Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY392537 Inspection date 26/05/2010 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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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 was registered in 2009. She co-childminds in the village of Manby, Lincolnshire. All areas of the house are used for childminding. The children are cared for on the ground floor area of the house, separated from the stairs by a lockable door. There are toilet and sleeping facilities provided on this level. The property is accessed via a step to the front door. A bedroom on the first floor is used for children who are staying overnight under the care of her co-childminder. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The local school and village amenities are within walking distance. The co-childminder keeps chickens, ducks, fish and has a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. When working with other co-childminders this increases to 12 children under eight years, of whom, six may be in the early years age group. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both parts of the Childcare Register. There are a total of 24 children on roll, of whom, nine are in the early years age range. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and she receives support from the local authority. She holds a level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education.

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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 children are cared for in a comfortable environment where the individual needs of children are identified and met. Most aspects of the learning and development programme help children to make steady progress. The children play in a safe environment and the childminder provides a service that supports most aspects of children's health although there are weaknesses in some hygiene procedures. The children's welfare is effectively safeguarded. The childminder is aware of the need to work closely with other settings children may attend. Friendly relationships are developed with parents although they do not share or contribute to written assessments of the children's progress. By completing the actions and recommendations raised at last inspection and the childminder demonstrates a suitable capacity to improve.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide a range of recycled materials to help to widen children's opportunities to explore, design and make  ensure arrangements made for children to dry their hands are hygienic and teach children why it is important to wash their hands at appropriate times  continue to develop assessments to ensure all aspects within the areas of learning are covered over a period of time; share these with parents and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 involve them in the process.

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the early years provision

The childminder, along with her other co-childminders has developed an up-to- date safeguarding children policy. She understands the signs and symptoms that would cause her concern and is aware of the procedures to follow should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. All areas of the home and equipment used by children have been carefully risk assessed and are checked on a daily basis. Parents are made aware of how to make a complaint should they wish to. The childminder has completed an evaluation of most areas of her childminding service. She considers and implements some improvements, for example, completing more regular assessments of the children's progress. Parents are informed about their child's daily activities through discussions and some written information about their care needs. However, parents do not see the written assessments that have been completed by the childminder and they are not

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the early years provision

encouraged to be involved in the assessment process.

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the early years provision

The children play in a comfortable and spacious home where they have good access to outdoor play. There are a good range of resources available with plenty of choice. For example, there are a number of appropriate wheeled toys, so that all children can use them at the same time. The childminder rotates toys so children remain interested and have a suitable selection. The children are taught how to be careful with their toys and help to pack away. The children access some resources and have some planned activities which raise their awareness of the wider world, including a range of books, dressing up clothes, and the celebration of the Chinese New Year. The childminder understands the need to adapt activities and resources for children of differing abilities. The childminder works closely with the local authority to help to improve her practice. She is aware that she needs to work with other providers children attend to provide a complementary service which helps

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the early years provision

the children to progress. Parents are asked about their views and whether they are happy with the service provided and information is readily available within the entrance hall for parents to read. The childminder works closely with parents, for example, when toilet training children.

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and outcomes for children

The children play happily in the spacious environment. There is a welcoming feel for parents and children, who see their photographs with their name on a coat peg when they come into the entrance hall. This gives them a sense of belonging. The childminder provides a suitable range of activities and completes some appropriate written observations of the children's progress which she links to the areas of learning; however, there is no system to say whether all aspects within the areas of learning are covered over a period of time. The children are happily settled and secure with the childminder, they approach her readily and are given comfort when needed. The children are interested in what they are doing and love sharing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 books. The childminder offers good support as she tells stories to children, she points out the sounds that the letters make and encourages the children to join in

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and outcomes for children

with her. She questions children about the story at a suitable level for their stage of development. This develops their thinking and language skills. Appropriate opportunities are used to help children learn to count and they enjoy playing with, and learning about shapes.

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and outcomes for children

The children engage and learn about the natural world as there are a number of animals in the co-childminder's garden. The children have first-hand experiences of seeing baby chicks as they grow. When the childminder goes to pick up children from school she talks about the vehicles they see along the way. The children hold and use paint brushes with increasing skill. Outdoors they play confidently on a wide range of toys and some of the older children climb and slide on large secured adventure climbing equipment which gives them a good physical challenge. The children spend time outdoors every day, enjoy the fresh air and are physically active which benefits their good health. Parents provide packed lunches and the childminder provides a healthy breakfast of cereal and fruit. Drinks are readily available throughout the day. The children explore colour with interest and are challenged to think about what colours are made when two colours are mixed

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and outcomes for children

together. There is a range of materials available for children to explore different textures, but no opportunities to explore, design and make items using a range of recycled materials. Sand and water play is also available outdoors, along with good opportunities to play imaginatively. The children learn about aspects of keeping themselves safe, they know not to climb on chairs and move safely around the home. When out walking the childminder teaches them about road safety.

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and outcomes for children

Some children are independent in toileting, there is a low sink, regulated water and liquid soap readily available, although children often dry their hands on the same towel so this poses a risk of cross-contamination. Older children are unaware of why it is important to wash their hands at appropriate times. The children play in a small group with their friends and behaviour is good because of the positive reinforcement given by the childminder. They have opportunities to socialise every day and there are many displayed photographs around the home which help to boost their self-esteem. The children use a range of suitable equipment, such as, a musical alphabet toy, cash till and play mobile phone which help them develop technology skills for the future. 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 3 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 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

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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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