Lyndenwood

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number 131040 Inspection date 12/10/2009 Inspector Shan Gwendoline Jones

p.1

Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

p.1

Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

p.2

T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.2

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.3

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.3

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.

p.3

Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 1993. She works from her house in Hove East Sussex with one other childminder and three assistants who work at different times of the week. They are called Kiddiwinks Childminding Group. The whole of the house is used for childminding, with the exception of one bedroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder’s husband and adult son live at the property.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. When working with her co-childminders and assistants, together they may care for a maximum of ten children, of whom no more than nine may be in the early years age range. When working with her co-childminder and assistant, together they may care for a maximum of ten children, of whom no more than six may be in the early years age range.

p.4

Description of the childminding

Currently they are caring for 23 children between them, 18 of these are in the early years age group and attend at different days and times of the week. Both childminders have equal responsibility for the childminding practice. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools. The family has no pets.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder and her co-workers provide a relaxed, homely and loving environment for children. As a result, children benefit from extremely close relationships and thoroughly enjoy the time they spend in her care. The childminder makes good provision for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. This ensures that all children make good progress in their learning and development because of the dedication, enthusiasm and patience of the childminder. Children's uniqueness is recognised, the childminder works closely with parents regarding children's individual needs, ensuring these are valued and catered for. The childminder and her co-workers are highly committed towards evaluating and improving the service provided to children and parents.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure the risk assessment includes everything that a child comes into contact with  continue to develop partnership links with parents and other provisions, such as schools and pre school groups delivering the Early Years Foundation This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Stage, attended by children to enable continuity of their learning experiences

p.4

the early years provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder knows how to identify possible indicators of abuse and fully understands her responsibility to protect the welfare of children in her care. Children are able to play in a safe environment, the childminder is vigilant when managing security to the premises ensuring all visitors are closely monitored. Ongoing risk assessments support the childminder to put in place appropriate safety precautions. However, the fire guard is not secured safely and is not included in the record of risk assessments to ensure children are not exposed to unnecessary risks. The children are accustomed to the childminder's fire evacuation routine because they practise together often.

p.5

the early years provision

Her relationships with children are good. Children are relaxed and confident in her presence, which is indicative of them feeling safe and secure, and they are taught simple ways to stay safe. The childminder and her co-workers prepare the environment with a good range of stimulating resources and equipment, which enables children to make independent choices and play freely at all times. Each adult is deployed effectively to ensure children are closely supervised at all times.

p.5

the early years provision

A good collection of written policies and procedures and clear and well organised record keeping, ensures that children’s welfare needs are successfully met. All documentation is shared with parents, helping to forge good working relationships. The childminder keeps parents informed about their child’s daily routines, such as sleeping and eating patterns. She shares folders with observations and information about children's progress and photographs of children enjoying particular activities. These are linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and planning. However, parents have fewer opportunities to contribute to formal reviews of their child's progress and to agree learning priorities with the childminder. The childminder is beginning to make links with the schools that children attend, although systems to exchange information are not yet fully developed to ensure continuity of children's learning and care. She fully understands her responsibilities

p.5

the early years provision

to work with parents and other agencies to meet the needs of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Feedback received from parents suggests they are very happy with the service they receive.

p.5

the early years provision

In conjunction with her co-workers the childminder is able to identity their strengths and weaknesses. She demonstrates her commitment to continuous improvement as she has addressed all of the recommendations raised at the last inspection. The childminder has now updated her first aid certificate, this helps to ensure children are kept safe in her care. She continues to develop the use of her written self evaluation to support them in driving improvement. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

and outcomes for children

The children have scope to have fun and enjoy themselves, they are well supported in all areas of their learning and development as they engage in a variety of activities. They receive lots of warm, affectionate interaction with the childminder. She spends time sitting with the children, encouraging them to try new experiences. This helps to develop confidence in using their skills. They receive praise as they confidently push the toy buggy and doll around the room, demonstrating their skills in negotiating space and use of large muscle movements. The children are developing their knowledge and understanding of the world as they play with programmable toys. Babies have fun pretending to phone their families, this helps to develop their communication skills.

p.6

and outcomes for children

They are well supported by the childminder so they have the confidence to attempt new and challenging experiences, such as cooking vegetable soup. Children play energetically in local parks and in the childminder's well maintained back garden. Children have opportunities to climb, balance and use hoops. As a result they benefit from fresh air, which keeps them alert and refreshed, and they learn that exercise is fun. Other factors promote the children's good health and well-being. They eat appetising snacks and have regular drinks to prevent them from getting thirsty. Children's independence is developed by serving themselves to chopped fruits from the serving dish and buttering their own toast. Good routines are established for children to learn the importance of washing their hands before eating or after using the toilet, using the soap and paper towels provided. One child exclaimed ''I have just washed my hands look, I did it on my

p.6

and outcomes for children

All children are warmly welcomed into the setting and learn to share and take turns; children are well behaved and polite. They are frequently praised and have good levels of self-esteem. Their emotional needs are met as they receive cuddles and reassurance from the childminder if they are unhappy. The children play and look at books that reflect positive images of diversity. This raises their awareness of ethnic, cultural, gender and disability issues and helps them to understand and respect difference.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder uses children’s interests and enthusiasms to extend their learning. For example, children have lots of fun participating in a collage activity. The childminder helps them to enjoy their play experiences by being involved their play. She is skilled at questioning and extending their learning encouraging them to talk about what they are making, promoting their communication and imaginative skills. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

p.7

Stage

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.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8