Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 256627 Inspection date 28/03/2011 Inspector Lindsey Cullum

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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 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.

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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

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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 1988. She lives with her husband, son and his partner in Thorpe St. Andrew, Norfolk. The whole of the premises is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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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. There are currently seven children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. On occasions, the childminder may work with an assistant. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is a member of the Norfolk Network. The childminder provides funded early education for three- and four-year-olds.

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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 are well provided for in the Early Years Foundation Stage and are making good progress in their learning and development whilst in the care of the childminder. Their individuality is recognised and nurtured by the childminder who has a good knowledge of their interests, capabilities and family circumstances. Clear policies and procedures are followed which ensure the children's safety and well-being at all times. The childminder works in close partnership with parents and other childcare settings children attend in order to consistently support children's learning. Systems for monitoring and evaluating the provision, to identify priorities for development are being established in order to continue to improve the quality of the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the systems for assessment and planning to ensure that children's identified next steps are routinely incorporated into individual plans for learning and development  develop further self-evaluation and the use of reflective practice to identify and target areas for development to further improve the quality of the provision for children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her role in safeguarding children and is confident to put procedures into practice where necessary to protect children. A clearly written policy and relevant information is provided for parents, to ensure that children's welfare is actively supported. The childminder ensures that all adults living or working in her home have undergone the vetting process. Children are able to play safely because the childminder has completed a detailed risk assessment of her home and garden. A visual check of all areas is carried out before children arrive each day, ensuring hazards are identified and the risks to children are minimised. Furthermore, the childminder carries out a risk assessment prior to any outings, maintaining children's safety. Children play with a good range of high quality, age-appropriate resources which are thoughtfully and attractively arranged to encourage children in their independence and free choice. The

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the early years provision

childminder, on occasions works with an assistant, providing flexibility in the routine as she is able to collect older children from school whilst younger children play or remain asleep in the setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a professional and dedicated approach to childcare. She holds relevant childcare qualifications and attends further training and workshops to develop and update her knowledge and skills. Alongside this she is an active member of the local childminding network and works closely with other childcare professionals in order to keep up to date with current childcare practices. The childminder has a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is registered to provide early years funded places. She has begun to reflect on her practice and is developing a self-evaluation process which shows she has a commitment to enhance and develop her provision for children and their families.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children. She values children's individuality and is able to adapt activities effectively to ensure that all children receive the support they need to make progress. All the necessary policies and procedures are in place to ensure the efficient and effective management of the setting and these are routinely shared with parents. The childminder works closely with parents and there is a regular flow of communication between parents and the childminder ensuring routines are followed and parents' wishes for the care of their children are respected. Parents are kept well informed on a daily basis through discussion as children arrive or are collected and regularly access their children's developmental records. Parents who use the provision are delighted with the service and have provided very positive feedback about the provision and their children's progress. Good channels of

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the early years provision

communication are developing with the local pre-school and school so that children's learning is continuously supported. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and well-settled in the childminder's welcoming home where they move around confidently in freedom and comfort, exploring their own ideas and following their interests. The childminder knows the children well enabling her to provide a good range of age-appropriate and stimulating activities. Children's achievements are recorded in individual folders along with photographs which contribute towards providing a clear picture of the children's progress. The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and as a result, is able to plan forthcoming activities which cover all areas of children's learning and support their interests. However, plans do not consistently reflect the next steps for individual children's development highlighted within their developmental records, in order to fully track children's progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children are becoming increasingly independent, initiating their own play, making decisions and taking responsibility for their personal care. They are building trusting relationships with the childminder and friendships with other children attending. The childminder is attentive and provides individual time and attention with a focus on developing children's emerging skills. Young children are inquisitive and confidently explore. They delight in playing with sensory resources such as textured balls or button operated toys, listening to the sounds and watching moving lights. Older children communicate clearly, joining in conversations, sharing their ideas and taking turns to talk and listen. They chatter whilst they enjoy imaginative games, creating voices for characters and sounds to make scenarios come alive. The childminder develops children's learning by introducing mathematical concepts such as counting, numbers, size and weight during their

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and outcomes for children

play. Children are becoming critical thinkers and able to solve simple problems as the childminder asks questions which encourage them to think. For example, during their imaginative play, the childminder asks whether a motorbike is heavy, how many people they might need to lift a motorbike and how many more people they might need to make the required number. Adult-led creative activities are planned, for example cooking, painting or modelling with recyclable resources so children have frequent opportunities to explore materials and be freely creative. The childminder makes good use of her garden to enhance children's learning. Children observe birds as they feed in the garden, are creative as they paint or chalk, explore natural materials such as sand and water or role play as they make dens. A good range of resources promote children's physical skills as they enthusiastically climb, slide, balance and jump. Children enjoy riding small wheeled

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and outcomes for children

toys and manoeuvre these with increasing skill. Children frequently go on outings with the childminder, visiting parks, pre-school groups and relish opportunities to ride on the bus, widening their experiences.

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and outcomes for children

Children thrive as they have a good introduction to a healthy lifestyle. They have regular access to fresh air as they play in the garden, visit the park or walk around the local area. Meals are provided in accordance with parents' wishes and any allergies are duly noted. The childminder provides nutritious, balanced and healthy meals which include fresh vegetables and fruit. Drinking water is accessible at all times and children frequently seek their own cup, ensuring they remain well This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 hydrated. Children develop a clear understanding of the importance of following good personal hygiene routines. They are reminded to wash their hands at appropriate times and posters in the toilet area reinforce good practices. Children gain a valuable awareness of how to stay safe as the childminder provides children with gentle reminders and clear explanations. For example, they are encouraged to

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and outcomes for children

help tidy away toys when they have finished playing and be aware of younger children whilst playing. The childminder raises children's understanding of road safety on outings and of fire safety through regular practise evacuations. The childminder actively promotes equality and diversity and ensures all children are involved, given their abilities and learn to respect and value one anothers' differences. She uses consistent strategies to promote children's understanding of good behaviour so that children understand what is expected of them. Children thrive on the praise and encouragement, promoting their confidence and self- esteem. As a result, children feel valued and develop positive skills for the future. 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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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 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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