Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY426097 Inspection date 15/11/2011 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 2011. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and one year in a village between Downham Market and King's Lynn. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes, with the exception of the main bedroom. 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 childminder has two pet rabbits.

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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 one 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. The childminder 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 are well provided for in the Early Years Foundation Stage and are making good progress in their learning and development, in most areas resources are well deployed. 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 the children attend in order to consistently support children's learning. Systems for monitoring and evaluating the provision are being established to consistently identify and target priorities for the development of the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance self-evaluation and reflective practice to consistently identify and target areas for further improvement  extend the range of toys and resources to enable children to gain more understanding of diversity and the wider world.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a sound understanding of her role in safeguarding children. She is clear about procedures in order to protect children from abuse and ensures their welfare is fully supported. She has a clear written policy in place This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which is available for parents. The childminder ensures that all adults who live within her home have undergone the vetting process and that children are not left with any other person. Children's safety is given high priority. The childminder conducts thorough risk assessments of all areas of the home, the resources and equipment to ensure children's safety and well-being at all times. Furthermore, robust risk assessments are undertaken before outings which enable the children to take part in an exciting range of activities, including attending 'under fives' sessions, trips to the park, adventure play areas and outings on the train, with

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the early years provision

potential risks identified and minimised. Considerable care has been taken within the setting to accommodate children's play and to provide them with a safe, secure and welcoming environment. Resources are set out daily, taking account of children's interests and abilities. Equipment is of good quality and well-maintained to fully support children's different stages of learning and development. The childminder provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children and their families. She is fully aware of children's needs and tailors her care to meet the needs of individual children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has completed the required training and has developed a set of written policies which support her childcare practices. She demonstrates a professional and dedicated approach to childcare and clearly enjoys her role. Although the childminder has only been caring for children for a relatively short period, she has begun to reflect on her practice to identify her strengths and recognises the scope for further development to improve the outcomes for children. She acknowledges that children's learning would be further enhanced through the provision of a broader range of resources which positively reflect diversity.

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the early years provision

The strength of the partnership with parents contributes considerably to the quality of the care children receive. The childminder gathers valuable information from parents about each child prior to the commencement of care in order to plan sensitively for their arrival. Parents are provided with detailed information about the service provided and information on the observation and assessment process so they are able to contribute. Their views are regularly sought and parents are very complimentary of the care provided and the progress their children are making. Posters made by older children are displayed, demonstrating what activities they enjoy and how happy they are within the setting. The childminder has established effective links with other provisions the children attend in order to promote consistency in the children's care and learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children flourish in the stimulating and happy environment. They take part in a varied range of activities both self-selected and adult-led to maximise their progress in all areas of learning and development. Initial assessment and discussion with parents assists in identifying what children can do, what they like to do and what they need to do to progress. This information enables the childminder to support children's learning and allows children to learn at their own This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 pace. Assessment records are a compilation of a variety of children's work, photographs and written observations, as well as contributions from parents so this is a shared process. The childminder effectively links her observations of the children to different aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage and identifies some next steps for future learning which she uses when planning forthcoming

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and outcomes for children

activities. The home is comfortable and welcoming, with a choice of resources stored at children's level, encouraging them to explore and become independent. Storage boxes are labelled with words and pictures and signs around the provision, such as, a poster reminding children about good hand washing techniques, help children understand that print carries meaning. Children have many opportunities for mark-making, frequently chalking on boards outside or drawing and colouring activities indoors. They thoroughly enjoy stories and freely select their favourite books from the range in the bookcase, sitting themselves comfortably with the childminder whilst she reads.

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and outcomes for children

Children's emerging language skills are advanced through chatting with the childminder during activities. She speaks clearly, using simple words which she encourages the children to copy. Frequent praise is given for children's achievements and they beam with pride. The childminder asks questions which seek out what the children already know or encourages them to think. Children are beginning to use numbers and simple mathematical concepts during their play. They confidently count as they find two sequins and identify the different shapes whilst making a picture. Children relish opportunities to be creative. The childminder provides a wealth of resources which stimulate children's imagination and creativity. They concentrate avidly as they stick, colour or paint, carefully choosing the materials they wish to use. Adult-led creative activities are planned, for example, cooking or making spiders from tissue paper for Halloween

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and outcomes for children

celebrations. The childminder creates a template to offer children ideas and proudly displays children's artwork on request, promoting their self-esteem. Children engage in role play creating a small cafe with the play kitchen, food and small table. Children learn how to share with one another as the childminder encourages children to cooperate and respect each other. The childminder promotes positive attitudes to learning and is skilled at adapting children's spontaneous play into learning opportunities. Children experience a strong sense of security and belonging and confidently turn to the childminder for support or help.

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and outcomes for children

Children are taught consistent and thorough hygiene routines. They wash and dry their hands using individual paper towels, in order to minimise the risk of cross- infection. Meals are provided in agreement with parents, following the childminder's healthy eating policy and meet children's dietary needs. Drinks are freely accessible and children regularly help themselves, ensuring they remain well hydrated. Daily opportunities are provided for children to play outdoors. They frequently visit local parks, particularly after school, where older children can access more physically challenging equipment. Children relish time spent in the childminder's garden where they are physically active, riding small wheeled toys or developing their skills as they complete an obstacle course. The childminder gives high priority to children's awareness of safety issues whilst ensuring they are able to take realistic and manageable risks for themselves with set limits. She promotes

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and outcomes for children

their understanding of safe practices within the train station, demonstrates safe This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 road crossing procedures and discusses the potential dangers of speaking to strangers whilst out with the children. Children are well behaved as the childminder uses positive and consistent strategies. She is a good role model and provides high levels of support and guidance. The childminder fully recognises effort as well as achievement and consequently, children develop positive attitudes to themselves as learners, gaining many new skills which will help them in later life. 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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