Childminder in Norfolk

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children have strong bonds with the childminder, who is very caring and attentive to their needs. They seek out the childminder for a reassuring cuddle when they become tired. Children understand how to behave as the childminder is a very calm and positive role model. They are reminded that they may hurt someone if they throw toys. They demonstrate empathy and care for each other, using 'gentle hands' and offering a 'kind stroke' if they have been unkind or hurt someone.

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The provision is good

Children confidently explore the wide range of activities, which are attractively presented in the purpose-provided playroom. They skilfully use their fingers to turn knobs and press buttons on cause-and-effect toys. Children use their imaginations, and follow simple instructions, as they make pretend cups of tea in the play kitchen. They count and begin to problem-solve as they endeavour to drive toy vehicles into the play garage, only to realise that some are too big and will not fit.

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The provision is good

Children go on frequent trips out in the local community and to places of interest. They have opportunities to embrace nature when they explore all that is to offer in the woods, on the beach or when they regularly visit the zoo. As a result, children are active, gain an understanding of the natural world and make connections to real-life experiences.

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need to do better?

n The childminder provides a very flexible settling-in process for the children, which includes an offer of an initial home visit. She gathers a wealth of information about the children, their interests and what they can do. She uses this information to support all children, including those who have additional needs, to feel emotionally secure in her setting. Children's individual routines and care arrangements from home are closely followed. Children are at ease when they have their nappy changed and swiftly settle down to sleep in their cot. n Children are learning to be independent. Even very young children have a go at putting toys back into the boxes, as they sing the familiar tidy-up song. With support, they practise carefully cutting their banana with a knife, showing delight when they do so. Very young children practise sitting on a low chair and drinking from a cup, progressing on from their high chair and drinking from a

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need to do better?

bottle. Children know to cover their mouth when they cough so that germs do not spread. n The childminder provides a language-rich environment, which includes introducing children to a broad range of songs and rhymes. She provides ongoing commentary about what the children are doing. The childminder introduces new words, such as 'bonnet', 'boot' and 'fuel tank' as they play with

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need to do better?

9 December 2021 toy vehicles. She gives age-appropriate instructions for the children to follow and asks simple questions for them to respond to. The childminder listens as children practise their speaking skills, before correctly repeating back words that children mispronounce, to support their language development. n The childminder has built strong partnerships with parents and she keeps them informed about what their children are learning. This includes specific activities that parents can try with their children at home to support their learning. Parents speak highly of the childminder. Several parents have already booked their next child in to attend, when they are old enough. n The childminder clearly enjoys her role. She makes good use of training and development opportunities to extend her knowledge and skills. She has undertaken a range of short courses and has recently completed a level 3 early

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need to do better?

years qualification. She is using the knowledge she gained to further enhance children's experiences in her setting. n The childminder makes regular assessments of what children know and can do. Gaps in children's learning are quickly identified and appropriate support put in place. This proactive approach helps children to gain the key skills in readiness for the next stage in their learning. However, children's transitions into other early years settings are not well supported. This is because the childminder has not yet established effective working relationships with local early years settings where minded children have recently started to attend.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a secure understanding of her safeguarding responsibilities. She is committed to keeping children safe. The childminder has completed child protection training to ensure her knowledge is up to date. She confidently identifies possible indicators of abuse and knows how to keep children safe, referring to relevant agencies as required. The childminder carries out effective risk assessments and teaches children about risks so that they can keep themselves safe. She holds a valid paediatric first-aid certificate and knows what to do should a child in her care have an accident.

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should:

n develop partnerships with local early years settings where minded children also attend and share relevant information to help support children's transitions and their ongoing progress.

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Setting details

Unique reference number 2537677 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10208613 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2019 and lives in Ashill, Thetford. She holds an early years qualification at level 3. She operates all year round from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. Overnight care is available by arrangement.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and has taken this into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder showed the inspector the areas of her home that children access. They discussed how the childminder organises her setting and plans the curriculum and experiences for children. n The inspector observed the childminder interacting with the children and assessed the impact this has on children's learning. n The childminder shared a sample of documents with the inspector. This included evidence of training and the suitability of those living on the premises. n The inspector and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for the children. n The inspector took account of the views of parents.

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Inspection activities

9 December 2021 We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

9 December 2021 regulates and inspects 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 and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, 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.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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