Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY392587 Inspection date 09/11/2009 Inspector Lindsey Ann 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 2009. She lives with her husband and 12 year old son in Sprowston, Norwich. Most of the downstairs of the property plus one bedroom and the bathroom upstairs are registered for use by minded children. Access to the premises is via a small step. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. Local amenities are within walking distance of the home. The family keep chickens in a run within the garden.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, of these, not more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding three children in this age group, who attend on a part time basis. Overnight care may be provided for one child between the ages of one and eight years. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds an appropriate qualification.

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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 very happy and settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy participating in a wide range of stimulating activities and outings and make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder builds strong partnerships with parents, ensuring that the children experience consistency and continuity in their care. Children are safe and effectively protected through thorough procedures and everyday practices. Children feel valued and included because the childminder ensures routines and activities are planned carefully so that individual children's needs are successfully met. The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude towards continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the resources which positively reflect our diverse society  develop further the self-evaluation process to ensure identified weaknesses are tracked and monitored for impact on the setting and individual children.

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the early years provision

Children are effectively safeguarded by the childminder who is clear about her role in child protection issues. Robust procedures are in place to ensure children are kept safe and free from harm both within the home and whilst on outings with the childminder. Children are able to play and learn in a safe environment because This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 thorough risk assessments ensure hazards are minimised and the premises are fully secure. Children's safety is further enhanced as children are very well supervised and checks have been carried out to establish the suitability of any person living within the childminder's home.

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the early years provision

The childminder has devised a range of policies and procedures which she shares with parents and support the effective operation of the setting. She establishes strong, close working relationships with parents and as a result obtains very good information about children and their starting points. Parents are fully involved in their children's learning and regularly discuss with the childminder their observations so that care may be tailored to meet individual children's needs and learning requirements. Parents contribute valuable feedback and speak very highly of the care offered, stating that the childminder provides an exceptional range of activities which enable children to reach their milestones, she is professional and caring in her approach so children receive the best care and attention and works closely with them regarding any issues or concerns around their children's welfare or development.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a professional and dedicated approach to childminding. She is a qualified teacher and draws upon her knowledge and experience whilst caring for the children. The childminder takes time to evaluate the care and learning that she provides, highlighting areas for future development. However, there is not yet a system for targeting the areas identified in order to monitor the continuous improvement. The childminder has identified the need to develop the resources which reflect diversity so children's understanding of differences and similarities is fostered from an early age. She provides an inclusive ethos where each child's individual needs are nurtured. The childminder recognises the individuality of all children and provides activities and resources to ensure their continue development.

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the early years provision

The childminder's home is well organised and provides a stimulating, child centred learning environment. The dedicated playroom is set out with a wealth of resources which are easily accessible to children, encouraging their independent learning and exploration.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy, confident and there is a warm relationship between the childminder and each child. The childminder knows children very well and uses this knowledge to successfully support individual children. She has a flexible approach to planning, giving priority to children's specific and spontaneous interests and is confident to deviate from the proposed daily routines and activities in order to follow children's interests and ideas. For example, responding to children's request to go outside. The childminder records observations of the children and is successfully linking these to the areas of learning. She uses the information to track children's progress and identify the next steps in their learning in order to plan forthcoming activities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder devotes her time and attention to the children, effectively

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and outcomes for children

promoting their learning through play and an interesting range of activities. Children thrive on the praise and encouragement they receive and are encouraged to try new skills, such as walking unaided. Children's language development is encouraged as the childminder speaks clearly to children and prompts their attempts at conversation skills. New words are introduced along with concepts of colour and shape so children learn in a relaxed, supportive environment. Children relish opportunities to be outside. They frequently enjoy walks around the local area, visit the park, shops or library. Outings to local pre-school groups enable children to socialise with their peers. The childminder makes maximum use of the garden. Older children explore nature, finding insects or looking at the changes in the leaves. They help with digging, planting and tending the vegetable garden, learning about where their food comes from. Children learn to look after and

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and outcomes for children

respect animals as they help care for the chickens and frequently collect the eggs. Age appropriate equipment challenges children's physical skills and co-ordination as they climb slides or bounce on a small trampoline. Indoors, children also have sufficient space to practice their emerging skills as they start to crawl or toddle. A wealth of creative materials enables children to develop their own ideas. As a result, children are actively engaged in play and thoroughly enjoy their time with the childminder.

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and outcomes for children

Children behave in a manner which is conducive to learning as a result of the childminder's positive interaction and clear explanations, for example, the importance of sharing. They are beginning to develop an understanding of the wider world through visits with the childminder and planned activities, for example, celebrating festivals. Children have good opportunities to learn about keeping themselves safe through learning about road safety when out walking and simple reminders to hold on to the buggy. They are encouraged to follow good hygiene routines, such as hand washing and have individual towels to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder provides healthy and nutritious meals and snacks according to children's dietary needs. As a result, children are learning valuable skills for the future from an early age. 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: 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 further the safeguarding policy to include the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against any person living or working on the premises. 09/12/2009

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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

 develop further the safeguarding policy to include the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against any person living or working on the premises 09/12/2009

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