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 Good

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The provision is good

Children enjoy exploring in this warm and welcoming environment. They have developed close attachments to the childminder and her assistants, who are caring and attentive towards their needs. Children display a positive attitude to learning and enjoy the activities that are on offer. For example, children excitedly gather in a circle and play 'the farmer's in his den'. Children behave well and know the rules and boundaries within the setting. They learn good manners and develop a sense of responsibility. Children are thoughtful and kind to their peers. For instance, older children help younger children get ready for snack and comfort them when upset. The childminder and her assistants give children continuous encouragement and praise for their achievements. This successfully enhances their confidence and self- esteem.

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The provision is good

The childminder and her assistants support children to be increasingly independent in their self-care routines. Children instinctively know to wash their hands when coming in from the garden and after using the toilet. The childminder supports children in developing a love for books. Children giggle with delight as they gather around the childminder and excitedly share their ideas to add to the story. This helps to support children's early literacy skills.

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need to do better?

n The childminder uses her knowledge of child development to skilfully assess the children. She makes regular assessments of what they know and can do, and quickly identifies any gaps in their learning and puts appropriate support in place. This proactive approach helps children to gain the key skills in readiness for the next stage of their learning. n Children develop a good understanding of healthy lifestyles. The childminder and her assistants talk to children regularly about the importance of a healthy diet and plan activities to teach children the importance of brushing their teeth. They work closely with parents to encourage them to provide healthy lunches and snacks. Children have ample opportunities to play outside each day and engage in physical activity. For instance, children learn how to kick a ball to their peers using different techniques. n The childminder and her assistants support the development of children's

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need to do better?

communication and language skills effectively. They engage in meaningful conversations with children throughout play and model the correct pronunciation of words. This especially supports children who speak English as an additional language. The childminder and her assistants encourage children to join in when reading familiar stories. This helps to develop children's vocabulary. However, on occasion, they do not ask questions or give children additional knowledge to help extend their learning.

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need to do better?

31 January 2023 n The childminder has formed positive parent partnerships and gathers detailed information about children and their families from the start. She finds out about children's routines and development at home to help them settle in quickly. The childminder shares information about children's progress, including next steps for learning. This ensures parents can support children's learning at home. Parents speak highly of the childminder and her assistants and discuss how happy their children are to attend. They discuss how the childminder has a strong focus on learning and supports their children's individual needs and development, so that they can make effective progress. n Children have access to a wide range of resources. They take pleasure in selecting toys and play happily alongside their peers. For instance, children enjoy completing puzzles together and quickly identify where the pieces fit.

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need to do better?

However, sometimes younger children do not get as highly involved in activities as others. This means that opportunities are sometimes missed to extend every child's learning to the highest level. n The childminder is passionate about the service she provides and for caring for children. She understands the importance of developing her and her assistants' professional development. The childminder informs parents about her work with assistants and supports them in completing a range of training to boost their skills. This ensures they all have extensive knowledge on early years education and can continue to support children's learning.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder and her assistants have effective knowledge of how to keep children safe. They clearly understand their safeguarding roles and responsibilities, and know to refer any concerns to the appropriate safeguarding agency. The childminder ensures that her assistants complete a wide range of safeguarding training. This ensures that they are knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms that may indicate a child could be at risk of harm. The childminder completes thorough risk assessments of her environment to ensure children are always kept safe. She has robust recruitment procedures, and the assistants are vetted to ensure their suitability to work with the children.

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should:

n strengthen teaching techniques to build on children's knowledge and extend their learning even further n enhance younger children's opportunities to explore activities, so that every child becomes highly involved in their learning and makes rapid progress in their development.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY388480 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10265188 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 15 Number of children on roll 43 Date of previous inspection 26 May 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder was registered in 2009 and lives in Downham Market, Norfolk. She operates all year round, from 7.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays and family holidays. The childminder works with two assistants each day. The childminder holds an early years qualification at level 3. The childminder provides free early years education for eligible two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the setting has 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. 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 and the childminder reflected on a learning experience for the children. n The childminder explained her intentions for the children's development and how she plans and implements her educational programme. n The inspector spoke to children and parents during the inspection and took account of the views of parents through telephone conversations. n The inspector observed the quality of teaching during activities indoors and assessed the impact this has on children's learning.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder shared some documents with the inspector, including evidence of the suitability of persons working as assistants.

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Inspection activities

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

31 January 2023 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

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