Childminder in North 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 505169 Inspection date 28/04/2009 Inspector Gill Ogden

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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 has been registered since 1980. She lives with her 10-year-old son in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. Only the ground floor of the home is used for childminding and although there is a toilet there it is not fully accessible. There is a fully enclosed garden suitable for outdoor play. A full range of amenities are within walking distance and the childminder also uses her car to transport children further afield. The family has a pet cat and fish in ponds.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She currently looks after 11 children all on a part-time basis of whom four are in the early years age range.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a lively, safe and stimulating environment for children where they each have their care and learning needs considered well. Effective systems are in place to ensure all children make good progress in their learning and development through enjoyable play activities. Close working relationships with parents, pre-school and schools ensures that children's continued well-being is very good. The childminder reviews her service regularly and constantly thinks about how she can make improvements.

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further?

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

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further?

 review and develop further the questioning techniques used to promote children's thinking and learning

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provision

All the necessary records are in place and, along with other paperwork, are stored and organised so that they are easily usable on a day-to-day basis. All policies and procedures are in writing and reviewed regularly resulting in a supportive framework for children's care. Risk assessments and safety checks are carried out and recorded to maintain children's ongoing safety effectively. Potential places for outings are checked out thoroughly beforehand to ensure they are fully suitable for the children the childminder is thinking of taking. The childminder is vigilant about who comes into contact with children, for example, she does not have workmen in the home during childminding hours.

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provision

In order to constantly improve the service she offers, the childminder takes regular notice of parents views and ensures they all have a formal opportunity to express their views through an annual questionnaire. Parents speak very positively about This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the childminder and especially how she treats children as individuals. She is always thinking herself about how she can make things better for the children such as ensuring that some part of the outdoor area can be used all year round even in bad weather. She is also pro-active in getting information, for example, by attending an open day at the fire station to help her learn more about fire safety practices. Plans are in place to attend training to update her child protection knowledge and she is always looking for ways to help her promote children's learning better, such as picking up ideas from the school and pre-school and

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provision

finding new toys that will interest the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a safe, lively and stimulating home environment where they have lots of fun whilst they learn through play. They can move freely throughout the home and garden, according to their age and ability, and access an excellent range of play resources, toys and equipment, most of which is stored where they can get it for themselves or they can see it. They have comfortable space where they can rest and they go outdoors when they want for fresh air and exercise. Activities are often planned to themes, such as 'Spring' and outings usually play a central part in kick-starting children's interest from which the childminder then builds up a range of other activities that cover all the areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Everyday routines such as meal times are used to promote learning such as reasoning and numeracy when children compare the amount they have with what the childminder and others

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

have. The childminder makes use of her computer well to create interactive displays for the children, for example, celebrating 'Spring' with word cards and pictures that are detachable. Children's art work is also displayed alongside which helps them feel good about themselves and their achievements. Children are encouraged to become independent and to take responsibility from an early age, for example a two-year-old takes off their coat hangs it up them self and removes their shoes and puts them away. Children are also taught to take care of each other and help each other, recognising their differing abilities. All ages of children are supported well by the childminder to learn from activities that she has planned or ones that they initiate for themselves. Generally, she questions them appropriately to encourage them to think and learn but on occasions she 'tests' them in a way that does not always meet their ability level.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Before a child starts to attend the childminder does a home visit so that she has a more full picture of each child, their background and home environment. This, together with discussions with parents, enables the childminder to have a clear starting point for the child's learning and development and care needs. This approach also provides a strong base for an ongoing, fruitful relationship with parents which makes a considerable impact on children's overall well-being. A long history of links with local schools and pre-schools also ensures that when children attend these the childminder quickly re-establishes relationships that will further support each child's continuity of care and learning. Daily diaries are used very effectively for some children and parents which also provide extra information that helps to build a picture of each child so that along with the childminder's own observations clear targets can be set for their future learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children are safeguarded well because the childminder knows her responsibilities and takes all the necessary steps to protect them. She ensures that opportunities for infection are minimised as much as possible by making it clear to parents the situations that will prevent children from attending and by maintaining a good standard of hygiene in the home. Children behave well in response to the childminder being clear and consistent with them about her expectations of them and by encouraging them to resolve any conflicts they may have for themselves. 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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