Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY283863 Inspection date 03/05/2011 Inspector Margaret Barnsley

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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 2004. She lives with her husband and three children in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. The whole of the childminder's house can be used for childminding but activities are mainly restricted to the ground floor. There is a purpose-built playroom for children with direct access to the outdoor environment, which is a fully enclosed garden at the rear of the property.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the complusory and voluntary part of the Childcare Regsiter. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years of age at any one time. She currently has a total of 11 children on roll, of whom four children are in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and has attained a level 4 qualification in Early Years through the Open University.

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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

The childminder has established excellent working relationships with parents and works extremely closely with them to ensure children's individual needs are met well. This is an inclusive environment where children significantly contribute to the setting. The childminder provides a broad range of interesting and challenging learning opportunities for each child and this enables them to make good progress in most areas of their learning and development. The childminder has a strong capacity to maintain continuous improvement and is committed to improving her service for children and families. All required documentation is in place to promote and safeguard children's welfare.

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further?

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

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further?

 enable children to find out about and identify the uses of everyday technology and use of information and communication technology and programmable toys spontaneously to support their learning  promote further opportunities for children to find out about and identify some features of living things through real-life experiences such as a wider range of growing activities. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a high level of commitment to promoting children's safety. She has completed safeguarding training and has a comprehensive policy and procedure in place. This is shared with parents to ensure they are fully conversant with her duty to protect children. The supervision of children is vigilant and safety measures are robust. Full risk assessments are in place and are reviewed daily to ensure the continued safety of children. All adults who have regular contact with children are appropriately vetted. All policies and procedures that are required for the safe and efficient management of the setting are in place and provide parents with clear and comprehensive information.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good knowledge of the learning and development and welfare requirements and has a level 4 qualification in early years education. She has a current first aid certificate and has completed High Scope training, which she translates effectively into practice. The high quality planning and organisation ensure that every child is suitably challenged by the learning experiences provided. Activities are mainly well planned and based on thorough and accurate observations and assessment that are matched to the full range of children's needs. There are some minor weaknesses with providing children with opportunities to find out about and identify the uses of everyday technology and programmable toys. Also, the range of activities that enable children to find out about and identify features of living things, for example, such as growing and planting activities, are limited. The childminder operates an equal opportunities

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the early years provision

policy and promotes equality and diversity well. She has an in-depth knowledge of each child's background and promotes a harmonious environment in which children learn to appreciate and respect each other's differences.

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the early years provision

A written self-evaluation is used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of setting. Developments are prioritised well according to those that have the most significant impact on children and the improvements that have been made since the last inspection to promote equality of opportunity and promote positive outcomes for children. For example, the childminder has successfully met the two recommendations that were raised at the last inspection. She has also had her garage converted into a self-contained playroom, which is well resourced and well organised. She has introduced aspects of High Scope practice and has replaced many plastic resources with natural resources. Books are displayed very well to make them inviting and encourage children to look at them. The childminder has put a lot of effort into developing the environment for children. She has future long-term plans to have an outdoor canopy fitted so that children have access to

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the early years provision

the outdoors in all weathers. She also wishes to complete more training to develop her professional knowledge. She is currently investigating the courses that will have the most relevance to her and the children she cares for. The childminder demonstrates a strong capacity to drive improvements forward and maintain continuous improvement.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are excellent, extremely well established and make a strong contribution to children's achievements and wellbeing. Parents are fully This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 included in their child's learning and relationships are very strong. Parents contribute to their child's learning journeys and use home-link books to exchange information, which the childminder uses very well. She keeps parents extremely well informed about the progress their child is making, both through their learning journeys and through their home link books on a daily basis. Parents are provided with news letters to keep them informed about forthcoming events and themes that the childminder is going to cover in her planning. They receive questionnaires to seek their views about the service being provided and any improvements they feel will enhance this. The childminder involves parents in her charity work by

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the early years provision

organising fundraising meetings and events with them so that they and their children are able to contribute together if they wish. Regular communication takes place between the childminder, parents and other settings that children attend and ensures continuity in children's learning, development and changing needs. Effective systems are in place with other providers to support children with their transition.

