Childminder in Norfolk

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 259473 Inspection date 15/06/2012 Inspector Glenda Field

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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 2001. She lives with her five year old son in Hingham, Norfolk. All areas of the property, with the exception of the main bedroom, are registered for use by minded children. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play, however, the childminder is not currently using this area due to building work. Local amenities are within walking distance of the home. The family have five cats and guinea pigs. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, of these not more than two may be in the early years age range. There are currently two children on roll, one of whom is in the early years age range. Children attend on a part-time basis. Overnight care may be provided for up to three children under the age of 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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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 make good progress in their learning. Good, effective procedures ensure they are extremely safe and secure. The childminder has developed a strong partnership with parents and involves them in most aspects of their children's learning and development. Recommendations from the previous inspection have been satisfactorily addressed. Systems for monitoring and evaluating the provision, to identify priorities for improvement, continue to be developed to improve the quality of the provision.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the process of self-evaluation to ensure the views of parents and children are sought  provide opportunities for parents to share in their children's learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a high level of commitment to safeguarding children. Vetting systems are in place in order to ensure that adults who have access to children are suitable to do so. Accurate records, policies and procedures for the safe management of the provision are in place. The childminder consistently minimises any potential hazards to young children. She carries out regular risk assessments of her home and any outings and takes effective action to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 reduce risks.

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the early years provision

Children's health and well-being is promoted effectively. The premises are clean and hygienic and competent systems are in place to prevent the spread of infection. For example, individual hand towels are provided for children along with anti-bacterial handwash. The childminder holds current paediatric first aid training and is able to take appropriate action in the event of an emergency. She maintains an up-to-date first aid box. The childminder creates a welcoming and stimulating family environment for children where they easily access a wide range of inviting resources and can move freely and safely in uncluttered play areas. The childminder is caring and affectionate and builds close bonds with each child. As a result, children are happy and very much at ease within her care.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a realistic awareness of the strengths within her childcare provision and displays a strong capacity to further improve her service. However, although the childminder has identified some areas for development, there is not a strong enough focus on seeking the views of others. This means that priorities for improvement may not be as accurately targeted as they could be.

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the early years provision

Good partnerships are formed with parents. The childminder gathers valuable information from parents about each child prior to the commencement of care in order to plan sensitively for their arrival. Children's ongoing progress is shared informally at the end of each day and through individual learning books compiled for each child, including photographs of children taking part in activities provided by the childminder. However, parents are not encoraged to add to these records to ensure progression. Children attending other settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage would be supported by a system to facilitate their transition and continued progression. The childminder promotes equality and diversity well and ensures all children receive the support they need.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very comfortable in the childminder's care and include her in their play. Age-appropriate toys and other resources, such as, art and craft materials are within easy reach of the children and are all attractively stored. Children enjoy making cards for their family, for example, Father's Day cards. Children are encouraged to follow their interests, for example, playing with the small world animals and sea creatures available. In addition, children are taken on outings to outdoor play areas, parks and shops to enjoy the company of others. Visits are also made to zoos and adventure parks.

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and outcomes for children

Overall, children in the early years age range have the opportunity to experience all areas of learning. Young children's language and early literacy skills are sensitively nurtured. For example, the childminder uses colourful and interactive picture books to help with children's acquisition of new words and concepts, supplemented by teaching children simple nursery rhymes. Similarly, activities involving counting and problem solving such as usinf building blocks and completing jigsaws are interwoven into the daily routine. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder understands that every child is unique. She works closely with parents to find out about children's individual needs so that they settle quickly. Observation and assessment systems are in the early stages of development but are effective in helping the childminder plan the next steps in children's learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children's behaviour is managed well due to the childminder's clear and consistent approach. Children are encouraged to put their own coats on which even the very youngest child is able to achieve. Children also enjoy helping tidy away toys they have finished playing with. The childminder is patient and uses praise regularly to promote children's self-esteem and develop their sense of achievement.

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and outcomes for children

Children are kept safe as the childminder is very conscious of safety and appropriate measures are taken to keep children safe, for example, the use of gates at the entrance to the kitchen and base of the stairs, childproof catches on lower cupboards and bolts in place on the garden gate. The childminder also keeps a written record of the fire drills carried out with children. In addition, all toys are kept clean and in good order. This combined with efficient use of space means that younger children can play safely and enjoy their games. 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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