Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY136892 Inspection date 04/03/2011 Inspector Melanie Arnold

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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 2002. She lives with her husband and three children in Cherry Willingham, Lincolnshire. The whole house is used for childminding, with most play taking place on the ground floor and sleeping facilities located on the first floor. The premises are accessible by one step. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder has a tank of fish and a cat as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time when working alone, twelve children under eight years when working with one assistant and 15 children under eight years when working with two assistants. There are currently nine children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She 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's health and safety is effectively maintained through the childminder's comprehensive policies and procedures. All children are fully supported in line with their individual needs and abilities as the childminder recognises and promotes the uniqueness of each child. Children have fun as they participate in a wide range of hands-on learning experiences which enable them to make good progress towards the early learning goals. The childminder's mainly effective partnership working with parents, carers and other providers promotes an integrated approach to children's care and learning. The planning for improvement, which includes a robust system of self-evaluation, is effective.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further the opportunities for parents and carers to fully review their children's progress more regularly.

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the early years provision

Children are cared for in a secure setting where space is used effectively to meet their needs. A warm and welcoming environment is created as children enjoy playing in two designated play areas where they freely access an extensive range of developmentally appropriate toys and resources. The outside area is also well organised and used, creating an interesting play space where children's all-round This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 development is promoted. The childminder uses effective risk assessment procedures to ensure action is taken to identify and minimise potential hazards inside, outside and on outings. Children are further protected and their welfare safeguarded, because of the childminder's good understanding of possible indicators of abuse and her secure knowledge of child protection procedures. The childminder advises Ofsted of all people living and working in the home, which

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the early years provision

results in their suitability being fully checked. Children are constantly supervised by the childminder or her assistant, and parents have signed written consent to allow the assistant to be in sole charge of their children for short periods of time. The childminder and her assistant hold current first aid certificates to ensure children's well-being is protected at all times.

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the early years provision

Children feel a sense of belonging as the childminder understands their differing needs and respects them as individuals. Comprehensive information is shared and exchanged with parents and carers from the outset, which enables the childminder to assess and build on each child's unique starting points. The childminder implements her clear equal opportunity policy well to fully ensure all children are included and no group or individual child is disadvantaged. Partnership working in the wider context promotes continuity of care and learning for all children. Parents and carers receive clear information about the childminder and the service she offers. The childminder uses daily diaries, verbal communication, newsletters and accessible records to keep parents up-to-date with their children's care and learning. Although observation and assessment files are freely accessible to parents and carers, they are not actively shared and exchanged with them.

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the early years provision

Therefore, some parents are not fully aware of the progress their children are making in each area of learning. Children benefit from the strong links with other providers, where clear information is constantly exchanged between settings.

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the early years provision

The childminder's organisation of herself, her premises and her paperwork provide a strong framework for the care of children. She has all the necessary documents in place in order to safeguard and promote children's safety and welfare. The childminder is committed to providing children with a good standard of care. She regularly attends training courses to ensure she is fully aware of current childcare practices and is currently working towards obtaining a degree in early years. The childminder effectively monitors her provision through a robust system of self- evaluation. This involves regularly asking parents for feedback on her service, which helps her to continually identify clear targets for future improvements.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time with the childminder. The layout and organisation of the premises allow children to move freely between the downstairs rooms, accessing their toys and playing with them where they feel most comfortable. Children's health and safety is maintained through the childminder's effective policies and procedures. For example, clear outings procedures, including the use of fluorescent jackets, ensure all children remain highly visible and safe when they are away from the childminder's home. Children are cared for in a clean home where they are beginning to learn about the importance of good hygiene through This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the daily routine, with effective procedures in place to help prevent cross-infection. For example, children learn to wash their hands as appropriate during the daily routine and they also learn to clean their teeth after eating their main meals. This

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and outcomes for children

helps children to develop independence in their personal hygiene routines. Children are well nourished as the childminder promotes healthy eating. They benefit from freshly prepared meals and enjoy healthy options, such as fruit, at snack times, ensuring their well-being is maintained. Children's knowledge on how to keep themselves safe is developing well as the childminder plans interesting first-hand experiences for them to participate in. For example, children learn to evacuate the home safely during regular evacuation drills and their awareness of fire safety is significantly enhanced during trips to the fire station. Children respond well to the effective use of praise and encouragement, which encourages their good behaviour and develops their confidence and self-esteem. They are encouraged to play cooperatively, learning to share as they play with their peers.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals. Activities are planned around children's interests and developmental needs, resulting in children effectively learning through indoor and outdoor play experiences. Through the use of full length waterproof suits, children are enabled to access daily outdoor play throughout the year. Observation and assessments are effectively used to monitor children's progress and development in the six areas of learning. This ensures each child is fully supported and challenged in line with their individual needs and abilities. Children are provided with fun, hands-on learning experiences, such as playing with jelly, which enables them to explore and investigate using their senses. Children take part in practical activities which promote their mathematical awareness. For example, children enjoy baking activities where they count and weigh the ingredients and set the timer so they know when it is cooked. Younger

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and outcomes for children

children are skilfully introduced to number through counting songs. All children access and use a good range of electronic and battery-operated toys and resources, supporting their interest and skills in technology. For example, babies enjoy pressing particular areas on an activity ball and listening to the noise the toy makes. Older children use the computer, developing their skills as they complete a range of programmes. The accessibility of a wide range of books to meet the varying abilities of children enhances all children's enjoyment and interest in stories. Children's mark-making, writing and communication skills are continually developed through interesting play-based activities. For example, children learn communication is not only verbal but can also be through written means when they draw or 'write' their own letter and then go to the post office to buy an envelope and a stamp. The letters are posted and the children show awe and

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and outcomes for children

wonder when they receive their very own letter through the post. Children's awareness of the wider world is well promoted. They access a good range of resources which reflect positive images of society and they are introduced to different cultures, religions and festivals through a range of interesting planned activities. 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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