Childminder in Suffolk

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 26 October 2015 7 May 2015

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This inspection: Good 2

Effectiveness of the leadership and management Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good 2

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This inspection: Good 2

Personal development, behaviour and welfare Good 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder knows the children in her care well and offers an informal, relaxed approach to learning. She plans activities that interest and engage the children to build on their learning effectively. Children make good progress, so they are well prepared for the next stage in their learning.  Children feel safe and secure in the childminder's care. She provides a warm, welcoming environment where children have familiar routines, consistent boundaries and treat each other with care and respect.  The childminder makes good use of the local area for outings that enhance children's learning opportunities. They learn about the natural environment during walks or visits to the nearby beach. Children learn where their food comes from as they pick apples and blackberries in the childminder's garden and help plant and tend seeds.  Partnerships with parents are good. Valuable information about children's welfare and

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This provision is good

learning is regularly shared between the childminder and parents. This results in children's individual needs being quickly identified and met.  The childminder has a secure understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She has effective practices and procedures in place to protect children, including identifying and referring concerns about a child's welfare, the use of mobile telephones and cameras and protecting information held on children.

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It is not yet outstanding because:

 The childminder's plan for improvement does not yet enable her to pursue excellence in all areas of her practice. She has not yet implemented a strategy to support her continuing professional development.  The childminder does not always provide opportunities for children to extend their thinking and problem-solving skills further.

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

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What the setting needs to do to improve further

 strengthen the professional development plans, so that they are even more targeted to help achieve and maintain a higher level of practice  extend the opportunities for children to think about solving problems, sharing their ideas and finding different ways of doing things.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and outside and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.  The inspector spoke with the childminder and children at appropriate times during the inspection and carried out a focused observation.  The inspector looked at relevant documentation, such as records of children's learning and a selection of policies and records.  The inspector checked evidence of the suitability and qualifications of the childminder and viewed her self-evaluation and improvement plan.  The inspector took account of the views of parents provided through written testimonials.

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Effectiveness of the leadership and management is good

Since the childminder's last inspection, she has made significant improvements to her provision to meet the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and support children's good progress. Arrangements for safeguarding are effective. The childminder has completed training in first aid to update her knowledge and skills. She has also attended training on safeguarding children. She knows the procedures to follow should she have concerns about any child in her care. Support from other professionals has been used well to improve observations, assessments and planning, so that outcomes for children are now good. The childminder is committed to ongoing improvement and uses self-evaluation well to reflect on her practice. She has clear aims for the future. However, her professional development plan is not sharply focused on raising the quality of learning experiences for children to the very highest level.

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

The childminder plans a wide range of activities and meaningful experiences according to children's interests and learning needs. She is good at demonstrating how to do things and giving children guidance as they play. This helps to consolidate their learning and engage children in what they need to learn next, so that they make good progress. However, the childminder does not always ask inspiring questions that encourage children to think more deeply for themselves and develop their own ideas. Children benefit from the childminder's skilful communication. She encourages children to engage in conversations and talk about what they are doing. They eagerly share design ideas and use descriptive words well when hallowing out a pumpkin. Children manipulate tools with increasing control and learn how to handle small knives safely. They develop early writing skills as they handle resources, including crayons confidently. The childminder monitors

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Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good

individual children's progress effectively. She shares children's achievements with parents every day, so they are involved in their learning to support this at home.

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Personal development, behaviour and welfare are good

The childminder has improved the way she gathers detailed information from parents about children's care routines, interests and achievements when they first start to support their physical and emotional well-being. Children develop strong attachments with her. She values each child as a unique individual and teaches them to appreciate the world around them. Resources reflect a diverse society and outings teach children about their local community. Children have plenty of opportunities to make choices and build their independence. They enjoy play, learning and exercise outdoors in fresh air. The childminder teaches children effective hygiene routines to promote their good health. They learn to manage risks, such as how to cross the road safely.

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Outcomes for children are good

Children make good progress and are confident learners. They thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder. She has introduced good methods to review children's progress. This helps her to address any gaps in their learning and prepare children well for school.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY302001 Local authority Suffolk Inspection number 1015211 Type of provision Childminder Day care type Childminder Age range of children 4 - 9 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 6

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Telephone number

The childminder was registered in 2005 and lives in Lowestoft. She operates all year round from 6.30am to 7.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. She holds a relevant childcare qualification at level 3.

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Telephone number

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Telephone number

procedures set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. 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.

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Telephone number

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk. You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/, write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Telephone number

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our website for news, information and updates at www.ofsted.gov.uk/user.

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Telephone number

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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