Childminder in LincolnshireOfsted inspection, 6 Mar 2009

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 EY103183 Inspection date 06/03/2009 Inspector Sharon Waterfall

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

This childminder has been registered since March 2002. She lives with her husband and two children in a three bedroom semi-detached house in Conningsby. Most local amenities are within walking distance. There is a fully enclosed garden to the rear of the property. On the ground floor, minded children will have the use of the lounge and separate dining room for activities and the kitchen as appropriate with supervision. Children will have the use of a downstairs toilet. Children who need a rest may have the use of one of the bedrooms.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children under eight years of age and is currently minding two children within the early years age group. She is registered on the compulsory part fo the Childcare Register and cares for four children over the age of five years.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder takes and collects children from local nurseries and schools is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The children benefit from a childminder who dedicates her time to ensuring they are engaged in a fun range of activities that meet all areas of development. All children are included as she is aware of their individual needs, although information from initial written observations is not effective in identifying next steps in learning. She works in partnership with parents and the wider community to promote children's welfare. She has begun to use formal self-evaluation processes and updates her practice using knowledge gained from training and research.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 involve parents in their children's learning and development and enable them to contribute to their progress records  extend observation and assessment to link into children's next steps and provide more individualised learning experiences.

p.3

provision

Children are safeguarded through the effective policies, procedures and practices of the childminder. She has appropriate knowledge of issues relating to child protection and the procedures for reporting concerns. Thorough risk assessments are completed, which record how identified hazards have been resolved. These are reviewed regularly and are also in place for outings. The children are actively involved in keeping themselves safe as they learn about road safety when out in This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the local environment and are aware of safety rules within the home. All the required permissions are in place, such as emergency medical treatment, outings and who can collect children. Continuous improvement is implemented through effective self-evaluation strategies such as ongoing training, self-assessments and discussions with parents.

p.3

provision

Child-led activities ensure that all children are included and that their interests are incorporated into their play. Though written records do not directly link to individual learning, the childminder was observed to really listen to the children's wishes, involve them in all aspects of the daily routine and encourage them to make decisions for themselves. A range of cultural festivals are celebrated throughout the year, helping children to learn about the diversity in the world community and to value theirs and other peoples ways of life.

p.4

provision

The childminder has put into place some positive ways of communicating with parents and keeping them fully up-to-date with their children's progress. Daily diaries are shared with the parents, ensuring they are aware that their child's care needs have been met. All polices and procedures are discussed to provide a consistency of care for children, although parents are not yet actively involved in children's assessment systems.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The children enjoy a range of highly entertaining and interesting activities that are planned to provide them with balanced learning experiences. Many activities are hands-on and practical, ensuring the children are actively involved, with a good balance of adult and child led play opportunities. Knowledge and understanding of the world is a strong element in the learning, which enables the children to learn about the natural environment and how to care for it. For example, they plant and grow a range of flowers specifically to attract caterpillars and insect wildlife that they can observe. They 'pond dip' for frog spawn and learn about the life cycles of the tadpoles. In autumn they collect leaves and use their imaginations to turn them into pictures, such as rockets and butterflies. The children grow vegetables and cook healthy treats such as oat biscuits, feed the local ducks and observe the changes in nature in their local environment. These activities ensure the children

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

are learning about the importance of the seasons in the year to the natural world, make healthy choices and know where their food comes from. They care for other living creatures and use their imaginations when using natural materials.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The current topic is transport, linking in with the theme of a local pre-school the children attend. Whilst walking in the village, the children identify the different types of vehicles, talk about what they are used for, count the cars and recognise the different colours. The childminder extends the play by planning a trip on the local bus and using a large cardboard box for the children to turn into, and pretend is, different types of transport. The children solve problems as they complete differing types of jigsaw puzzles and guess what happens next in stories. They interact well together, sharing ideas for play, able to communicate their needs and wants to one another confidently. They are keen learners and are inquisitive when new experiences are introduced, exploring how things work and identifying what This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 things are and what they are used for. They enjoy creative activities, particularly

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

those that involve glue, and are able to design and produce original works of art as well as more planned adult representations. Social skills are developed through the daily routines, with children easily sharing resources, negotiating play and taking turns. Their self-esteem is encouraged as they make choices and decisions for themselves and are praised for their achievements.

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Healthy lifestyles are encouraged through the regular physical and nutritious cooking and food activities engaged in by the children. The childminder has made a tentative start at using observations but is not yet using the information gained to plan children's next steps. She is aware of children's current progress and plans activities that include all of the children and meet their overall development needs. 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 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 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