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

p.1

Unique reference number 208672 Inspection date 10/09/2008 Inspector Elisabeth Wright / Janice Walker

p.1

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

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years register and is also registered on the Compulsory and the Voluntary part of the Childcare register. She lives with her husband and their three sons in Grantham, Lincolnshire. All areas of the property may be used for childminding, although this mainly takes place on the ground floor. Bathroom facilities are located on both floors of the property. There is an enclosed rear garden which is used for outdoor play. The premises are accessed easily with parking available at the front of the property. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides good quality care which supports the children's individual welfare, learning and development needs, therefore they make good progress. All children are made welcome and she plans activities based on their unique interests and abilities. Policies and procedures, which are shared with parents, are effective in ensuring that every child is included in all aspects of the provision. Good partnerships with parents and others ensure that children experience a well balanced range of activities. The childminder demonstrates commitment to the continuing improvement of her service; however, she does not yet effectively evaluate all aspects of her provision.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 increase opportunities for children to make their own choices with regard to play and learning  develop further children's understanding of a variety of cultures and diversity improve systems to monitor and evaluate the quality of care and education.

p.3

provision

The setting is organised in a safe and efficient manner. All documentation that supports the welfare, learning and development of the children is kept accurately and with due regard to confidentiality. The childminder carries out visual risk assessments of the premises and considers the possible risks inherent in activities. For example, she has organised the space in the garden so that younger children are able to play safely whilst older children are engaged in active play. Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a secure understanding of her role and responsibility to report any child protection concerns and has devised a policy in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines. She has accessed some training opportunities to support the ongoing improvement of her service. For example, she has attended training on the implementation of the Early Years This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

provision

Foundation Stage and she has a current and appropriate first aid certificate.

p.4

provision

The childminder organises the day well, with structures and routines that take into account the children's needs. Space in the home is organised so that children are able to play actively, rest or eat comfortably. Whilst she is committed to the continuous improvement of her service, systems for self-evaluation are not yet robust enough to ensure that all areas of learning and development are evaluated and, therefore, opportunities for improvement are restricted. She has acted upon the recommendation made at her last inspection and has put systems in place based on the Early Years Foundation Stage. The strong relationships which the childminder builds with parents enable a good exchange of information. This promotes consistency and understanding of their individual needs, situations and ensures that they are all fully included in her provision. Parents are fully included in their child's learning and development because they are given good quality

p.4

provision

information informally through daily discussion; younger children also have development files, which parents are able to access. Effective links with other providers ensure that appropriate information is shared to support children's individual needs, so that children enjoy a range of activities across their day.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals because the childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of their individual needs. They are provided with meaningful and relevant activities because she makes observations which she links to developmental guidance in order to plan effectively. She is aware that this can on occasion result in an emphasis on adult-led activities and she is seeking to develop ways for children to initiate their own play. Children are able to acquire a range of vocabulary and concepts in a way they can relate to and understand because she introduces learning into spontaneous play. For example, by talking about colours and numbers when playing with trains. They benefit from physical activities in the garden and the local park, where they can climb and balance on a range of equipment, developing skills and coordination. The childminder provides some resources which reflect a range of people positively.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

However, opportunities for children to learn about different cultures in the wider world are limited. Good interaction between the childminder and children ensures that they flourish in a relaxed and homely environment. The childminder considers situations from the children's point of view and is therefore able to direct their behaviour and to provide appropriately for their individual needs and interests. For example, she redirects their inappropriate throwing of bricks into a ball game. Children receive high levels of appropriate support as, through her effective relationships with parents, she is fully aware of the changing needs of children relating to their circumstances.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted well because they are cared for in a clean and well- maintained environment where they learn the principles of a healthy lifestyle through explanation and example. Robust procedures for dealing with accidents and illnesses ensure that she can respond effectively to these and share appropriate information with parents. Appropriate steps are taken to ensure their safety. The childminder monitors the premises, toys and equipment on an ongoing basis to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 ensure they remain suitable and safe. Therefore children are able to play and explore their environment safely. She encourages positive behaviour and respect for others through her good example and high levels of attention. She gives sensitive, clear and consistent messages regarding what is and is not acceptable, therefore children learn what is expected of them.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

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

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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. Satisfactory

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

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

p.6

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

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

p.8

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.

p.8