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 EY259406 Inspection date 15/06/2009 Inspector Janice Walker

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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 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 was registered in 2003. She is registered on the Early Years Register and also on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare register. She lives with her husband and two children in the Ermine east area of Lincoln. The home is within walking distance of local facilities including primary and secondary schools, a playgroup, toddler group, library, shops, leisure centre and park. It is accessible with car parking available at the front of the house. All areas of the property are used for childminding although most activities take place on the ground floor. Bathroom and sleeping facilities are on the first floor. The enclosed rear garden is used for outdoor play. The family keep two cats and a rabbit as pets. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children aged under eight years, at any one time, two of these may be in the early years age range. She provides care all-year round and has a vehicle available for her

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Description of the childminding

use. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and is currently working towards a recognised childcare qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Clear systems for gathering information about children’s care needs along with the childminder’s good understanding of the importance of valuing individuals, ensures that each child’s needs are met and their welfare promoted. Children access a wide selection of toys and activities which generally support their learning and development well. Good relationships with parents and other local providers promote continuity of children’s care. The childminder evidences a secure knowledge of her strengths and areas for improvement and has clear plans in place to further improve the outcomes for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the systems for gathering information from parents with particular regards to children's starting points for learning  make more effective use of observations and assesments to plan challenging learning experiences in order to ensure that children make the best possible progress in their learning and development.

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provision

The childminder evidences a strong commitment to the continued improvement of her provision. Since her last inspection she has implemented new systems in order to enable her to more effectively monitor the progress children are making. She has established links with other childcare professionals and uses these links effectively to help monitor and evaluate her own practice. Her recent self- This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 evaluation evidences a sound understanding of her strengths and areas for improvement and is being used well to plan future developments. She has a wide range of policies and procedures which support the safe and efficient management of the provision. Systems for gathering and recording information about children’s individual needs ensure that she is able to meet these effectively. She plans daily activities around children’s individual routines and organises space and resources

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provision

within the home well, enabling children to comfortably eat, rest and make their own choices regarding their play. She is working towards a higher qualification and has attended numerous relevant short training courses to increase her skills and knowledge.

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provision

The home is safe and secure and a clear risk assessment along with daily checks of the environment helps to minimise possible hazards within the home and on outings. The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of child protection issues; she has attended training to reinforce her knowledge and makes relevant information available to parents so that they too are aware of her responsibility to safeguard children. Parents are provided with good quality written information about the setting so that they are fully aware of her childcare practices. Ongoing verbal exchange of information keeps them informed about what their children have been doing. Parents speak positively of the childminder, effusively praising her commitment to meeting their children’s individual needs. They provide some information about their children at the start so that she can respond appropriately to their care needs although this information does not yet extend to include

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provision

information about their learning and development. The childminder’s involvement with the local school supports an integrated approach for children who also attend this setting and effective systems are in place to share relevant information to support children’s continued progress.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is developing a good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and makes effective use of her training and contacts with other childminders and childcare professionals to plan and provide activities which support children’s all round development. She makes some useful observations, linking these to the six areas of learning and they provide a clear picture of what children can do. However, she is not yet making the most effective use of these in order to routinely plan activities with clearly identified targets for learning in order to ensure that children make the maximum possible progress. The childminder provides a wide range of varied and interesting activities. Themes such as ‘people who help us’, ‘exploring textures and feelings’, ‘food and mini beasts’ provide many opportunities for children to explore and investigate. High priority is given to children making their own choices, toys are freely accessible and storage units are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

clearly labelled to support this. The childminder’s high levels of interaction supports them to share and take turns as they engage in play. Her commitment to meeting children’s individual needs, such as learning makaton to support a child’s communication skills and planning carefully in advance for a child in need of clear routines ensures all children feel welcome and actively encourages them to join in, make friends and respect each other. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children's welfare is promoted well because they are cared for in a warm and friendly environment. They have formed close relationships with the childminder and her family and confidently express their needs and wishes. They are learning acceptable behaviour due to the high level of attention they receive and because the childminder gives clear and consistent messages which helps them to

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

understand what is and what is not acceptable within the home. They learn the principles of a healthy lifestyle through explanation and example such as walking to and from school, spending regular times outdoors, eating healthily and practicing good hygiene routines. Clear policies regarding illnesses ensure that the risk of spreading infection is minimised and good hygiene routines are practiced to support this. Clear arrangements and procedures are in place to enable the childminder to respond efficiently to accidents or emergencies and all information is shared with parents. Effective steps are taken to promote children’s safety, for example, they learn to use equipment correctly, practice the emergency evacuation procedures and discuss subjects such as ‘stranger danger’. The childminder monitors the premises, toys and equipment on an ongoing basis to ensure they remain suitable and safe and she makes appropriate use of safety

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

equipment to minimise the risk of accidents. 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

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

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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.

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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

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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?

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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

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