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 EY221200 Inspection date 07/05/2009 Inspector Susan Cox

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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

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 2002. She lives with her partner, adult daughter and children aged nine and 12 in a village near Norwich. The ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding. Access to the home is via two steps. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have goldfish 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. She is currently minding seven children in this age group who are all part- time. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 12 years. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. There are links with the local schools and pre- schools. Care is provided for children with learning difficulties or a disability.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children are making excellent progress in all areas of their learning and development. A strong partnership with parents and other provisions the children attend enhances the extremely sensitive support that is provided. This ensures all children are included and their individual needs are met. Children’s welfare is given a very high priority. The childminder assesses the quality of her provision exceptionally well to make sure it is responsive to the needs of the children and their parents.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 develop further the system to find out what children can do as the starting point for their learning.

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provision

The childminder has an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has attended much relevant training and has taken new ideas on board to ensure all the requirements are met and an exceptional standard of service is provided. Self-assessment effectively includes parents and children enabling her to assess her strengths and plan for the future as she strives for continuous improvement. She has met the recommendation from the last inspection.

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provision

A very sensitive and flexible settling-in procedure makes sure the childminder gets to know the children and their parents extremely well to form a firm foundation This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 upon which to build. Parents are kept well informed about their children’s learning and development through daily chats and a journal with pictures and notes to ensure information is not missed. In addition, parents are encouraged to contribute to their child’s developmental record so they are effective partners in care. Flexible working is seen as essential to meet the needs of the children with the childminder routinely adapting what she does in order to ensure all children are fully included. For example, she knows which children learn better in the fresh air and sensitive support is given for children with learning difficulties or a disability so they join in happily with their peers. Children also benefit from the secure links

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provision

that have been developed with other provisions they attend. For example, the childminder ensures important information is passed on regarding children’s welfare and she has consulted teachers to make sure she can support early learning appropriately and help children to prepare for starting school. Consequently, the childminder has an excellent understanding of what children do during their day in school or at other provisions and uses this to complement and extend her work with them.

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provision

Positive steps are taken by the childminder in order to safeguard children. Detailed risk assessments are conducted and relevant action taken to minimise risks in the home, garden and on outings. As a result, children’s safety is given a high priority. This includes helping them understand appropriate boundaries so they learn how to be safe now and prepare for future independence. The childminder has a very clear understanding of child protection issues and has attended the relevant training. Consequently, she knows what action to take if she has concerns about children’s safety so they may be appropriately protected.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy a range of snacks and lunch which is provided by their parents to meet their dietary requirements. When children stay for dinner, they join in the family meal and comments such as ‘Debbie’s roasts are the best’ show their appreciation. Children sometimes decide what they would like to eat and then shop for the items which helps them have positive shopping experiences and extends their learning in exciting ways. Little ones are fully supported as they learn how to feed themselves and the daily routine is adapted to ensure that children can eat when they are hungry. Opportunities abound for children to play in the fresh air and join in physical activities. Excellent use is made of the garden to extend all aspects of learning and development. For example, children often enjoy a meal or snack at the picnic table; they enthusiastically use the climbing frame, slide and swings to find out what their body can do and love the freedom to run and

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

explore. Trips to the local park, attending a parent and toddler group, and outings during the holidays gives a variety of experiences and challenges. Older children manage their personal hygiene very well and little ones are given sensitive support to help them understand why this is required to stay healthy.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making exceptional progress in all areas of their learning and development. The childminder plans exciting and varied activities tailored to their interests and adapted to ensure children of all ages and abilities have positive and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 enjoyable experiences. She works very closely with parents to assess children’s starting points and is considering how to make this even more effective. She knows the children very well and uses their interests as she plans stimulating activities to complement their child-led free play. For example, knowing that a young child enjoys learning in the fresh air she organises for them to wash the playhouse together. The child finds out how heavy the bowl of water is, considers how to carry it, and marvels at the bubbles. They wash the dirty house to make it clean and problems are solved such as how to reach the outside without leaning

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

through the window. Plenty of chatter about the task helps with language development and new words are repeated such as ‘wringing’ as the child learns how to rinse and wring out the cloth. There is great fun with much laughter and the child perseveres with the task due to the encouragement and praise given by the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are enthusiastic and motivated learners. Older ones proudly show their learning record explaining how they picked pumpkins and hollowed them out at Halloween, then dressed up and took part in apple bobbing. They plant seeds and watch them grow, feed the ducks and visit a local farm to find out about the pigs. Trips to the library help cultivate an enjoyment of stories and books and rhymes which are shared in the home. Children learn to be independent as they find coats and shoes to put on, manage aprons for messy play and dress up in a range of outfits to act out real and imaginary experiences. Meeting up with friends at toddler group and with another childminder encourages social skills and extends learning opportunities in a range of environments. Children’s behaviour is exceptionally well supported. They help to make the house rules and sensitive reminders are given to help them learn right from wrong whilst promoting their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

self-esteem. 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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: Met

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