Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 256039 Inspection date 29/03/2011 Inspector Lindsey Cullum

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

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 was registered in 1998. She lives with her two children aged 18 and 15 years, in Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich. The whole of the property 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. The family has a dog, two cats and a snake.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four 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 five 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. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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 are well provided for in the Early Years Foundation Stage and are making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder has a thorough knowledge of each child's needs to make sure that all children are fully included and their needs are met. Children enjoy their time in the setting and have good relationships with the childminder and other family members. The childminder follows appropriate procedures to ensure children's safety and welfare is promoted. She works in close partnership with parents and is establishing links with other childcare professionals in order to consistently support children's progress and 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.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop the safeguarding policy further to include the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against the childminder or any person in the household and ensure this policy, along with the complaints policy, is fully accessible to parents  develop further self-evaluation and the use of reflective practice to clearly identify specific areas for development to further improve the quality of the provision for children  develop further the systems for assessment and planning to ensure that children's identified next steps are routinely incorporated in to individual plans for learning and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The essential records for the safe day-to-day management of the childminding provision are systematically organised with a high regard for confidentiality. The childminder has a range of written policies which she provides for parents to read, however relevant contact numbers are not readily available should any concerns arise. Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of her child protection responsibilities and knows the action to take should she have any concerns about children's well-being. The childminder has a clear policy on safeguarding however, this does not outline fully the procedure to follow should an allegation be made against the childminder or any other person in the household, which may compromise children's welfare. The childminder ensures that all adults living on the premises has undergone the required vetting procedures and that children are not left alone with any other person. Children's

p.5

the early years provision

safety is given high priority. Thorough risk assessments are carried out on all areas of the home and garden and daily checks before children arrive ensure their safety and welfare at all times. Furthermore, a risk assessment is undertaken before outings which enable the children to take part in an additional range of interesting activities including trips to the park, woods, library and pre-school settings, their parents are assured risks have been considered and reduced accordingly. The childminder has thoughtfully organised her home so this is child-centred and welcoming. She is mindful of the quality and safety of the resources available and regularly checks these to protect children from harm.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is strongly committed to improvement and her own professional development. She is currently completing a relevant childcare qualification and attends shorter training courses to update her knowledge and skills. The childminder has a secure understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage, is successful in supporting each child's development and gives priority to meeting each child's needs. Children see positive images of diversity in the easily accessible resources, such as the books and toys they handle everyday. The childminder is beginning to evaluate her practice in order to bring about further improvement.

p.5

the early years provision

Children benefit from the good working relationships that have established with parents. The childminder gathers valuable information from parents about each child prior to the commencement of care in order to plan sensitively for their arrival. Children's ongoing progress is shared informally at the beginning and end of each day and a daily diary for younger children is used to ensure good communication between the parents and childminder. Parents regularly take home their children's observation folder and contribute positive comments about how much they enjoy sharing this information with family. The childminder is in the process of establishing links with other provisions the children will attend in the future, in order to promote consistency in the children's care and learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy, confident and there is a warm relationship between the childminder and each child. The childminder has a sound understanding about how best to support children's learning through their play and therefore children are making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder is attentive to children's needs and on-hand to introduce additional resources or materials which will enhance children's learning. She knows the children well and successfully integrates her knowledge of their abilities and interests when preparing forthcoming activities. She observes the children during their play in order to assess their progress and consider the next steps for learning. However, she is not systematically using this information to plan for each child's individual learning and developmental needs. The childminder plans a good balance of adult- led and child-initiated play throughout the week which includes a variety of outings

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children are developing good basic skills which will prepare them for future learning. They eagerly select resources they would like to play with and are confident to explore and try new things. Children's emerging language skills are encouraged as they chat with each other during their play, join in conversations with the childminder or answer simple questions. They frequently visit the library and enjoy story-time promoting a love of books. A book corner within the home enables children to freely access story, reference or picture books. Children recognise numbers and learn to count during activities, for example, counting the number of legs on the spider they are colouring. They are beginning to understand simple mathematical concepts such as heavy and light, more and less as they play. Children's imagination is actively stimulated. They eagerly choose dressing-up costumes and act out a role, such as a fireman or superhero. Whilst pretending to

p.6

and outcomes for children

prepare and cook food in the play kitchen they talk with the childminder about what they like to eat and the childminder uses this opportunity to raise children's awareness of safety and hot things in a kitchen. Children are provided with lots of opportunities to be creative, both within the home and when visiting pre-school sessions. They eagerly paint, colour, draw and stick, play with dough and sand. Children thoroughly enjoy being outdoors. They energetically run around the childminder's garden, ride small wheeled toys with increasing confidence, climb and slide, developing muscle control and co-ordination. Children delight when they find ladybirds and are learning to respect wildlife and animals as they are encouraged to treat the childminder's pets with care. Outings to pre-school groups and to visit other local childminders enable children to mix with their peers and develop friendships.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's good health and well-being is effectively supported. The childminder encourages good personal hygiene practices as she reminds children to wash their hands at appropriate times and provides individual towels to minimise the risk of cross-infection. Drinks are accessible to children at all times and they readily help themselves. Snacks of fresh fruit are provided which older children help prepare. The childminder uses cooking activities to introduce healthy eating principles. Parents provide children's meals which meet their dietary requirements. Children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 benefit from regular fresh air and exercise as they frequently play in the garden, visit the park or walk in the nearby woods. They gain a valuable awareness of how to keep themselves safe as the childminder provides them with gentle reminders and clear explanations. When out, the childminder talks to children from an early

p.6

and outcomes for children

age about the dangers of traffic and introduces safe practices for crossing the road. Children's understanding of the society in which they live is developed through outings, books and play resources, increasing their awareness of culture, gender and ability. Children behave well. They share resources, take turns, play co-operatively and show care and consideration for others. The childminder is a good role model and provides high levels of support and guidance. She helps children to manage their own behaviour and she offers them lots of praise and encouragement. As a result, children feel valued and develop positive self-esteem and empathy for others. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.8

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.8

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.8

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.8

Stage

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

p.8

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.8

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.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.9