Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY340865 Inspection date 09/05/2011 Inspector Carly Mooney

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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 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged six and three in Grantham, Lincolnshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools. The family has a pet cat.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There are currently three children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. 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. The childminder supports children who speak English as an additional language. 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 feel safe and secure in the welcoming environment and participate in a varied range of activities which allow them to make good progress in their learning. The childminder demonstrates good skills in observing and assessing children's progress. Close, friendly relationships with parents have developed, which ensures they work closely together to meet children's individual needs. The childminder has systems in place to monitor and evaluate her practice and demonstrates a firm commitment to maintaining continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the opportunities for children to develop and use their home language in their play and learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder attends regular training to ensure she is familiar with current safeguarding procedures which protect children in her care. Suitability checks have been carried out on all adults in the home and a record of visitors is kept. Risk assessments are thorough and routine checks of the premises and garden are carried out daily to minimise hazards. Extra safety procedures are implemented on large outings, for example, children wear fluorescent tabards with the childminder's contact numbers. Documentation, including parental permissions, registers and records which are required to support childminding, are well This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 maintained. The childminder shares a range of well thought out policies and procedures with parents, which underpins the good practice at the setting.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises her home effectively to support children's independent play. Children are able to help themselves to a range of toys and resources which are easily accessible in clearly labelled, low-level storage units. The childminder has a secure knowledge of each child and their backgrounds and constantly liaises with parents to ensure their continuing needs are met. Children who speak English as a second language attend the setting and the childminder has taken the time to gain an understanding of their different cultures and beliefs. She has learnt some words in their home language to help with communication. However, there are limited opportunities for children to develop and use their home language in their play and learning.

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the early years provision

Positive, friendly relationships have developed with all parents, which benefits their child's time at the setting. A comprehensive portfolio provides them with clear information about the childminder and her services and they receive daily feedback, both verbally and through a detailed diary. Parents view their children's records of achievement and contribute 'wow' moments from home regularly. The childminder understands the importance of liaising with other providers who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage and exchanges constant verbal information with staff at a day nursery a minded child also attends.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a positive approach to improving outcomes for children. She attends regular training to update her skills and knowledge and has identified further training that will benefit the children in her care. Systems for self- evaluation are in place, including gathering feedback from parents and children in questionnaires. Parents comment very positively about the childminder and the care provided.

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and outcomes for children

Children are confident, happy and have settled well in the childminder's care. Secure, close relationships have formed and the childminder demonstrates a loving and caring nature. Children spontaneously put their arms out for a cuddle on the childminder's knee and enjoy the closeness, especially when tired. The childminder has a sound understanding of learning through play and spends quality time at children's level engaging in activities. The childminder observes and assesses children's progress well. Clear records and photographic evidence are kept of their achievements and meaningful next steps are identified through interesting observations.

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and outcomes for children

Children happily explore their environment and are familiar with routines, such as sleep times. Photographs of the children and some of their pictures are attractively displayed within the childminder's home, which gives them a good sense of belonging. Children play in a word-rich environment where posters are displayed and resources are clearly labelled. Children independently access books from an inviting book area and have good opportunities to recognise their name on This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 individual coat and towel pegs. The childminder reinforces learning through fun activities, such as play dough, as she talks about colours and shapes with very young children. They use their imagination well in their play, often imitating real life, such as trying to give a doll a drink from their bottle, and create sounds with musical instruments. There is regular access to the childminder's garden or visits to

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and outcomes for children

the park to encourage children's physical skills. Children visit many places of interest to extend their learning, such as adventure and nature parks.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder acts as a positive role model when encouraging children to keep themselves safe and they regularly practice fire drills within the home. Children are learning to keep themselves healthy by adopting personal hygiene routines, such as hand washing before eating. The childminder displays child-friendly posters by the sink to gently remind them and provides individual towels to prevent the spread of infection. Accident and medication records are appropriately maintained and the childminder holds a current first aid qualification, which safeguards children's health. Snacks provided are healthy and well balanced. The childminder regularly praises and encourages children when they do well to help build their self-esteem and confidence. 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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