Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY406133 Inspection date 02/09/2010 Inspector Rachael Williams

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 assesses 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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 registered in 2010. She lives with her husband and son in the Bradley Stoke area of South Gloucestershire. Children have access to all areas of the family home with childminding generally taking place on the ground floor which includes toilet facilities. Children have access to an enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. She minds all year round, Tuesday to Friday. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years old, of whom two may be in the early years age group. At present, she has five children on roll; of whom three are in the early years age range.

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

Children enjoy their time with the childminder who has established caring relationships with the children and has a good understanding of their individual needs through the positive relationships she has with their parents. Partnerships with other early years providers are beginning to be developed to ensure continuity in children's learning and development. Children make sound progress in their learning in relation to their starting points through a range of experiences and welfare is promoted well. The childminder monitors her provision well and is gaining the confidence to take effective steps to improve outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 improve assessment systems in order that chidren's progression and learning priorities are clearly identified  develop relationships with other early years providers to ensure information is readily shared to ensure continuity of learning and care.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. The childminder is vigilant and ensures appropriate risk assessments of the premises, garden and all This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 areas visited with the children are routinely carried out. Appropriate safety measures have been put in place to further ensure children's safety such as, a stair gate has been fitted to ensure that young children cannot access the first floor or the kitchen area unsupervised. Rigorous systems have been established to ensure that all adults living on the premises have been suitably vetted. The childminder has good understanding of child protection issues to ensure children's well-being. Positive relationships have been established with parents. There is a good exchange of information on a regular basis for instance, through the daily communication book where parents are able to contribute to children's learning

p.4

the early years provision

and development. The childminder works closely with parents and parents offer positive testimonials. For example, parents comment on how they feel fully involved in establishing routines with the childminder to support their toddler as they become more confident in sampling new foods. Systems to share information with other early years providers are in their infancy and, as yet, information pertinent to the care, learning and development of the children is not consistently shared. Through flexible induction arrangements and regular discussions with parents the childminder ensures she has good understanding of children's backgrounds and values each child's individuality. She has a positive approach to supporting children through various stages of development such as, the need to find their own identity or to become used to wearing glasses. The childminder provides a homely environment where children are able to make independent

p.5

the early years provision

choices. A variety of good quality toys and resources are easily accessible to the children who are able to make decisions about their play; these include resources to reflect the diversity in our society. The childminder uses her local environment well and encourages children to be inquisitive learners. She is proactive in extending the children's experiences. For example, through her observations she acknowledges that the children in her care require more social interactions and therefore accesses local toddler groups to further develop this skill. Children are cared for by a childminder who is keen to improve her understanding of early years development. She regularly attends network meetings and seeks support and advice from experienced childminders and early years advisers for instance, on how to complete observations and how to improve her childminding practices. She is proactive in accessing relevant courses to improve

p.5

the early years provision

their understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage for instance, problem- solving, reasoning and numeracy which she acknowledges is a weakness in her practice. The childminder uses self-evaluation to monitor the provision well and focus on improving the provision for the children in her care for example, extending her resources and outings to support a child who is terrified of pigs.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has quickly established good relationships with the children in her care and has a good understanding of their individuality through her observations. For example, she acknowledges that one child is a 'caretaker' and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 shows delight in supporting other children showing care and concern as she helps them develop mobility skills. Observations are linked to the six areas of learning and, on the whole, show the children receive a balance of experiences to support their development. Through the childminder's self-evaluation she acknowledges the need to enhance her assessment arrangements in order to accurately record children's individual progression as children's learning priorities are not sufficiently highlighted. The children enjoy exploring their environment, selecting resources independently, and the childminder adapts her practices to accommodate their

p.5

and outcomes for children

routines and developing interests. For example, she is developing a themed approach to her planning as she has noticed children's developing interest in flight paths as airplanes take off and land from Filton airport. For the most part, behaviour is good and children play cooperatively. For example, children engage in similar activities copying each other's movements as they create pathways on the ride-on toys or mark- make with the 'chubbies'. Behaviour is managed appropriately; for instance, removal from the situation and clear explanation. There is excellent liaison with parents to ensure consistency when dealing with unacceptable behaviour such as, biting. Children eagerly await healthy and nutritious snacks which meet any special dietary requirements. The childminder introduces new foods to the children and encourages them to sample new tastes. Children have been involved in growing their own produce such as, strawberries. Children are introduced to healthy

p.6

and outcomes for children

routines and are offered gentle reminders such as, cleaning their hands before they eat their snacks and meals. Children are keen to play outside and enjoy daily opportunities to be physically active whether it be in the garden, safely jumping on the trampette or playing in the sand pit, or at the local park. 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

Early Years Foundation Stage

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 3 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