Childminder in NorfolkOfsted inspection, 4 Mar 2009

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 EY246513 Inspection date 04/03/2009 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 husband and two children aged 13 and 14 years in Long Stratton, Norfolk. The ground and first floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding, an enclosed garden for outdoor play is available and there is a small step to enter the premises. The family have two cats and two dogs.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged five to seven years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and voluntary part of the Childcare register. The children attend local schools and nurseries where the childminder has established good links to support the children's care and learning.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder knows the children well, respects their individuality and they are happy and settled in her care. Children are making good progress in their development and this is supported by the very secure partnership with parents and other settings the children attend. Children's learning is well supported overall however, assessment and planning systems for children's activities are not entirely secure and children miss some opportunities to develop their awareness regarding others. Children’s welfare and safety are given good consideration in all areas.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop assessment records held on children's skills and planning of activities to further support children in all areas of learning.  further increase opportunities for children to develop their knowledge about the cultures and beliefs of other people and different abilities.

p.3

provision

Children’s welfare and learning is exceptionally well supported with parents. A clear set of policies, procedures and assessment records about children are shared with parents to ensure they are fully informed and aware of the service that is on offer to the children. The childminder makes a point of meeting with parents before children attend to ensure she has all the relevant information to meet the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's needs There is a daily exchange of information to keep all parties up-to- date and all parents are surveyed formally on a regular basis to help the childminder assess the quality of her provision. Parents' comment very positively on the childminder's sense of 'fun', 'genuine warmth' and the help that children receive with regard to their 'growth and learning'. Relevant information is shared with other provisions the children attend so the childminder understands their

p.3

provision

needs and can maintain their well-being when they are in her care.

p.4

provision

Younger children's individual needs, with regard to eating and sleeping patterns, are respected. This promotes children's sense of security as routines are followed from home. Children enjoy playing with resources that show some positive representations of the wider world however, children have too few routine opportunities to develop their knowledge about other peoples' cultures and abilities.

p.4

provision

The childminder has completed the required training in first aid and child protection to keep her skills up to date. She demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement by effectively assessing her strengths and weaknesses through self-evaluation involving all service users and has addressed requirements from her last inspection. Children’s safety is well promoted as she has taken relevant action to minimise risks within her home, garden and when on outings. The childminder ensures children are supervised at all times for their safety and that they do not have inappropriate access to persons who have not been vetted. There is a clear understanding of safeguarding children procedures with the relevant information readily to hand for her to seek advice or make a referral if she has child protection concerns.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress in their learning and development as the childminder knows them well, understands their stage of development and organises activities to help them take some next steps in their learning. The childminder has started to record observations and use these in her work but, the assessment records held on children's skills and planning of activities to further support children in all areas of learning is not yet fully secure.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children take part in a wide range of fun activities in the home and outside to support their all round development. They make choices of toys from low level accessible storage boxes and help to organise their own play with confidence, demonstrating their independence. The childminder ensures there are a good selection of resources available and children are secure and settled in the childminder's care. Children demonstrate good imaginative and social skills as they play with friends and pretend to make dinner. The childminder makes very effective use of books and pictures to foster children's early reading and communication skills. They listen intently to favourite stories, repeat key words and study the pictures talking about what they see.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Younger babies sit comfortably exploring toys with their mouths and fingers, showing their dexterity. The childminder is quick to praise all children and the baby This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 smiles and gurgles in response to the childminder's attention. Children respond with interest to the challenging games with matching cards and when fixing jigsaw pieces together to make a picture. This helps children develop their early reasoning skills. The childminder encourages children to extend their thinking with open questions about colours, shape, size and number which promotes children's basic skills.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's parents provide a range of nutritious snacks and meals for the children to enjoy at the childminder's. Younger children enjoy pronouncing new words such as 'strawberry' and 'apricots' and meal times provide an opportunity for the children and childminder to talk about why vitamins are needed for the body to grow, developing children's awareness about healthy eating. Children confidently walk across fields to and from school and nursery, enjoying the freedom to run around in the wide open space and exercising their bodies in the fresh air to build their muscle strength. When children are tired they rest according to their particular routine and they receive sensitive care if they run out of energy during the day and need a quiet story to recuperate. The childminder implements her positive behaviour management policy well. Consequently, little children learn how to play together with sensitive support and older children are enabled to manage

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

their behaviour appropriately. 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? 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?

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.

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