

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and outcomes for children

Children have a good understanding about healthy foods as these are promoted by the childminder. For example, children enjoy mandarins and bread sticks for snack. Conversations around the importance of staying healthy prompt the children's thinking. They visit the local garden centre to look at the plants, buy seeds and enjoy lunch as a treat.

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and outcomes for children

Children receive fresh air and exercise daily as they play outdoors and walk to school. Children's awareness about safety issues is reinforced by the childminder as discussion around road safety and fire drills form part of everyday routines. A visit by the fire officer reinforces the children's understanding of keeping themselves safe. They have enormous fun sitting in the fire engine and wearing the officer's hat. As a result, children are very familiar with the fire evacuation procedure. They demonstrate that they feel very safe and secure as they play with each other and the childminder. Their behaviour is excellent. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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Stage

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

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