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 EY388480 Inspection date 28/08/2009 Inspector Glenda Kathleen Field

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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 2009. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and nine years in Downham Market, Norfolk. Access to the childminder’s home is via one step and portable ramps are available. All of the ground floor is used and there is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools. The family have a dog and two rabbits. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight years. There are currently seven children on roll, of whom five are within the early years age range. The childminder supports children with English as an additional language and those who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the dedicated and caring childminder. She is careful to include all children, adapting activities to meet their individual needs. Parents are particularly well informed so that they can actively contribute to their children's experiences. The childminder is fully committed to continually improving the quality of her provision and has developed secure methods of reflective practice to support this process. Documentation is clear, well presented and accessible.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the opportunities for others across different settings to share what they know about the children and become involved in identifying the next steps in their learning and development.

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provision

The childminder's home is a relaxed and happy place for children. Through her strong working relationships the childminder creates a welcoming environment which is both reassuring and stimulating. Her personal development and ability to adapt to new initiatives or ways of working are endorsed by her attendance at training and further training needs she has identified for herself. She ensures her provision runs smoothly and that activities reflect children's needs and interests, resulting in a good level of child-initiated experiences.

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provision

Parents’ views are sought regarding all aspects of the setting and a strong relationship is established from the time families first contact the childminder. They are very well informed about the setting as a result of comprehensive induction visits, a welcoming prospectus, daily discussion and detailed daily diaries. They are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 actively encouraged by the childminder to read and contribute to each child's learning journal which details the progress they are making towards the early learning goals. The childminder involves parents and children in her self-evaluation processes and confidently implements changes to benefit children’s care and learning. However, systems in place to engage with other providers so that information can be shared have had little success to date.

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provision

The sound knowledge of the childminder and the systems in place ensure the setting works cooperatively with parents and other agencies to support children with specific medical or care needs or those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. There are effective strategies in place to support children who speak English as an additional language.

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provision

Children's welfare, learning and development are fully supported by the childminder's clearly defined and regularly reviewed policies and procedures. For example, safeguarding procedures are thorough and clearly understood and implemented by the childminder. Children are kept safe. The premises are secure and free from hazards due to thorough daily safety checks and robust risk assessments. Outings are well organised, safe and enjoyable. Children's health and hygiene are fostered well in a relaxed homely atmosphere where the childminder is conscious of ensuring the risks of cross-infection are minimised. For example, each child has their own assigned personal coloured flannel, hand towel and drinking beaker.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy purposeful, meaningful play and learning opportunities in the homely child-centred environment. Each child enjoys care and activities designed to help them make all-round progress in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. They can be independent, making choices and exploring the range of toys and play materials. Each child is supported by the childminder who assesses their progress and identifies the next steps for his or her development. Parents’ contributions to their child's learning and development are an integral part of the childminder's provision. For example, planning is very much based on babies’ and children’s current needs and interests, identified through the childminder's interactions and observations and liaison with their parents.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The playroom is dedicated to meeting children's needs and provides them with resources and equipment to pursue their interests and be creative and imaginative. Crafts and artwork linked to themes, the seasons, festivals and cultural events such as St Patrick's Day and Chinese New Year broadens their knowledge and experience of the wider world. Children go out and about regularly to see nature and wildlife at first hand, for example, visits are made to the local park and nature reserve. Children extend their vocabulary as they enjoy stories read to them by the childminder whilst they use the story sack resources associated with the story. Counting and awareness of number forms a natural part of daily routines and activities. They learn about shape, capacity, weight and measure when completing puzzles, cooking and enjoying sand and water play. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have a clear understanding of how to behave as they are all aware of the childminder's 'golden rules'. They learn to behave in ways that are safe for themselves and others. Children, including the young ones, help with tidying up whilst singing 'what's going to work, teamwork'. Children’s awareness of different safety issues during routines, whilst using equipment and apparatus, and when on outings on foot or travelling by car are reinforced by the childminder. They learn to co-operate and share whilst having regard for the needs and feelings of others. Praise and encouragement are freely given by the childminder. Children develop an appreciation of healthy lifestyles through regular physical play including daily outdoor activities where they play on fixed climbing equipment, use wheeled toys, dig and plant vegetables. 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? 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? 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: 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

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