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

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Unique reference number EY312884 Inspection date 10/07/2009 Inspector Lesley Gadd

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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 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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and young adult daughter in Bawdeswell, Norfolk. All of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. There is a small door 'lip' to access the premises and there is a large garden area, used under the full supervision of the childminder, for outdoor play. The family have four dogs, some chickens and fish as pets.

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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. The childminder is currently minding five children, two of whom are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register, the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is qualified in childcare and education to Level 3 and works in partnership with the local pre-schools and schools which the children attend to support their learning and welfare.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy and settled in this caring environment where they are well supported as individuals. They are making strong progress in their learning as planning of activities is established and assessment is generally in place. The childminder has begun to self-evaluate her provision and has good partnerships with parents and others to support continuity of care and learning for the children. Children's welfare is given good consideration overall although risk assessments are not sufficiently robust.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further, assessment records to make clear summary statements about children's achievements at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure risk assessments identify all aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, with particular regard to the outdoor garden, the trampoline, the upstairs of the premises and when children stay overnight (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 31/07/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children's welfare, learning and development are promoted well. Regular training helps the childminder keep her skills up-to-date in relation to matters such as, first aid, child protection and food hygiene. The childminder has begun to consider her own strengths and weaknesses and made some improvements to the service, such as developing learning assessment records for the children. Children are generally safe and closely supervised at all times by the childminder as they explore the rich environment outside and play indoors. However, written risk assessments conducted do not identify all aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, particularly with regard to the outside garden area, the trampoline, the upstairs of the premises and when children stay overnight. As a result, parents cannot be quickly reassured about arrangements in place to keep children safe in these areas or when staying overnight. The childminder prepares

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provision

children for future independence well by raising their awareness regarding safety matters. Children practise how to cross the road safely and they discuss why it is not a good idea to touch hot machines when making popcorn. The childminder has a strong understanding about safeguarding issues, being able to respond appropriately should concerns arise about a child's welfare, and regular members of the household are suitably vetted. Children are encouraged to vocalise their feelings, ensuring they can start to protect themselves.

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provision

Children's individual needs are well supported and the childminder demonstrates a clear commitment to inclusion. She adapts activities so that children of all ages can take part and is clear about how to support children who may have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder is developing resources to promote positive attitudes towards diversity and ability, helping children to learn to value different aspects of their own and other people's lives.

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provision

Partnerships with parents and others are good. Children benefit from the positive working relationships the childminder has with their parents and the links developed with local pre-schools and schools to ensure continuity of care and learning. The childminder actively seeks information from parents at the start of all childminding arrangements and this is used positively to meet children's individual care needs. The childminder uses clear communication either verbally or in written form, which means that there is a good two-way flow of information between herself and parents regarding children's progress and operational matters. The childminder has a set of policies and procedures which help to guide her work with the children and ensure their welfare overall.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning and development is well supported as the childminder has a good understanding about the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Children are happy, settled and confident as a result of having a warm, responsive working relationship with the childminder. Children make many of their own choices regarding resources, demonstrating their growing independence. The childminder makes observations and assessments about children's skills and activities, This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 identifying their next steps for learning and development. However, there are no summary statements made about children's achievements at the end of the EYFS which reduces opportunities for children themselves to gain full recognition for learning accomplished.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

After school children take time to refresh themselves before they excitedly pull on their shoes and go outside to feed the chickens and collect the eggs. This is a fun activity which promotes their awareness of food origins, how to care for others and as the children count up to nine eggs collected, they demonstrate their strong grasp of number. Continued chatter about the activities and good open questioning from the childminder helps children to develop their language skills and critical thinking. Art and craft activities are enjoyed by all children promoting their creativity and younger children show great skill and dexterity in their physical skills as they sew coloured thread onto a piece of material making their own book marks for parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The outside garden area is enthusiastically explored by the children, who help to plant, tend and harvest potatoes, developing their knowledge about how things change and grow. Children are very well behaved. The childminder uses positive techniques to deal with behaviour management as children are taught to be kind to friends and they learn right from wrong by sensitive reminders. Cooking activities are relished by all ages as they work out how to operate the machine to make popcorn, developing their skills in using technology and they giggle with delight as the popping corn tumbles out into the bowl, enjoying the shared social experience.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health is well promoted. They undertake their own personal care and take part in regular physical exercise. Children walk regularly and develop large muscle tone as they climb on equipment. Children consider the impact of exercise as they notice their bodies sweating and talk about how fresh air and exercise helps to build strong bodies. Children eat nutritious snacks such as fresh fruit and homemade cakes. Children who stay overnight are well catered for and have suitable equipment for sleeping in comfort. 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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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.

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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

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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?

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early Years Register section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises). 31/07/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early Years Register section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment). 31/07/2009

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