Childminder in Lincolnshire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY368900 Inspection date 02/10/2008 Inspector Angela Hufton

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Type of setting Childminder 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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. 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 has been registered since 2008. She is registered to care for four children under the age of eight years. There are currently six children on roll, of which five are in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and one is within the Childcare register(CCR). All children are cared for on a part-time basis. The childminder lives on an RAF base in Lincolnshire. Members of the household include the childminder, her husband , young school-aged child and pre-school child. The property is within walking distance of local amenities and the childminder walks children to and from school on a daily basis. All ground floor rooms are used for childminding purposes, these include the lounge, dining area, hallway and kitchen. Sleep facilities and the bathroom are situated upstairs. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children’s individual needs are well met through the childminder's warm and nurturing care. She values the uniqueness of each child. The positive relationships built with parents are a key strength and the exchange of information helps to promote children's learning. The resources are well-organised to give good accessibility, enabling children to make choices and ensuring no-one is disadvantaged. There are suitable methods for self-evaluation and the childminder shows a good commitment to improving her practices. Children's health and safety are mostly well promoted.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the use of systematic observations and assesments of each child's acheivements, interests and learning styles, including their starting points  develop effective systems to record medication and accidents to promote the good health of children with particular regard to the levels of details  improve the use of risk assessments to identify all potential hazards and their risks to children.

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provision

There are detailed policies and procedures which are actively shared with parents. Clear settling-in procedures ensure all children are happy and settled in the setting. The childminder fully discusses children's individual needs with parents enabling her to plan activities according to the child's interests such as cars and trains and effective activities to support young children's emerging language. Observations and ongoing daily discussions with parents are used to identify learning targets to help children make overall good progress in their learning and development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder attends local childminder group meetings to share and discuss practices and also uses the knowledge gained to review her practice through carrying out self-evaluation. She liaises with parents to seek their views as to how her provision can be improved. Positive commitment is shown by the childminder

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provision

to further develop her knowledge through attending various training courses which leads to better outcomes for children.

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provision

The childminder's effective knowledge of safeguarding procedures helps to protect children from harm and neglect and she clearly understands her role in reporting any concerns. Most records are maintained in line with requirements although accident and medication records do not contain sufficient exact detail to fully ensure all aspects of children's on-going health needs. The childminder is aware of the hazards in the outside area, such as when older children are playing football to ensure young children are safe. The equipment and toys are suitable and safe for children to use and there is good space for them to play comfortably. Detailed written risk assessments are completed but these have not identified all potential hazards such as use of the trampoline. Good supervision by the childminder ensures children are safe.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are constantly learning and developing in the welcoming environment. There is a strong emphasis on all children developing amiable relationships with each other and good explanation by the childminder develops their sharing skills. Praise is used very well and as a result children are confident and develop good levels of self-esteem. The childminder is caring and offers positive interaction at all times, giving cuddles if children become upset.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Planning for learning and development is effective and ensures that activities are enjoyable for everyone and cover all areas of learning. Clear assessments, based on evaluative observations, ensures planning is based on children's next's steps. Whilst parent's contribute to this process this is at an early stage to seek detailed information of children's starting points. The varied range of resources are organised effectively in labelled storage boxes to enable children to make decisions and develop their independence such as when they help to tidy the cars away. Through the childminder's engagement in activities children develop positive attitudes to learning. They are keen to sit with the childminder to build a model with construction bricks whilst she actively engages them in conversation. This helps to develop children's language well and the childminder extends this to introduce counting skills as they count how many orange bricks there are. Good opportunities

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

for children to express their ideas through painting and making marks with crayons take place and they enjoy listening to music and developing their creativity and role play as they have fun dressing up.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Much emphasis is placed on helping to develop children's awareness of keeping safe. Monthly fire drills are completed and there are clear procedures for outings such as holding hands and walking safely. Children learn that they must not throw toys. Clear routines implemented for hand washing before snacks and after blowing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 noses help children to be healthy. Other aspects of children's health are successfully met through good nappy changing procedures. Children are able to make healthy choices from the varied and nutritional snacks provided, thoroughly enjoying the fruit and cheese at snack time. Daily opportunities for outside play and visits to the local park help children to develop their physical skills and develops their understanding of the wider world. 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

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Good

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Good How well are children helped to be healthy? Good How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Good How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Good

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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