Childminder in Norfolk

Overall effectiveness Outstanding

The quality of education Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Outstanding Leadership and management Outstanding Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is outstanding

Children flourish in this exceptional setting. They show excellent attitudes to learning and are eager to do things for themselves. Children investigate pretend record players. They use trial and error to make turntables move around, and clap their hands in celebration when music starts to play. The childminder gives children time to solve simple problems. She makes personalised maps for children to use as they walk in the local area. She asks them, 'What comes next on your map?'. Children listen carefully and show focus as they match locations to their surroundings. The childminder extends children's learning. She introduces the words 'left' and 'right', and encourages children to name letters of the alphabet they see on road signs. The childminder incites children's growing curiosity. She asks them to find feathers and invites them to touch tree bark asking, 'Is it rough or smooth?'

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The provision is outstanding

Clear routines and expectations enable children to feel very safe and secure. Babies know where their favourite toys are kept. They investigate toy animals and make choices about which to play with. For example, they select toy cows and tell the childminder 'Moo'. Children browse through photos depicting previous activities. The childminder asks which activities they would like to do again. This helps children feel wonderfully valued and involved.

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need to do better?

n The childminder has a robust understanding of how children learn. Her curriculum takes account of children's precise needs, interests and what they need to learn next. The childminder is expert at maximising every learning opportunity. For example, she makes bespoke 'next step cards' for children to use when they finish eating. Children concentrate as they trace over numbers and count dots. n Children with special educational needs and/or disabilities are extremely well supported. The childminder works with a wide range of professionals to identify children's needs and put support in place. She uses sign language and visual cards to aid children's growing communication. She gives non-verbal children regular opportunities to express their own opinions. For example, children use 'menu cards' to communicate their choices for lunches . n Children have wonderful, trusting relationships with the childminder. They rush

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need to do better?

over and embrace her with frequent hugs. Babies have close cuddles during bottle feeds. The childminder quickly responds to children's needs and wishes. For example, children notice a butterfly in the conservatory. The childminder lifts children up to have a closer look before releasing it into the garden. n The childminder supports children's mathematical development effectively. She uses every opportunity to model counting and talk about colour and size.

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need to do better?

27 July 2023 Children see ladybirds outside. The childminder models how to count its spots. She waves bubble wands and introduces the words 'high' and 'low', as children watch bubbles floating. n Babies are exceptionally well cared for. The childminder is respectful when changing babies' nappies, expertly distracting them by singing familiar nursery rhymes. Babies are cuddled and soothed as they awaken from their sleep. The childminder positions babies near their favourite toys to gently introduce them back into their play. n Children make excellent progress in their communication and language development. The childminder engages children in stimulating story-and-song sessions. Children peer at themselves in mirrors and sing songs, such as 'I love my body'. n The childminder consistently embeds hygiene practices and enhances children's learning of their self-help skills. For example, she promotes children's health and

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need to do better?

well-being through routine handwashing and reminders to cough into their elbows. Children respond positively and anticipate her expectations. Children comment, 'Wash hands', as they return from outdoor activities. n The childminder develops outstanding partnerships with parents. Some travel considerable distances to enable their children to attend. Parents say the childminder is kind and reassuring. They say she provides a 'stable, safe place', where their children are treated as individuals. They appreciate the occasions she visits their family homes to offer support and discuss children's progress. n The childminder continually strives to improve outcomes for children. She enhances her skills and knowledge through considerable training. She carefully monitors any changes she makes, ensuring it has a positive impact upon her practice and children's development.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a good understanding of how to report and monitor any concerns, and keeps up to date with safeguarding training. This includes knowing who to contact to seek advice and make a referral. She shows an awareness of wider safeguarding issues, such as female genital mutilation and cuckooing. She recognises the importance of tracking attendance, and demonstrates the capacity to challenge parents if she has a concern. She completes daily risk assessments to ensure that the premises remain suitable and safe for children.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY545942 Local authority Norfolk Inspection number 10295594 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 4 Date of previous inspection 15 December 2017

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and works at the house of her co-childminder, located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. She operates all year round, from 8am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Friday, except for bank holidays, Christmas and family holidays. The childminder holds an appropriate childcare qualification at level 3. She provides funded early education for two-, three- and four-year-old children.

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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 that into account in their evaluation of the setting. n The childminder talked to the inspector about what she wants children to learn and how the curriculum is planned. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided and assessed the impact on children's learning. n Children talked to the inspector about the activities they were doing. n Parents shared their views of the setting with the inspector. n The inspector looked at a range of documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

27 July 2023 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

27 July 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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