Childminder in North Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY311749 Inspection date 23/11/2010 Inspector Kathryn 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 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 2005. She lives in Scunthorpe with her father and teenaged son. She uses all of her home for childminding with the exception of the first floor. There is a rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. Registration is for six children under eight years. There are currently four children on roll of whom two are in the early years age range. Children are taken to a variety of local groups. 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 provides a caring environment where all children's individual needs are met and they progress steadily in their development and learning. The procedures to promote children's welfare are suitable, with the exception of not practising the evacuation of the premises. Good relationships are developed with parents and information is readily shared. Links to other providers children attend are not yet firmly established in helping children to progress. Although evaluation of her service is in the early stages of development the childminder shows a suitable capacity to improve by completing the recommendations raised at the last inspection.

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further?

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

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further?

 use reflective practice, self-evaluation and informed discussion to further identify the setting's strengths and priorities for development, that will improve the quality of provision for all children  develop effective working relationships with other providers offering the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring information about children's next steps for development are discussed and shared to ensure continuity and progression  carry out regular evacuation drills and record details of any problems encountered and how they were resolved.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a clear procedure to follow should she have any concerns about a child's welfare. She is able to recognise the signs and symptoms that may cause her to be concerned. The childminder keeps This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 up-to-date with changes, and has completed some training on delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage. She has considered some aspects of her provision which are stronger than others, however, evaluation of the service as a whole is in the early stages of development and not yet fully effective in driving forward improvements.

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the early years provision

Children have access to a suitable range of toys and equipment. The main playroom is a spacious conservatory with easy access to the garden. The childminder uses her time well, giving all children attending the support they need. She is very knowledgeable about the individual needs of the children she cares for, which helps children to feel settled and happy in her home. They have access to a suitable range of items that reflect diversity in society in a positive way, for example, a doll with a guide dog and one in a wheelchair.

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the early years provision

The childminder develops good relationships with parents. She finds out about the individual needs of children from parents and can integrate children very slowly into her care at their request. Information is shared verbally, through photographs and also when parents read and comment upon children's progress files. Parents are informed about activities that they could take part in should they wish to which would enhance their children's learning. Some contact has been made with the other settings that children attend, although these are not yet fully effective in helping children to progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time with the childminder. Most days they go to well-run groups within their local area. They experience some outdoor play, use the childminder's garden and often go on outings to local parks. Activity sessions at home are well promoted by the childminder, for example, a wake up and shake up morning session. Babies are active in walkers, and toddlers have access to wheeled toys and climbing equipment, as well as using mini circuits at group sessions. The childminder provides healthy snacks of fruit, and makes sure children drink regularly. Hygiene routines are good with children learning to wash their hands at all appropriate times. All these measures help children learn about the benefits of having a healthy lifestyle.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder undertakes some useful observations of children as they play, linked to the areas of learning. The next steps in learning are identified so the childminder can plan activities which are appropriate for individual children and help them progress steadily. The childminder is positive and encouraging, creating a very happy atmosphere where children are responsive and behave well. They enjoy many social experiences which help them to learn about acceptable behaviour. Children stay safe in the home, which is risk assessed, with safety equipment such as a fire blanket and safety gate in place. There is a suitable evacuation plan, but it has not been practised and therefore the childminder is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 unable to evaluate its effectiveness or teach children about the procedure.

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and outcomes for children

Children have access to a suitable range of books and enjoy many mark making opportunities, for example, using rollers and sponges. The childminder promotes children's language development suitably through discussion and introducing them to new words. Everyday activities are used to practise counting skills, for example, the number of steps on a slide. The childminder talks to children about positional language when they are out walking and so develops their understanding. Children engage with the natural world when they go on nature walks, to collect items such as fir cones, leaves and feathers which they use for collage activities. The childminder also talks to them about the animals and birds that come into the garden. Children use a suitable range of items such as pop-up toys, musical items and activity centres that help them to develop early technological skills. Children enjoy many opportunities to play imaginatively, to sing and listen to music and

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and outcomes for children

explore their senses through using paint, sand, water and play dough. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 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 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 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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