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and outcomes for children

This is an inclusive environment in which children take the lead and make a significant contribution to how their day transpires. Although children are very young and some have only been attending for a reasonably short time, they are extremely settled and show an exceptionally strong sense of belonging. Children are highly enthusiastic and eager to engage in play. They confidently make their own choices about what they want to play with and enjoy chatting about what they are doing. One toddler in particular who openly shows a tremendous affection towards the childminder is highly confident in telling her what she needs to do when he wants her to play with him. The child constantly calls her name and gives instructions to her, which is taken in excellent spirit and adds to the fun and enjoyment in this setting. Relationships with the childminder are very warm and children's behaviour is exemplary. They have stable and secure routines, with

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and outcomes for children

which they are familiar and know what is expected of them. They seek guidance and help from the childminder and are receptive and responsive when she offers them support. Children contribute exceptionally well and are fully included by the childminder who consults with them at all levels and facilitates their wishes and interests. For example, one child really enjoys playing outdoors and his current interest is tennis. The childminder makes sure that this takes place and he has every opportunity to do this until he is naturally satisfied and wishes to move on to something else. Another child enjoys playing with dolls and a range of resources that enhance her play are provided so that she can act out real-life experiences in ways that she chooses.

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and outcomes for children

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals as the areas of learning are provided for very well in five of the six areas. This is less so in knowledge and understanding of the world where there are limitations in two areas as mentioned previously. However, regular, purposeful observations of children at play identify children's achievements and highlight their next steps in learning and current interests, which are planned for well in future activities. Children are appropriately challenged in their play and are very well supported This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 when learning new skills. They enjoy a wide range of books and mark-making materials on a daily basis and they communicate very well. The childminder uses her knowledge of child development and how children learn very well. She asks lots of open-ended questions and allows children time to think through their

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and outcomes for children

responses. Children enjoy visiting other settings where they engage in a wider range of activities with different children and with different resources. They go to messy play activities, drama, music and movement sessions and they visit toddler groups. They develop a good understanding of their community and of other people as they learn to socialise outside their immediate setting. They learn about the wider world, events and issues through planned activities and through fundraising events. Children play cooperatively together and are starting to recognise the value of friendships, sharing, taking turns and respecting each other's differences and choices.

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and outcomes for children

Children show good awareness of healthy lifestyles. They adopt good personal hygiene routines, which even at a young age they implement independently in most cases. Children have their own towels and pegs, which reduces the risk of cross infection but furthermore promotes their independence and sense of belonging within the setting. Children are well nourished as their main meals are supplemented with a variety of healthy snacks such as different fresh fruits. Their dietary needs are met as parents currently provide all meals for their child. However, the childminder is happy to do this and has registered with the environmental heath department as required. She also has a good supply of healthy snacks available should children need more or forget to bring something. She has full details about any food allergies children have and has effective procedures in place to seek emergency medical treatment should any problems

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and outcomes for children

arise. Children have plenty to drink at all times as they have their own water cups with lids which they carry with them. Children engage in a wide range of physical activities, both indoors and outdoors. They spend lots of time in the garden and also walk to places of interest and visit other settings where they join in with many physical and active activities. Children show that they feel safe and secure in the setting as they are very relaxed and have established very warm, secure relationships with the childminder. Children learn about road safety when they are out and about and they have age and stage appropriate buggies and car seats and restraints if they are transported in the car. Children participate in fire drills so that they know how to evacuate the premises swiftly in the event of an emergency or, when very young, to enable the childminder to know that she can evacuate them swiftly. Children learn well about becoming responsible, capable and independent

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and outcomes for children

individuals. 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 1 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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