Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY385453 Inspection date 12/01/2010 Inspector Anne Walker

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2008. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and five in the market town of Reepham, Norfolk. All areas of the property are registered for use by minded children but the childminder prefers not to use the upstairs for minded children other than to sleep babies. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. Local amenities are within walking distance of the home.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age group all of whom attend on a part-time basis. She also provides care to children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register and she has two children in these age ranges attending. Overnight care is not provided. The childminder collects children from local schools and pre-schools and takes children on regular outings.

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Description of the childminding

The family have a dog and two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children enjoy a broad range of activities so that learning and development is well supported overall. The children have positive relationships with their carer who has established a happy environment in which they are secure. The childminder has good strategies in place to work with parents and other local providers to share information about children ensuring they are able to make good progress towards the early learning goals and have continuity of care. The childminder reviews her skills to identify areas for improvement in order to enhance the service for children and their families. Records, policies and procedures support a partnership with parents that ensure children's health, safety and well-being are addressed.

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further?

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

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further?

 review procedures in place to ensure that children are not able to leave the premises unsupervised  improve the links between the planning and observation systems in place in order to more effectively tailor activities to each child's stage of development as they progress towards the early learning goals. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded from the risk of abuse or neglect because the childminder has a good knowledge of safeguarding procedures. She understands her responsibility to refer any concerns about children's welfare to the appropriate agencies and information is readily to hand to enable her to act without delay. There is a clear safeguarding policy which outlines her responsibilities and this is shared with parents. Overall, children are safe and secure in her care because of the good attention to minimising hazards in the home and on outings. The risk assessments reflect the consideration given to organising her home so that children have freedom to play and develop in a safe, environment. Babies crawl and explore and older children have independence, taking themselves to the bathroom or selecting toys. External doors are kept locked at all times but keys remain in the lock as part of the emergency evacuation plan and full regard has

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the early years provision

not been given to the potential for children to access them. The childminder supervises children well at all times which does contribute to lessening this risk. Equipment and documentation is used effectively to promote safety when out. For example, the childminder carries a first aid kit and a small wallet with parents emergency consents and contact details.

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the early years provision

The provider has established suitable systems to review her practice and drive improvements where needed. Future training is identified and parents views actively sought. Positive, working relationships are established with parents. A broad range of parent friendly policies are shared so that they understand the service provided. A good range of information is collated for each child so that their well-being is ensured from the outset and parents wishes respected. Children's individual development records are shared with parents and there are regular verbal communications which effectively support each child. For example, the parents and childminder have met to discuss a consistent approach to toilet training which is working well. For a period, routines were organised to accommodate a mother wishing to feed her baby at lunch time. The childminder also supports children in their transition to nursery by building relationships with

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the early years provision

teachers and taking children to the 'Friday club' so that they are comfortable with new surroundings.

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the early years provision

A varied programme of activities are provided that take account of the six areas of learning, with a balance of activities planned by the childminder and those that children initiate. Activities are planned with good emphasis on using a variety of learning environments. Each child's progress is tracked through observations and assessments which are collated in a scrapbook. At present planning does not clearly reflect the next steps in learning that have been identified for each child. There are good strategies that ensure children value and respect each other and have opportunities to learn about the lives of others. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder values all children as individuals. Their learning experiences are positive because a child-centred environment is established where play materials are accessible and attractively organised which encourages children to explore and show curiosity. Effective organisation of time and the environment fosters their confidence and security so that they are ready to learn. A child shows pride in using the toilet and understanding the importance of washing hands because his carer is on hand, praises him and has provided a step for him to access the toilet and sink. A child arriving with news to share is listened and responded to so that they are happy to leave their parent and join others in play. The children learn to get along with other children in the childminder's home and through community events. They show care and consideration for each other. An older brother is gentle and patient

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and outcomes for children

with a younger sibling who is keen to be with him and two children greet each other warmly and share toys well. Stories, play materials and activities encourage children to value others. They develop understanding of the wider world through activities and sensitive discussion with their carer.

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and outcomes for children

The children take part in a wide range of outings that are purposeful and develop their awareness of their local environment and community. In the summer they go strawberry picking, learning how things grow and encouraging their interest in healthy eating. They use the range of play materials in the garden to develop their physical skills and walk to most local events so that their awareness and enjoyment in being active is encouraged.

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and outcomes for children

Children's language is fostered. The baby enjoys his carers facial expressions and talk while having a nappy changed. Baby and toddler sit on her knee to listen to a short story and enjoy the rhythm of action songs sung to them. Individual interests are known and supported. For example, a child keen on technology has supervised access to a laptop, learning to use the mouse and using suitable programmes. Children take pride in their independence. They select construction materials and tidy these away before getting out other items. They sit at the table for snacks and meals and young children competently use spoons and forks to feed themselves. Children confidently seek help where needed such as requesting seconds at lunch or to fill their cups. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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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

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Stage

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

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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

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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

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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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