Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY333313 Inspection date 09/12/2009 Inspector Georgina Emily Hobson Matthews

p.1

Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

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.3

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.3

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.

p.3

Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1998 and registered in Norfolk in 2006 after a short break. She lives with her partner and three children, aged between eleven months and fifteen years in a village near the Norfolk coast. Children have access to the ground floor of her home and a bathroom is available on the first floor. An enclosed garden is accessible for outdoor play. The childminder drives to local schools to take and collect children. The family has a dog, a cat and a rabbit as pets.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register. She may care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time of whom no more than two may be in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She is currently minding one child in this age range. She also offers care to children over five to eight years. This provision is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of a local childminding network and holds a Level 3 qualification in childcare.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder successfully evaluates the service she provides to children and families and as a result improves outcomes for children. She has developed efficient systems and generally robust procedures to promote children's welfare. The childminder organises her home effectively to accommodate children's play and provides them with a warm welcome. She forms valuable partnerships with parents and other EYFS providers in order to promote inclusive practice and consistency and continuity of care.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve systems with regard to hand washing practices before eating  review observations and assessment in order to inform planning effectively.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a secure understanding of Local Safeguarding Children Board Guidance and procedures. Robust vetting systems are in place in order to ensure that adults who have access to children are suitable to do so. Accurate records, policies and procedures for the safe management of the provision are in place. The childminder consistently minimises any potential hazards to young children. She carries out regular risk assessments of her home and of any outings and takes effective action to reduce risks. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children’s health and well-being generally is promoted efficiently. The premises are clean and hygienic and competent systems are in place to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder holds current paediatric first aid training and is able to take appropriate action in the event of an emergency. She creates a welcoming

p.4

the early years provision

and stimulating family environment for children. Although floor space is limited, the childminder carefully plans the organisation of her home and her resources. Children easily access a wide range of inviting resources and can move freely and safely in uncluttered play areas. The childminder is caring and affectionate and builds close bonds with each child. She is attentive to their needs at all times and shows genuine interest in their news and ideas. As a result, children are happy and very much at ease within her care. The enthusiastic childminder has a realistic awareness of the strengths within her childcare provision and displays a strong capacity to further improve her service. She has addressed the recommendations raised within the last inspection and sustains improvement through effective self- evaluation and as she accesses ongoing training and attends a local Network Support Group.

p.5

the early years provision

Good partnerships are formed with parents and other EYFS providers. The childminder gathers valuable information from parents about each child prior to the commencement of care in order to plan sensitively for their arrival. Parents are provided with informative childcare policies and can view additional information about the childminder's service in a folder and on a notice board in the hall of her home. Children's ongoing progress is shared informally at the beginning and end of each day and at regular progress meetings where parents discuss children's development. Parents’ satisfaction about the service provided is reflected in their extremely positive feedback. Although children attending who are in the EYFS do not access any other EYFS provision at this time, the childminder has plans for the future to facilitate children's transition and continued progression. The childminder promotes equality and diversity well and ensures all children receive the support

p.5

the early years provision

they need. She has experience of caring for children with special educational needs and disabilities and has attended training in this area. She has plans in place on how to provide support for children who speak English as an additional language.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children make good progress within their learning in all areas of development. The childminder makes good use of the EYFS in order to plan activities for each child's developmental stage and maintains detailed observations of each child's play to form a clear record of their progress. This record is shared with parents and children's next steps are identified carefully. However, the childminder's current system for assessment does not always inform her future planning effectively in order to ensure that each next step is well-targeted.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and secure and develop a real sense of belonging within the childminder's home. They learn how to be safe as the childminder raises their awareness of fire and road safety and offers them gentle reminders of how to be This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safe in the home. Children are eager to join in activities; they explore with confidence and develop independence. They behave well and display good social skills. Children develop a good understanding of how to stay healthy and generally, effective steps are taken to promote children’s health and well-being. However, as the bathroom is upstairs, the childminder provides children with wet wipes to clean their hands before meals. As a result, children do not learn to wash their hands thoroughly before eating. Children learn to make healthy eating choices. Snacks and meals are happy sociable times and the childminder provides nutritious

p.5

and outcomes for children

choices. Fresh drinking water is easily accessible to children and they learn to help themselves when they feel thirsty. Children develop a positive attitude to exercise. They show an awareness of space as they move with confidence in and outside the setting. Children learn to manipulate small tools during sand and water play. They learn to move with control and co-ordination on large pieces of equipment in a local park and at indoor play centres.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children develop good skills for the future. They chatter confidently and are keen to share news about their families. Children are able to recall and talk confidently about previous events, for example, about making mince pies. They are eager to participate in activities for example as they settle enthusiastically at a foam activity and giggle with glee as they explore this strange texture. The childminder creates a print-rich environment for children. They are able to select from a wide range of inviting books and enjoy snuggling up with childminder to listen to stories. The childminder uses open questions and gives children time to think about what characters are doing in order to develop their language. Children have lots of opportunities to mark-make on a large low-level blackboard. They focus well on activities and are engaged for long periods. For example, they match cards to letters with the childminder's support and recognise 'b' for ball. Children recognise

p.6

and outcomes for children

numbers on puzzles and learn to count items. They think about simple problems as they use a selection of puzzles, shape-sorters and construction resources. Children develop their creativity as they paint, print, make firework collages and visit a weekly music session. They involve themselves in imaginary play as they dress up and set up a vet’s surgery or a shop. Children learn to operate equipment such as a digital camera and printer and computers in the library. They become familiar with their community on outings to a local lighthouse, a lifeboat museum, farms, and the beach. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

Stage

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8