Childminder in North East 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 EY318073 Inspection date 01/06/2009 Inspector Melanie Arnold

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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 2005. She lives with her husband and three children in the East Marsh area of Grimsby, Lincolnshire. The whole ground floor is used for childminding, with sleeping and toilet facilities located in this area. There is an enclosed, secure garden for outside play. The family has two dogs, a cat and a tank of fish.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time and is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register. There are currently six children on roll, three of whom are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder also cares for older children and is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder gathers clear information from parents and carers to ensure each child is adequately supported in line with their specific individual needs and requirements. Children's welfare is promoted through the childminder's generally effective practices, policies and procedures. Systems to fully support children's progress have yet to be further developed to enable children to make clearer progress in all areas of learning. The childminder works generally well with parents and carers, however, she has yet to develop links with other providers, to fully ensure children benefit from an integrated approach to their care and learning. The childminder strives to develop her service, however, the current system of self-evaluation is not robust enough to fully ensure continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 make systematic observations and assessments of each child's achievements and interests; use these observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child develop links with other providers who are involved with the children to fully promote the continuity of their care and learning  develop further the system of self-evaluation to identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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further?

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

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further?

 take all reasonable steps to ensure that hazards to children - both in doors and outdoors - are kept to a minimum, with particular reference to the bathroom, 15/06/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 toilet and outside area (Suitable premises, environment and equipment).

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provision

Children are cared for in a secure home, where they are always appropriately supervised to help protect them from harm. Their health and safety is maintained through the childminder conducting a risk assessment to identify potential hazards. However, the current risk assessment does not include all areas used by the children, specifically the bathroom, toilet and garden, to fully ensure potential hazards have been minimised in these areas. The childminder ensures that all necessary records, policies and procedures that are required for the safe and efficient management of the EYFS are in place and mainly completed with appropriate information. The childminder strives to make improvements for the benefit of children's care. For example, the childminder has continued to develop her own knowledge and skills through attending current training courses. She has also made improvements to her provision by working on the recommendations

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provision

raised at the last inspection. For example, the childminder has obtained permission to seek emergency medical treatment or advice for all children and she has taken steps to ensure children are unable access unauthorised areas or leave the setting unsupervised. Therefore, protecting children's health and safety.

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provision

The childminder holds a level three qualification in childcare and a current first aid certificate, which helps to promote children's well-being. The childminder works well with parents and carers, exchanging relevant information to ensure children's individual backgrounds and beliefs are valued and promoted. Parents are provided with a copy of the childminder's easy to read policies and procedures and they are kept informed of relevant information concerning the care of their children, through daily discussions. However, to fully promote an integrated approach to children's care and learning experiences, links with other providers delivering the EYFS have yet to be developed. The childminder is currently working with a development worker who is supporting her to make progress by identifying some targets for further development. However, a full system of self-evaluation has yet to be implemented so that all areas are fully monitored to ensure continuous

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have fun as they freely access a generally good range of toys and resources covering the six areas of learning. The childminder plans activities and play experiences around children's individual needs and interests. She ensures all children are provided with appropriate support, enabling them to make adequate progress. However, observations and assessments systems have yet to be developed to identify individual children's achievements, so that their next steps for learning are fully identified and planned for. The childminder spends time getting to know each child, ascertaining their abilities so she can build on these. Children are settled and relaxed in the setting and are beginning to develop This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 confidence as they freely explore the toys and resources, selecting their play materials. For example, when a child requests to draw a picture, the childminder

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

shows her where the paper and crayons are. The child then freely accesses the paper and returns several times to get more pieces as she beings to draw. The childminder engages in play with the children, to promote their learning. For example, younger children are supported and encouraged to make marks on the paper, while older children are encouraged to write their own name. The childminder holds the crayon with the child and says each letter sound as they begin to write. Further opportunities like counting, recognising colours and shapes, are regularly incorporated into everyday play experiences. Baking activities, where children are encouraged to help to weigh the ingredients out, also help to develop children's early mathematical skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and safety is appropriately maintained. Clear health and hygiene routines help to maintain a clean setting, as well as minimising the risk of cross infection. For example, an exclusion policy maintains a healthy environment for all children and practices like using antibacterial wipes on all kitchen surfaces and the nappy change mat and the childminder using disposable gloves when changing children's nappies, help to prevent the spread of infection. Necessary precautions are also taken with regard to the dogs to ensure children's well-being is protected. For example, the setting is vacuumed daily and children are always supervised when in contact with the dogs. The childminder's clear awareness of child protection procedures, further safeguards children from potential harm. Children learn about maintaining their own health and safety through the daily routine, discussions and activities. For example, good hand washing procedures and road safety practices

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

are reinforced with the children on a daily basis. Children are encouraged to interact and share during play. Their good behaviour is promoted through the childminder providing them with lots of praise and encouragement. The childminder acts as a positive role model, valuing each child as an individual, which encourages children to do the same. Children also learn about differences and diversity through discussions, play and activities. Therefore, encouraging children to develop the habits and behaviour appropriate to be good learners, to meet their own needs, and those of others. 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? 3 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: 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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