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 EY382437 Inspection date 05/06/2009 Inspector Anna Davies

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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 2008. She lives with her husband, adult stepson and daughter aged 18 months in Deeping St James, Lincolnshire. The whole of the childminder's house is registered for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access into and out of the childminder's home is at ground level and there are downstairs toilet facilities.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time and ten children when working with another childminder. There are currently four children on roll, two of whom are within the early years age range. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register, offering care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder is registered to work with another childminder. She supports children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The house is within walking distance of local amenities such as pre and primary schools, shops and parks. The family have a pet dog and rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. The childminder creates a safe and welcoming environment for children. She provides a good range of activities that meet children's learning and development needs as well as promoting their interests which ensures that they enjoy their time spent with her and gain the most from their play and learning experiences. Systems to monitor children's learning and progress are well established. The childminder has a good awareness about promoting inclusive practice; she recognises and values the uniqueness of each child and ensures their individual needs are met through effective communication with parents.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Although this is the childminder's first inspection since registration, she demonstrates a firm commitment to improving and continuously developing the provision for all children and has effective systems in place to monitor and evaluate her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance the links with other settings providing for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), to further support children’s learning and development  develop opportunities for parents to contribute to their children's assessment records, this relates to incorporating observations and information from parents about what they know about their child's learning and development This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 so that this can be used to further enhance assessment procedures.

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provision

Children's welfare, care and safety are well promoted as the childminder is committed to improving her knowledge and awareness of relevant issues and has attended many training initiatives since registration. The childminder has a well- organised portfolio of policies and procedures in place which underpins the good quality of care she provides. Arrangements for safeguarding children are fully in place. For example, the childminder has completed online training regarding safeguarding and has a secure knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child in her care. Robust risk assessments are in place for the indoor and outdoor environment as well as for each specific type of outing undertaken with the children. As a result, children play in a very safe and secure environment where potential risks are effectively identified and minimised and procedures to ensure children's safety

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provision

The childminder has ensured that her home is inviting and welcoming for children. For example, the conservatory where children play is well-organised to allow children opportunities to freely access a good range of toys and resources from toy boxes with photographs on them depicting what is inside. Examples of children's work are displayed which demonstrates that their creations are valued. Good relationships have formed between parents and the childminder. Parents receive clear information about their children's care and development through information displayed around the conservatory, lengthy feedback at the end of the day and through their assessment files. The childminder has a very positive attitude towards ensuring that behaviour management strategies are fully discussed with parents and consistently implemented. The childminder has developed good links with other local providers who are also delivering the EYFS to children in her care

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provision

and has plans to develop these partnerships further for the benefit of the children.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a firm and enthusiastic commitment to further developing her provision. She has worked hard to implement all aspects of the learning and development requirements which has resulted in her being able to promote individualised learning for each child. She has effective systems in place to self-evaluate her provision and is able to identify key strengths and areas she wishes to develop and improve in the future.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are offered a good range of activities covering all areas of learning. Weekly plans of activities are based on children's interests, visits to local groups and the areas of learning that the childminder has identified through assessment, that she wishes to promote with individual children. Assessment procedures are well-established. Initial assessments are conducted when children start and this information gives the childminder a firm basis upon which to plan activities to meet the children's individual needs. Regular snapshot and focussed observations enable This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the childminder to assess where children are in their learning and plan for their next steps. Children with additional needs are well supported, the childminder has previous experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and has a very positive attitude towards working with parents and outside agencies as necessary

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

in order to provide and promote a fully inclusive provision.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care; they have built warm relationships with her and enjoy her company and effective support on the floor as they play. They move freely between different activities and make their own choices from the good range of resources available. The childminder interacts effectively with children, asking questions and modelling key words to support and promote younger children's language and communication skills. Children solve problems as they play; for example, they post balls down the ball run and learn about the concept of size as they try to fit in a ball that is too big. They enjoy electronic toys, listening to the responses as they push down buttons. The childminder has a good understanding of how young children learn and is able to adapt activities effectively to meet the needs of all ages of children. They begin to learn about the world and community around them through activities such as

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

planting rose bushes for Mother's Day, growing cress, and taking part in a 'Toddle Walk'. Children are encouraged to embrace diversity through the resources they use and through planned celebrations of multicultural festivals such as food tasting for Chinese New Year. Children have opportunities to enjoy many creative activities and exploratory activities such as shredded paper play, bubble play, marble painting, potato printing and baking. They have space and opportunities to develop their physical skills; they play regularly in the decked garden area on age- appropriate play equipment, visit the local park or enjoy setting up an assault course. Children begin to understand about a healthy lifestyle; they learn through discussion, the benefits of healthy eating and physical exercise.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning how they can keep themselves safe. For example, reminders are given about climbing on furniture and when out and about, children learn about road safety, the dangers of strangers and are encouraged not to touch animals that are not known to them. Their good health is effectively promoted. Children are cared for in a clean, well-maintained environment where procedures to minimise the risk of cross-contamination are effective. For example, gloves are worn when changing nappies, the mat is wiped down after each use and nappies are disposed of hygienically. Toys are washed and cleaned on a regular basis and whilst drinks are freely accessible to the children, the childminder has considered how to ensure good levels of hygiene regarding this as she puts the lid back on the cup to prevent another child drinking from it. The childminder works with parents regarding the provision of food. Sample menus and a clear 'Healthy Eating' policy

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

demonstrate the childminder's commitment to promoting healthy eating with the children in her care. Positive behaviour is promoted through the high levels of praise given by the childminder, sticker charts and consistent strategies that are age-appropriate and consistent with those used at home. 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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