Childminder in Norfolk

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY231569 Inspection date 25/11/2008 Inspector Lesley Gadd

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her partner and four children aged five months, six, 11 and 17 years in Long Stratton, Norfolk. All of the home, except for the third floor 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 pet rabbit. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under the age of eight years and is currently caring for four children on a part-time basis. 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.

p.3

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 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 and the childminder is committed to further supporting the children's learning. Children's welfare is well supported although risk assessment records require updating. Children are happy and settled which enables them to make good progress in their development.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 continue to develop the use of observations and asessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant learning experiences for each child.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 update the written risk assessments to identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis and maintain a record of these particular aspects and when and by whom they have been checked (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 12/12/2008

p.3

provision

Children's welfare is promoted well through familiar routines which ensure that they are kept safe and secure. A detailed set of policies and procedures have been developed to help the childminder carry out her work effectively and support the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 care of the children. The childminder and parents are clear about the childminder's safeguarding responsibilities as detailed in her child protection policy. Details held within the childminder's complaint procedures also guide parents about what to do if they have concerns about the children's care. 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 this promotes their welfare. Risk assessments are conducted daily to ensure that children are safe, however

p.3

provision

records held with regard to this matter are not up-to-date to show what areas have been considered and when and by whom the risks have been checked. As a result parents can not be reassured that all risks have been minimised

p.4

provision

The childminder's self-evaluation helps her to identify the strengths and weaknesses of her provision enabling her to make improvements. This has resulted in changes being made since the last inspection to improve her recording of significant incidents. The childminder undertakes regular training to ensure her skills are up-to-date and to continue to maintain a good quality service for the children and families who attend. 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 well together.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are provided with many play opportunities to help them make progress and develop, 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 has started to record details about children's interests and skills although these are not yet entirely effectively linked to planning of activities to identify learning priorities and plan relevant learning experiences for each child. The childminder supports children's play competently and is skilled in sitting alongside younger children guiding and facilitating their exploration and discovery. Children play imaginatively and explore parenting roles as they take the baby doll for a walk, change her clothes and put the doll to sleep. Younger children show good concentration abilities. They use their physical skills to carefully hold age-appropriate small, broad crayons, marking the paper and squealing with

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

delight when they see the pattern emerge as they draw around their feet. Children's senses are stimulated as they make hand prints with paint and explore the feel of the mixture during cooking activities. Older children are showing their early reasoning skills as they help to weigh out ingredients and count the number of bun cases into the tray. All children enjoy stories and quiet time with the childminder fostering their interest in books. Younger children are keen to utilise their growing language skills as they sound out their favourite animal noises and make their needs known, asking for toys and a drink. The childminder is quick to respond providing a running oral commentary and fostering children's use of communication. Children's independence is promoted as they make a good attempt to put their clothes on when going outside and access resources for themselves. Parents have the opportunity to discuss the activities the children have

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enjoyed at the end of the day. The childminder has also started to utilise written diaries which record observations of children at play to more formally discuss and support the children's development.

p.5

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. They are learning to use resources safely, for example, they know that they need to be careful when using cooking implements to avoid harming themselves or others. Children's good health is well promoted. The childminder gathers information from parents regarding any issues such as medical or dietary needs and offers a nutritious diet, rich in fresh produce and fruit snacks. Many opportunities are offered to play and exercise in the fresh air which 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 and meeting their individual needs. They have sufficient space in which to play and are able to relax on comfortable furniture or undisturbed in an upstairs bedroom.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well. They are able to play independently or together, with younger children being well supported in learning how to share and be kind to friends. Children are helped to learn right from wrong through the positive role model that the childminder presents and the ongoing praise offered to them, raising their self-esteem and confidence as individuals. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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.

p.8

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.

p.8