Childminder in North East Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY298262 Inspection date 12/11/2009 Inspector Kathryn Margaret Clayton

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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.

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

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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

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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.

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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

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Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and one child aged five years in Grimsby. Children have access to all of the ground floor and the bathroom on the first floor. There is an enclosed rear garden for children's outdoor play opportunities. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Registration is for five children under the age of eight years. On occasions the childminder's husband works with her as an assistant. Currently there are six children on roll, of whom three are in the early years age range. Children are regularly taken to places of interest including local toddler groups, the library, parks, the beach in Cleethorpes and nearby shops. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a diploma in Home-Based Childcare. The family have a pet cat.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder recognises and meets the individual needs of the children and cares for them with equal regard. Children make steady progress in their development and learning and their welfare needs are met, although there are some weaknesses in the childminder's understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder develops strong relationships with parents that benefit the children, although links with other providers children attend have not yet been established. By completing the recommendations raised at the last inspection the childminder shows a suitable capacity for improvement, but does not yet effectively evaluate the service she provides.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and ensure children cover all aspects over a period of time  develop effective working relationships with other providers offering the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring information about children’s next steps for development is discussed and shared to ensure continuity and progression  gain further understanding of reflective practice in order to confidently identify aspects of the childminding service that are done well and those aspects that might be improved, so as to promote good outcomes for children. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

There is a good range of well-organised policies and procedures, including a safeguarding children policy, which are clearly understood by the childminder and help the service to run smoothly. The childminder understands the signs and symptoms that would cause concern and is aware of the agencies to contact should she need to regarding children's welfare. There is a comprehensive risk assessment of the premises and all outings undertaken, which is regularly checked, and parents are made fully aware of her complaints procedure. The childminder has a good attitude towards ensuring her provision improves. She undertakes regular training, for example, in supporting children for whom English is an additional language, colour therapy, safeguarding children and the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has also undertaken a qualification since the last inspection, a diploma in Home-Based Childcare. Children use a wide range of resources that

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the early years provision

are easily available within the hallway and clearly labelled with pictures. Children are encouraged to be careful with resources and pack them away before they choose other items. They reuse boxes when junk modelling, for example.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a range of dolls, books and toys that reflect a positive image of diversity. By talking to children she helps them to understand the importance of valuing each individual. The childminder has identified some areas to work on; however, she does not evaluate her provision in an effective and systematic way and therefore does not always identify areas that need to be improved. There is good information available to parents regarding the childminding service, in the form of a welcome pack including details of policies and procedures. Effective settling-in procedures help children to settle more easily into her care. They attend with parents on at least two occasions and stay for a short time on their own. The childminder finds out about individual routines and provides a home book for parents which includes details of the child's day. Children's folders, including assessments, are readily available to parents at all times. There is also a

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the early years provision

noticeboard showing children's pictures in the hallway, which they often take home to finish with parents. Parents are happy with the service provided and the childminder receives many positive thank you cards. The childminder develops effective relationships with the local authority but has not yet established links to other settings children attend, which may affect their progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children are cared for in a warm, welcoming, clean home where they are confident and make choices in play. The childminder supports them by giving appropriate help according to their stage of development. There is a suitable range of activities in place; however, the childminder is not fully confident in her understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and currently does not ensure all aspects of the programme are covered over time. She completes some observations of children's progress and identifies the next steps in their learning. Older toddlers talk confidently about what they are doing and their home life. Children's good health This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 is effectively promoted as they eat healthy snacks, such as grapes and bananas, with a choice of juice, water or milk at snack time. Meals are wholesome and homemade, such as chicken casserole. Children are active; they play outdoors, go

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and outcomes for children

to the park and use climbing frames, bikes and other wheeled toys at the local children's centre. Hygiene routines are effective and children see attractive posters within the environment to encourage them with hand washing and healthy eating. Children have an interesting time as the childminder visits a number of different groups during the week, for example, one where children sing and play musical instruments.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is vigilant in ensuring children are safe; for example, they are safely strapped in appropriate seats when at the kitchen table, and exit doors are locked with the keys kept near to the door but out of the reach of children. The childminder helps children stay safe by talking to them about 'stranger danger' and about being careful around dogs and ensuring they wear fluorescent vests when walking to school. Children behave well because the childminder creates a positive and encouraging atmosphere where they are praised and receive rewards of stickers for appropriate behaviour, such as helping to pack away. Children use a laptop as well as other resources that help to develop skills in using technology equipment. They learn about the natural world; for example, they go on nature walks and look for insects. Children have suitable opportunities to express their feelings and explore a variety of media, such as paint, play dough, gloop and dried

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and outcomes for children

food. A good range of books is readily available to children; they also see numbers and letters displayed within the home. The childminder uses puzzles, games and everyday activities to develop children's mathematical understanding. For example, they play dominoes and complete a variety of puzzles that suit children at different stages of development. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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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 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 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

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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

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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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