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 EY374185 Inspection date 25/11/2008 Inspector Katherine Powell

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 has been registered since 2008. She is registered to care for a maximum of three children under the age of eight years. The childminder currently cares for one child in the early years age range. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her husband and their three young children. The house is situated in a rural village between Stamford and Peterborough. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding purposes and there is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The premises are situated within walking distance of a local nursery, primary school, park and shops. The premises are accessed by a low step. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder effectively provides for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children make good progress in all areas of learning as the childminder plans a broad range of activities and carefully monitors their progress and development. The childminder recognises that all children are individual and promotes an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Parents are provided with good information about the childminding service and their child's care and learning. The childminder demonstrates a commitment to improving her childminding service as she has implemented effective systems to monitor and evaluate her practice and the provision overall.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 develop the range of resources to support children in developing positive attitudes towards people who are different to themselves.

p.3

provision

The childminder organises space and play resources effectively to meet children's needs and enable them to make independent choices about their learning. She continually monitors her provision and resources to ensure all areas of learning are sufficiently promoted and any gaps are identified. The childminder also successfully involves children and parents in evaluating the setting and invites them to share their ideas and suggestions for further development. Consequently, the childminder has a clear and realistic awareness of her own provision and identifies key areas for improvement where necessary. All required records and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 documentation are in place and are well maintained to promote children's welfare and meet their individual needs. The childminder has a secure understanding of safeguarding procedures which she has developed through further training and

p.3

provision

reading current guidance. She has implemented a clear written policy regarding her responsibilities to protect children and promote their welfare and this is shared fully with parents. Children's safety is further promoted as thorough risk assessments are undertaken, fire evacuation drills are regularly practised and children learn about road safety when going on walks and outings.

p.4

provision

Parents receive a wealth of information about the childminding service and their child's care and education. Parents have access to all written records and receive copies of policies and procedures. The childminder gathers information from parents before a child starts so she has a good understanding of their stages of development, interests and individual needs. This enables her to plan a suitable range of activities and learning experiences for each child. Parents are kept informed of events and activities through regular newsletters and information about the child's day is shared through daily discussions and written diaries. Parents are able to share their observations of their child's learning and development at home, which the childminder is able to build on. The childminder has implemented written progress records for children which are in the early stages of development. The individual 'Learning Journeys' ensure the next steps in

p.4

provision

learning are identified and parents receive clear information about their child's progress towards the early learning goals.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well supported by the childminder who involves herself well in children's play and activities and uses careful questioning and discussion to extend their learning. Consequently, children are stimulated, motivated and enjoy their play and learning. The childminder ensures she plans a wide range of opportunities for purposeful play and exploration, both indoors and outside. She has developed secure systems to plan for children's learning to ensure all areas are covered and children make good progress. Appropriate systems have been implemented to record and monitor children's progress and development. All children are fully included and have equal access to play equipment and activities. The childminder adapts her practice effectively to meet children's individual needs. This ensures all children gain the most from the learning opportunities provided. She has considerable experience in supporting children with learning difficulties and/or

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

physical disabilities and she regularly updates her records to take account of children's changing needs. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and they develop positive self-esteem as they receive lots of praise and encouragement. Children show care and consideration for others and they are well behaved. Young children learn to share toys and take turns when playing with others. Children develop their independence skills as they select their own toys and games and they feel confident to express their own needs. They feel valued and develop a strong sense of belonging as they see their art work displayed attractively around the setting. The childminder promotes children's communication, language and literacy skills effectively as she engages them in lively conversation, asks questions, sings songs and reads stories with the children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children practise their counting skills during play activities and learn about shape and space when completing jigsaws. Children have access to a wide range of resources to promote their creative skills. As part of a topic about animals they had fun making sheep pictures using glue and cotton wool. This encouraged the children to use their senses as they experienced different textures. Children learn about the wider community through going on outings, listening to stories and planned activities. They develop awareness of and respect for differences through discussion with the childminder and access to a small range of resources such as books and play figures. Children learn how to operate simple technology resources such as battery operated toys, and they delight in pressing buttons to generate sounds.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health and hygiene is promoted as the childminder helps them to understand and adopt good hygiene practices. She provides regular opportunities for children to engage in physical activities and play outside in the fresh air. Children are well supported to make healthy choices at snack and meal times as they are provided with fresh fruit and all cooked meals are homemade. Effective procedures are in place to ensure children are cared for in a safe environment. Children are supervised at a level to keep them safe whilst promoting their independence and risk assessments identify and minimise potential hazards within the home and on outings. Well maintained records and written procedures ensure children's welfare, health and safety are promoted effectively. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Grade 2 is Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Grade 3 is Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Grade 4 is 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? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

p.6

Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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 registration.

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