Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY307095 Inspection date 27/04/2011 Inspector Melanie Calway

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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 2005. She lives with her partner and adult son and daughter in a small village near to King's Lynn, Norfolk. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The family has two cats and two horses which are kept on a separate part of the property.

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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, no more than three of whom may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder drives to the local school to take and collect children. She takes children to nearby parks and on regular outings to farm parks, another childminder's home and local attractions. She 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's needs are very well met as the childminder uses observations of their play and learning to plan for them as individuals. Children benefit from a bright, attractive and child-centred environment which is very effectively organised to promote their independence. Parents receive very good information about the service and there is a good two-way exchange of information about children's learning, care and development. The childminder reflects on her practice and implements improvements to continuously improve the setting and offer a high quality service.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the partnership with parents to encourage them to add the assessment process their own knowledge of children's achievements across all the areas of learning.

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the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded from the risk of abuse or neglect as all members of the household have had the necessary checks. The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding procedures and is aware of her responsibility to refer any concerns she may have about children's welfare. She attends regular This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 training on safeguarding and has all the information to be able to take appropriate action. Children are cared for in a safe and secure environment. Risk assessments are carried out on all areas of the property and the environment is checked daily to ensure that it is safe for children. The childminder supervises children well and makes them aware of safety issues. Good procedures are in place to keep children safe when they are out. Children are protected from the risk of fire as a fire plan is clearly displayed by the door and regular evacuation drills are carried out to ensure

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the early years provision

that the childminder and the children know what to do in the event of a fire or an emergency.

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the early years provision

The organisation of the learning environment and resources is outstanding. Children use child-sized furniture and can select from a wide range of high quality resources which are arranged to promote their independence. A book area, small world play and home corner area provide children with exciting learning opportunities. The environment is rich in examples of print and numerals and full of attractive and educational displays which make it welcoming and interesting. These include examples of children's work, photographs of activities and information for parents about the different areas of learning. Outside, further learning opportunities are available, such as, a large sit-in sand pit, balancing beams and climbing equipment.

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the early years provision

Children are valued and respected as individuals and the childminder tailors the provision to meet individual needs. The childminder provides information for parents in a way that is suited to their needs and presented is a user-friendly way, for example, planning for individual children is displayed where it is accessible for parents and the colourful and attractive display boards present examples of the different areas of learning in a meaningful way. Communication diaries are used as well as regular discussions to exchange information on children's progress, and the learning records go home at regular intervals. Although parents constantly update the childminder on significant issues in children's lives, evidence of their contributions about children's achievements at home is not always recorded to make the learning records a joint enterprise. The childminder communicates with other providers when children attend other settings to ensure effective continuity

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the early years provision

and progression. She constantly evaluates her practice to identify further areas for development.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress in their learning and development as the childminder uses systematic observations of their play and learning to plan for them as individuals. Some topics are used but are tailored to individual children's interests and needs. The childminder has a clear aim of how to help individual children to progress in their learning and plans are displayed in the kitchen for ease of reference. Children communicate very confidently with the childminder, who gets down to their level and listens sensitively to their communications to promote their language and thinking skills. She uses open-ended questions to help them to problem solve. Books are easily accessible and children help themselves to look at books and stories. Mark-making materials are also easily accessible for children to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 practise drawing and writing. Counting is introduced as children play, for example,

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and outcomes for children

they count the carrots in their tractor or the seeds they are looking at as they open fruit and vegetables to see what is inside. They are learning the language of size and shape as they are able to select the biggest carrot from a group.

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and outcomes for children

Children use their imaginations as they play with small world toys, such as cars and tractors. They enjoy mixing colours and printing at the kitchen table and persist well at this activity, enjoying the feel of the paint on their hands and arms. The childminder encourages children to respond to what they see and feel using all of their senses, for example, she uses feely bags to get them to guess what vegetable is in there and invites them to smell the fruit they have cut open. They learn about the world around them as they talk about fruit and vegetables, remembering what they planted last year. They plan to cook and eat what they have grown. A computer desk is available at their level so they can learn to use technology and control a mouse.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very secure and confident and, as a result, very involved and absorbed in their play. The environment is set up to promote excellent independence skills as they can move freely and select most activities and resources for themselves. The childminder builds on this by inviting them to wipe the table for their snack, select their plate and cut their own fruit. They are encouraged to become independent in self-care skills, such as washing their hands. Children are developing very positive relationships with the childminder, who provides a good role model. Children are able to develop physical skills as they play outside on most days where they can negotiate pathways, play with balls or climb. Regular visits to local play areas provide opportunities to play on large play equipment.

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and outcomes for children

Children's health is promoted well. They get plenty of fresh air every day, either walking out, visiting local farms or playgrounds or playing in the garden. Children can access their drinks at all times as they are left out on the kitchen table. The childminder provides meals and snacks which are healthy and balanced with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. She talks to children about what they need to do in order to live a healthy lifestyle and introduces topics involving real fruit and vegetables for children to explore and play with so that they learn about where food comes from. Children learn how to stay safe as she reminds them of safety rules while they play and ensures that they understand issues such as road safety when they are out. Children behave very well as they are given consistent boundaries and are able to be independent and make decisions in their play and learning. They are learning skills for the future as they become independent, form

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and outcomes for children

relationships and make good progress in all areas of learning. 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 1 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 develop a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints (Procedures for dealing with complaints). 25/05/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Procedures for dealing with complaints). 25/05/2011

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