Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY387651 Inspection date 14/06/2012 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 2008. She lives with her husband and two children aged four and three years in Catton, Norwich. All areas of the downstairs of the property are registered for use by minded children. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. Local amenities are within walking distance of the home. The childminder has a budgerigar and tropical fish.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children at any one time. There are currently two children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, both of whom, attend on a part-time basis. Overnight care is not provided. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder holds an appropriate early years qualification. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and a member of the Norfolk Network. The childminder is registered to provide funded early education for three and four year olds.

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 met. Clear policies and procedures are followed, which ensure the children's safety and well-being at all times. Good partnerships are developed with parents and appropriate systems are being developed to link with other providers in order to consistently support children's learning. The childminder has a positive attitude to improvement and reflects on her provision, leading to the identification of some areas for future development.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop further the process of self-evaluation and the use of reflective practice to identify and target areas for future development to further improve the quality of the provision for children  develop further the system to share information about children's individual learning and development when children attend more than one setting to ensure consistency and aid transitions. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her role in safeguarding and is confident to put procedures into practice, where necessary, to protect children. A clear, written policy and relevant information is available to parents to ensure that children's welfare is actively supported. The childminder ensures that all adults living in the home have undergone the vetting process. She conducts thorough risk assessments of the home, resources and specific activities, such as, water play, to ensure children's safety at all times. Furthermore, risk assessments are undertaken before outings, which enables children to take part in a variety of activities including trips to the park, library, children's farm and pre-school groups with potential risks identified and minimised. Considerable care has been taken within the setting to enable children's play and provide them with a safe, stimulating and child-centred environment. Children's artwork is thoughtfully displayed, they have

p.5

the early years provision

space for their belongings and demonstrate they feel a strong sense of belonging in the setting. Equipment and resources are of good quality and well-maintained to fully support children's differing stages of learning and development. The childminder provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children and their families. She is fully aware of the children's needs and tailors her care to the needs of individual children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder is strongly committed to improvement and her professional development. She holds a relevant childcare qualification and has completed a further range of courses, enhancing her knowledge of current childcare practices. She actively seeks support from childcare professionals in order to strengthen the service she provides for children and their parents. Through evaluating her practice, the childminder has identified and implemented improvements since becoming registered as a childminder. However, the action plan in place does not fully target the areas she had identified for future improvement to ensure these are completed in a timely manner.

p.5

the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are excellent. Parents are provided with a wealth of information about the service provided when their children start and the recent implementation of 'all about me' records, enables parents to contribute to early assessment. Parents frequently discuss with the childminder their children's care, progress and achievements and share their children's assessment records, leading to parents full involvement in their children's learning and development. In addition to daily communication, the use of a 'contact book' ensures the very effective two- way flow of information. Parents views are actively sought by the childminder and they are extremely complimentary about the care provided and the progress their children are making. Although, the childminder has established links with some of the early years settings that children attend, she recognises this is an areas she can develop further in the future to enhance continuity in children's learning and

p.5

the early years provision

aid transitions. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy and confident and there is a warm relationship between the childminder and each child. They make good progress in their learning and development, given their starting points, because the childminder has a thorough understanding of how to support children's learning through play and first-hand experiences. She is attentive to children's needs and on-hand to introduce additional resources or materials, which will enhance children's learning or encourage children to explore and learn independently. The childminder knows the children well and successfully integrates her knowledge of their abilities and interests when planning forthcoming activities. She observes children during their play, notes their achievements and identifies next steps for learning. She evaluates this information to develop individual learning plans, which ensure activities are stimulating and challenging while covering all areas of children's learning and

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children develop good social skills which equip them well for the future. They enjoy playing together, are considerate and able to share and take turns from an early age. Children communicate confidently with the childminder and demonstrate a widening vocabulary. The childminder introduces new words into their play. For example, she names the various musical instruments available and encourages children to copy complex words, such as, 'xylophone'. Children thrive on the praise received and demonstrate pride in their achievements. Children thoroughly enjoy singing songs, frequently sung with the aid of props. They are actively involved, counting the number of frogs or monkey puppets, which leads to their increased understanding of simple mathematical concepts. They compare size, height and identify reoccurring patterns. The childminder asks questions to seek out what the children already know or encourages them to think. They frequently refer back to

p.6

and outcomes for children

previous topics reinforcing learning, such as, where various fruits are grown. Children are learning to problem solve as they build, or complete puzzles. Treasure baskets encourage children to explore using their senses and they become engrossed in activities of their own choosing. Children are freely creative choosing to paint, draw or stick using their own ideas. They contribute their artwork to the 'bird book', drawing a picture of the childminder's budgerigar. The 'bird book', developed from children's interest in observing the birds on the feeder in the garden, includes photographs they have taken to record some of the birds which regularly visit the garden. Children take part in planting and growing activities, understanding that plants need water and sunlight to grow. They help care for pets and their environment, re-cycling food, such as, their banana skins which are then composted.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children's health is excellently promoted. They are taught consistent and very thorough hygiene routines. They wash and dry their hands using individual coloured towels that are labelled for them, minimising the risk of cross-infection. Excellent hand-washing practices are reinforced as they sing about removing germs and they know that they must wash their hands after handling animals. Oral hygiene practices are equally well promoted, with children independently cleaning their teeth after mealtimes. Meals are healthy, nutritious and freshly prepared This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 while taking into account children's dietary needs. Children are encouraged to make healthy choices, selecting fruit for their snack and are actively involved in the preparation. Frequently planned cooking activities promote children's understanding of food from other countries and emphasises positive messages

p.6

and outcomes for children

about healthy eating. The childminder undertakes training in order to support children's medical needs. Children develop a very positive and healthy attitude to exercise and fresh air, enjoying frequent outings. They thoroughly enjoy time spent in the childminder's garden, which provides a further rich range of learning opportunities for children of all ages. The childminder gives priority to children's awareness of safety issues whilst ensuring they are able to take realistic and manageable risks for themselves within set limits. Children help with clearing away and learn to respect and care for their environment and resources. They are encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards others and show respect and care for each other. The childminder is a good role model and provides high levels of support and guidance. She fully recognises effort as well as achievement and consequently, children develop positive attitudes to themselves as learners, gaining

p.7

and outcomes for children

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

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 2 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 1 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