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 209102 Inspection date 06/03/2009 Inspector Anne Barnsley

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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 a childminder since 1986. She lives with her husband in a modern detached house situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on a residential estate within walking distance of Sleaford town centre. Minded children have access to all ground floor areas, with toilet and sleeping facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outside play. The house is accessed at ground level and there is parking available for parents.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children; of whom, no more than three may be in the early years age group at any one time. She currently has a total of nine children on roll; of whom, four children are in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a homely environment where they are happy and content. Children are making steady progress with their learning. They are developing a good understanding about healthy life-styles and are developing skills that promote their economic well-being. All policies and procedures are shared verbally with parents. Aspects of safety have mostly been assessed appropriately. Some positive steps have been made to improve the service since the last inspection.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that first aid qualifications are kept current and do not lapse  ensure that the safety of the stairs has been assessed to minimise the risk of accidents and injury to meet the needs of all the children who attend to keep them safe  develop links with other early years settings and professionals involved in the care and education of children to ensure continuity in their learning and development.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 maintain a record of risk assessment, clearly stating when it was carried out, by who, date of review and any action taken following an incident. A risk assessment must be carried out for each specific outing with children (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare). 06/05/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children's welfare is supported as the setting is organised to create an environment in which children are happy and secure. Policies and procedures are shared verbally with parents to keep them informed of the childminder's practice. Care diaries are maintained for parents so that they can see what their child has been doing and how their day has been. Examples of achievements made by a child are recorded in these to enable parents and the childminder to work together and discuss what the next steps are for their child. The childminder establishes a stable daily routine for children so that they know what to expect, are familiar with their day and have a sense of belonging.

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provision

The childminder has developed her service since the last inspection by completing Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) training and has made improvements by implementing the recommendations from the last inspection. These issues have been suitably addressed, which means that the childminder has the appropriate records of all children's personal details, has obtained current legislation for safeguarding children and has an appropriate first aid qualification. The latter is due to expire soon and the childminder is booking a course to update this.

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provision

Areas of the home that are used by children are mostly safe, although all children can access the stairs. A record of risk assessments that have been conducted is not in place to demonstrate how potential risks have been identified and made safe for the individual children who attend. Additionally, records of assessments are not maintained for outings, to fully monitor any health and safety issues arising. Children's well-being is promoted as the childminder has a sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures and her duty of care towards all children. Parents are informed of her responsibility verbally.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled and enjoy their play. They explore their resources with interest and invent games from their own ideas. As a result, they start making their own choices in play and are well-supported in developing their own ideas within a comfortable play environment. They enjoy participating in activities, for example, colouring and doing various crafts. Children interact warmly with the childminder, talking to her about what they are doing, or going to sit on her lap for cuddles. Children are confident and chat happily about what they are doing. They use their imaginations well and put plasters on a doll because she has a bruise on her arm. They respond comfortably to the childminder and other adults when they are asked questions. They like to know what is being said in conversations and show curiosity and a desire to understand. Children enjoy going on walks where they collect colourful leaves and feathers to use in craft activities and to talk about.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

They talk about birds and where they live and learn about insects, animals and other living things. They start to explore colour and texture through their painting, craft activities and cooking. This helps children to develop their early ‘mark making’ This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 skills, learn about changes that occur to ingredients, and also develop an understanding of food that is good for us and can be eaten often and food that should only be eaten on occasions as a treat. The childminder observes children through play and provides challenges so that they progress their skills such as moving objects further away from babies who are learning to crawl so that they will try to move a bit further. She helps children learn how to use a zip and to dress themselves so that they develop increasing independence. However, links with other early years settings that children attend have not yet been established

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

to securely plan the next steps in children's individual development and provide continuity in their learning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are making good progress with learning about health and hygiene. For instance, they develop good hygiene routines as they know to wash their hands before eating because they have to get rid of the germs. They know that germs can not been seen because they are so small but that they are there nevertheless. They sit at the table together to have their snack of fruit and a drink and this supports their enjoyment of mealtimes together. Children have frequent opportunities for exercise and being in the fresh air. For example, they walk a lot and visit a nearby park. They make good use of the garden, particularly during warmer weather and this provides them with fresh air and a range of play experiences, which effectively help to build up their physical strength and co- ordination.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are protected because the premises are kept secure. For instance, the front door is kept locked when minded children are present. Children learn about fire safety, road safety and how to keep their environment safe by helping to look after their toys well. They respond well to the positive approach given by the childminder in managing any behavioural issues. Age appropriate expectations are maintained and children are given clear explanations that they can understand so they learn right from wrong. Children are praised often and encouraged to share their toys and be kind to each other. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 keep and implement a written statement of procedures to be followed for the protection of children, intended to safeguard the children being cared for from abuse and neglect (Arrangements for safeguarding children), this also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register 06/05/2009  have a written statement of procedures to be followed in relation to complaints which relate to the requirements of the Childcare Register and which a parent makes in writing or by email (Procedures for dealing with complaints), this also applies to the voluntary part of Childcare Register 06/05/2009  make copies of the written statements of safeguarding procedures and complaints procedures available to parents (Providing information to parents),this also applies to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. 06/05/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report (Arrangements for safeguarding children) 06/05/2009  take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report (Procedures for dealing with complaints) 06/05/2009  take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register section of the report (Providing information for parents). 06/05/2009 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

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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