Watkins, Nicola Jane

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 154976 Inspection date 24/09/2008 Inspector Margaret Elizabeth Roberts

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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 2001. She lives with her partner and two children aged one and eight years in Thetford, Norfolk. All of the home, except for the second bedroom is easily accessible and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools where she is developing links to support the care she provides for the children. The family have a rabbit, guinea pig, three fish and a large snail. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years. The childminder is on the Early Years Register, the compulsory part of the Childcare Register and also the Voluntary Childcare Register. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage(EYFS). She knows the children she cares for very well recognising that they are individuals, working closely with parents and other professionals to ensure that all their needs are met. Children benefit from the warm, homely environment where they are respected and valued. They enjoy a wide range of activities which are planned by the childminder, however assessments of their progress do not clearly identify the next steps in their learning. Children are happy and settled which enables them to make good progress in their development.

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further?

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

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further?

 continue to develop assessments to ensure that children are making progress from birth towards the early learning goals and to identify learning priorities.

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provision

Children's welfare is promoted very well through familiar routines which ensure that they are kept safe and secure. The comprehensive set of policies and procedures that have been developed help the childminder to carry out her work effectively. This has a positive impact on the care children receive and ensures that their individual needs can be met. The childminder knows the children she cares for exceptionally well and organises her day to meet their individual routines. The wide range of activities both inside and outdoors help children to make good progress in their learning and development and promotes their welfare. The robust risk assessments that are followed ensures that hazards to children are minimised at all times, promoting their safety whether playing on the premises or on outings taken to local attractions.

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provision

The childminder's self evaluation helps her to identify the strengths and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 weaknesses of her provision enabling her to make improvements. This has resulted in changes being made since the last inspection to improve her resources and update her medical knowledge through further training. Children benefit from the positive working relationship the childminder has with their parents and the links being developed with local schools to ensure continuity of care. Friendly, comfortable relationships that the children have with the childminder ensures that they settle into the home and play extremely well together.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with many opportunities to help them make progress across all areas of learning and development regardless of their age. The childminder has a strong knowledge of the EYFS which she uses to plan a range of suitable adult-led and child-initiated activities. The childminder supports children's play competently and is skilled in stepping back, allowing children to participate in role play that they themselves have initiated. Children thoroughly enjoy getting 'married', dressing up in their wedding clothes. Children under the age of three are able to hold conversations with their peers and adults, explaining to one another what they wish to achieve. Their independence is promoted as they learn to manage their personal hygiene and access resources for themselves. Parents are informed of their children's progress through the daily diaries, informal communication and folders that have been developed containing samples of what they have done. The

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

childminder has started to develop assessments to ensure that children are making progress from birth towards the early learning goals, however these are not used to identify learning priorities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are welcomed into a safe, homely environment where they enjoy good relationships with the childminder and their peers. They are learning to use resources safely, for example, they know that they are required to take off their shoes when using the trampoline. Children's good health and well-being is promoted because the childminder gathers information from parents regarding any issues such as medical or dietary needs. Many opportunities to play in the fresh air contributes to children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Organisation of the premises and resources allows children to choose freely what they wish to do, increasing their independence further and meeting their individual needs. They have sufficient space in which to play and are able to rest on comfortable furniture or undisturbed in an upstairs bedroom.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave exceptionally well. They are able to play independently or together, sharing and taking turns, often solving their own disputes without adult help. They are kind and considerate towards each other and are helped to learn right from wrong through the positive role model presented by the childminder. 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

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound 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? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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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 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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