Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY241748 Inspection date 18/05/2011 Inspector Anna Davies

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children aged 16, 11 and six years in a village near to the town of Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The house is within walking distance of local amenities, such as, schools, the library, shops, the children's centre and parks. The family has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, as well as, the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years. The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is working towards the 'Excellence in the Early Years' Quality Framework. The childminder is a member of an approved childminding network and is currently in receipt of funding for nursery education.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a very child-led, high quality provision. Children enjoy a very broad range of activities and learning experiences which helps them to make excellent progress in their learning and development. The childminder is exceptional at promoting inclusive practice. She truly embraces, recognises and values the uniqueness of each child. Excellent relationships with parents have been formed which hugely benefits the children. Resources are very well deployed and children are thoroughly encouraged to become active learners. The childminder's capacity for sustained improvement is outstanding. She demonstrates a genuine enthusiasm and total commitment towards continuously developing her provision to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and their families.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 extending the range of print in the environment so that children have even more opportunities to recognise familiar words and learn that print carries meaning. 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 demonstrates an extremely clear understanding of the procedures regarding the safeguarding of children and a very high level of commitment towards promoting children's safety. Extremely well-organised, procedures and records completely underpin children's safety and well-being. Comprehensive risk assessments are in place for both the premises, outdoor area and all types of outings undertaken with the children. Consequently, potential hazards are minimised and children's safety is secured. A wealth of ongoing activities and reminders about safety issues help children build up their understanding of how to keep themselves and others safe. For example, they learn about how to take sensible risks and are reminded that activities with small parts need to ensure the safety of the younger children. They learn about road safety when out, as well as, appropriate behaviour when walking to and from different places. Younger children

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the early years provision

demonstrate that they feel extremely safe and secure through their very happy, settled disposition and close relationships with the childminder.

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the early years provision

Children are familiar and confident with the layout of the childminder's home as they freely move between the indoor and outdoor areas. The learning environments both in the designated playroom and the garden are extremely well organised with a wealth of toys, resources and play equipment freely accessible to children at low level enabling them to make independent choices in their play. The childminder is a highly regarded figurehead in the community and as such, she ensures that children also play a large part in local community projects, use a wide range of community facilities and socialise with others at local groups. In this way, children develop a real sense of community and place. The childminder promotes a highly inclusive practice. She has an extremely high regard for each individual child and their families. The childminder treats every child as if they were a member of her own family and this is particularly commented on by parents. She has a very

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the early years provision

positive attitude towards working closely with parents, other settings, outside agencies and other professionals in order to support children's individual needs and promote consistency. Children's home languages are fully respected and incorporated into the provision. This also benefits all children as they begin to appreciate the diverse society in which they live.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are exemplary. The childminder helps parents to fully understand the Early Years Foundation Stage and values their input about what they know about their children. She is highly sensitive towards parent's needs and feelings. For example, when a child tells her that he loves his mummy and thinks she is very pretty, she texts the parent so that she can share the moment. Parents are encouraged to be involved in children's learning as they regularly share their children's folder and 'Special Book' of particular achievements and help their children with mini projects at home. A comprehensive range of written policies and procedures are in place which gives parents an excellent range of information about the service offered. Comprehensive daily diaries for the youngest children help keep parents informed about their child's day. Parental feedback is extremely positive and full of praise for the service that the childminder provides. Comments

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the early years provision

include that the childminder is a 'very important part of my child's life' and we This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 'trust and respect her dearly'.

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the early years provision

The childminder has an extremely clear vision for her childminding and is very passionate and enthusiastic about her work. She strives to maintain and continuously develop high quality levels of care and education for all children. She has highly effective systems of self-evaluation in place to help her to do this. The childminder attends a wide range of training initiatives to further develop her own skills and knowledge as well as to give her ideas to inform future practice. Many positive improvements have been made since the last inspection including making drinking water independently accessible and focussing on the individual child, their interests and learning at home to plan more holistically for their needs.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has an exemplary understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and how to deliver it in practical ways for children according to their individual needs. She is highly skilled at supporting children's play and learning experiences so that they get the most out of every single opportunity. The childminder enthusiastically plays alongside children as they explore and investigate, for example, how to use the roller to paint the fence with water or as they transport plants in their wheelbarrows for watering. She asks lots of open- ended questions to promote children's thinking and is skilled at knowing when to take a step back to enable children to develop their independence or to take the lead. Children are offered a wealth of exciting activities and learning experiences both indoors, outdoors and at local groups.

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and outcomes for children

Observation, assessment and planning systems are very secure and highly effective. Regular observations completed by the childminder and parents provide her with a complete picture of children's learning both at her setting and at home. Next steps are clearly identified and individual planning ensures that activities are organised and planned for with the child's individual interests and learning needs, in mind. Beautifully presented records of children's learning journeys further evidence the highly beneficial learning opportunities that children are given.

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and outcomes for children

Children become highly engaged in their learning. For example, they talk about the high and low parts of the fence that they can reach to paint with water and solve simple problems as they try to work out why their roller has got stuck behind the trellis. They take a particular interest in the world around them commenting that the flower is 'not growing up' because it needs water. Older children show much respect for the younger children, ensuring that they feel fully included in activities. The childminder is completely relaxed as children take activities in their own direction, for example, walking in the water tray with Wellington boots on as others enjoy using the toy boats. They have excellent opportunities to mark make which helps their early writing skills. Children's language is developing very well as the childminder supports this effectively asking open-ended questions and giving children lots of time to respond to her and vocalise their thoughts and feelings.

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and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate a very good understanding of capacity as they tell the childminder 'it's nearly at the top' as they fill empty bottles with materials to make This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 musical instruments. Children ask questions because they are curious, such as, why the gloop mixture keeps coming back together when they try to move it away with their hands. Children learn lots about nature as they visit many places of interest and go for walks in the local area. All of these activities begin to lay very secure foundations to support the children's future economic well-being.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a wide range of physical activities. Regular visits to the gymnastic club give children excellent opportunities to challenge and develop physical skills, such as, coordinating movement with hula hoops, balancing on balance beams and building their upper body strength when swinging on bars. Regular swimming session's keep children fit and help them to understand the important part exercise plays in relation to a healthy lifestyle. Children have lots of opportunities to be creative through arts and crafts activities, music and imaginative play. They also thoroughly enjoy and embrace dance, putting on performances for parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare is promoted extremely well. All documentation, records and policies which safeguard children's health are well organised and maintained to a high standard. Children confidently follow good hygiene routines using liquid soap and paper towels from a dispenser mounted at their height. This practice effectively reduces the risk of cross-contamination. All areas of the premises are very clean and hygienic. The childminder works closely with parents with regards the provision of food. Where parents provide food, clear guidance is given so that the childminder's commitment towards healthy eating is upheld. The childminder provides snacks of fresh fruit and encourages children to try new tastes, such as, blueberries, using the opportunity to discuss the importance of eating these as well as other fruits. Photographs of meals provided to children show very attractively presented, balanced meals. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement as

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and outcomes for children

well as excellent levels of adult attention and interaction. As a result, children develop high levels of self-discipline and self-esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement. The childminder is an extremely positive role model, treating children at all times, how she wishes them to treat each other and her. 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 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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