Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY407767 Inspection date 22/09/2010 Inspector Sue Riley

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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 assesses 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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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 2010. She lives with her husband and two children, in a village in Lincolnshire. There are facilities close by such as parks, schools and shops. Most of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently caring for five children, of whom three are in the early years range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The family has a dog and cat as pets. The childminder walks to the local school and pre-school to take and collect children. She regularly attends the local parent and toddler group and childminding support group. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are safe, secure and cared for in a clean and comfortable home. A child- friendly environment is created to ensure all children are included and enjoy their time with the childminder. Children show good levels of self-esteem because the childminder gets to know them very well and values them as individuals. The childminder has developed a good close working relationship with parents, which helps her to understand children's individual needs and to achieve a consistent approach to the children's care. Most aspects of children's welfare are suitably promoted which means that children are fully safeguarded. The childminder is starting to use the self-evaluation process to identify areas for improvement and this is being used to ensure that the provision for children is continually improving.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that essential records and information are taken on outings  extend partnerships with other providers delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage for minded children so that relevant information is shared to ensure progression and continuity in learning and development across different settings.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded as the childminder understands her role to protect them from harm. The childminder has a sound knowledge of safeguarding issues. She This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 has a written detailed statement of the procedures to follow if she was concerned about a child. Parents are reassured because the childminder provides information about how she is registered, about vetting arrangements for herself and other household members over 16, and about her experience and training. The childminder demonstrates ambition, vision and drive to develop the provision further. She has started to develop a system of self-evaluation and is effectively reflecting on her practice. Identifying strengths and areas for development to maintain continuous improvement within her service. The childminder attends regular training to continually improve her knowledge and understanding around

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the early years provision

The childminder effectively maintains her records and policies and procedures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all children. However, when on outings essential written information is not taken and this potentially places children at risk. Confidentiality is maintained and documents are kept secure and are very well organised. Systems are in place to review all policies and procedures to ensure they are kept up-to-date with current guidance. Detailed risk assessments for the home are in place and the childminder is fully aware of how to eliminate risks to children. The childminder has made her home safe and has sound systems in place to fully protect children. Through sensitive discussions she helps young children to understand ways to minimise the risk of harm to themselves and others. For example, discussions are held about the reasons why she slows down in the car when travelling through villages. Children are learning

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the early years provision

about road safety in a positive manner. Resources are readily available for the children and they are able to make their own choices about what they would like to do and play with. Boxes are clearly labelled with pictures and the written word. This practice promotes their independence. The childminder ensures she can supervise the children at all times.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare needs are met and they achieve as well as they can as the childminder adapts activities to ensure they can all participate. The childminder has systems in place to monitor children's progress in relation to their starting points. Observations and assessments are ongoing and information is used to plan for the next steps for children taking into account their abilities, likes and dislikes. The childminder develops positive relationships with parents and children and this contributes to inclusion, meeting their needs consistently and providing continuity of care. The childminder is starting to develop working partnerships with other providers involved in the care of the minded children. However, this is still in the very early stages. Parents express their approval of the care their children receive through discussion, written references and cards. At the start of the placement the

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the early years provision

parents are provided with information which includes all the childminder's policies and procedures. This ensures parents are fully aware of the childminder's practice. Parents are kept informed about their child's activities through daily verbal discussion and the sharing of their development files. The childminder treats all children equally, but is very aware of their individual needs and levels of understanding. She talks to parents to ensure she has a sound knowledge of each child's background and needs. The childminder makes the most of diversity to help children understand the society they live in. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of the learning and development and welfare requirements to promote children's learning and care. She has a good understanding of how children learn through play and how they develop. The indoor and outside environments are set up for children's learning. A designated playroom allows children lots of free choice of activities and a wide range of resources. The childminder is very warm and welcoming to the children, thus providing a safe emotional environment where children feel safe and secure. Activities are planned, based on the observations and assessments of the individual children. Children are taught about safety issues as part of the daily routine. For example, they take part in regular emergency evacuation procedures to raise their awareness of keeping themselves safe. Children are very well behaved and are encouraged to share and take turns. They use their manners well and are praised

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and outcomes for children

by the childminder for the using of them. Parents comment of the sound boundaries for behaviour and how children are courteous and respect each other. House rules in a picture format are displayed to help children understand what they mean.

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and outcomes for children

Children are starting to develop an understanding of healthy lifestyles. They soon become aware of the hand-washing routines as they follow the appropriate practices to prevent the risk of cross-infection. Children help themselves to drinks as they become thirsty. The meals offered suggest a balanced, healthy diet is provided. Children eagerly place their stickers on to the 'Change 4 life' posters to record their five a day. This is a government initiative that the childminder takes part in. This is helping the children to understand about healthy eating. Children enjoy making their own healthy sandwiches and use fancy cutters to make their sandwich. This also helps them with their problem-solving skills as they try to fit the two cutters on to their bread and butter. Children are encouraged to play outside, taken for walks or visit the local parks and activity centres, so they feel the benefits of fresh air and exercise.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very confident with language and their social skills. They happily talk about what they have been doing that morning are pre-school. Children enjoy acting out life situations as they play in the lovely wooden role-play kitchen, they pretend to wash the floor and make meals. They take pleasure in being creative and can freely access resources and materials from the creative area. Children take part in baking activities and quickly learn about measuring and how things change. They are offered some lovely experiences. For example, they have recently been on a tractor ride to feed the cows. Children comment on how the cow's tongue was 'really wet and sloppy'. Sound hygiene routines are followed at all times as the children know they have to wash their hands in case of germs. As children play with the interactive or reward toys they are learning the basic skills around the exploration of technology.

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and outcomes for children

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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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

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Stage

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

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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

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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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