Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY276582 Inspection date 12/09/2011 Inspector Ann Keen

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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 2003. She lives with her husband and daughter in a rural area of south Lincolnshire. Minded children have access to the ground floor, with toilet and sleep facilities available within this area. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family has a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She currently cares for one child under five years and three other children under eight years. 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 happy and content in the welcoming and relaxed environment. The childminder has a good understanding of children's individual needs and she provides interesting and stimulating play experiences which foster children's learning and development. Risk assessments are generally effective, although some minor hazards are not sufficiently resolved. The childminder develops good partnerships with parents which mostly support her in providing continuity in children's care and well-being. The childminder has a positive attitude to the ongoing development of her practice and has effective systems in place to reflect on the care she provides for children.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure risk assessments cover everything that a child may come into contact with, especially with regard to toys on the floor  further develop the flow of information from parents to promote a shared involvement to support their child's learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how to implement the procedures for child protection and understands her responsibilities for safeguarding children. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure the smooth running of the provision on a daily basis. Her certificate of registration is clearly displayed in the hall so parents have access to relevant information. The childminder is trained in first aid, deals with accidents and incidents appropriately and keeps the required records, which contributes successfully to children's well-being. Systems are in place so the childminder can evaluate her practice and make appropriate improvements. For example, she is improving her qualifications in order to extend and develop her This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 own knowledge. This will help improve her practice for the benefit of the children. She has successfully addressed the recommendations raised at the last inspection.

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the early years provision

This shows her commitment to improving outcomes for children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good variety of resources which are easily accessible to children, helping to promote their developing independence. However, they are not always tidied away; the playroom floor is strewn with small pieces that can be hazardous when children tread on them. The childminder offers the children suitable support so that they are happy, secure and receptive to new experiences. Sensitive guidance teaches the children how to behave acceptably and helps them to understand right from wrong.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a positive attitude to engaging with parents and takes steps to ensure that all children are fully included in the setting. The childminder has verbal discussions with parents as they arrive and collect their children, contributing towards the children's continuity of care. Parents provide photos of their activities during the holidays so the childminder has a greater knowledge of the children. Although she has good contact with parents and shares information, she does not always take advantage of sharing their knowledge of their own children to fully contribute towards their progress and the next step in their learning.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established good systems to gather information about children's welfare needs, dietary and medical requirements. She works hard to accommodate children's eating likes and dislikes, ensuring they have a well- balanced diet. The childminder shares information effectively with other settings that children attend. She exchanges information on children's progress with the pre-school, for example, which is effective in providing an overall strategy between the two settings.

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the early years provision

Equality of opportunity is effectively promoted through the childminder's focus on children's individual development needs. The childminder helps children to learn to value differences by using resources that portray positive images of a variety of cultures and people. Children are developing an awareness of other cultures by learning to use chopsticks, for example.

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and outcomes for children

Children are making good progress in their learning and development. The childminder is assessing children effectively so she can see the progress in their learning. She makes observations of children and clearly links their learning to the next step in their development. This enables her to plan children's progress while they are in her care. There are no children at present with special educational needs and/or disabilities, although the childminder provides for all children when necessary.

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and outcomes for children

Children access a well-resourced environment and they are provided with stimulating activities and opportunities, both indoors and outdoors. They are very This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 happy, confident and settled in the childminder's home and relate well to her as she is friendly, kind and loving. There is an appropriate balance of adult-directed and child-initiated activities, and consequently the children are suitably challenged and have growing independence and control over their learning. This helps to engage and sustain the children's interest and motivates them to become competent, active learners.

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and outcomes for children

Children's confidence and self-esteem are promoted well. Children's social skills are nurtured and they enjoy supportive relationships with each other. Spontaneous and everyday activities are used well to help the children become confident communicators. They enjoy stories read by the childminder and chat confidently and happily to her, developing their communication skills. They are developing good reasoning and numeracy skills; children count spontaneously and enjoy discussing what happens at different times of the day. Their problem solving skills are enhanced through piecing together jigsaw puzzles. Children print pictures from the childminder's laptop, and programmable toys are available to help promote learning and develop skills in relation to information technology.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder promotes equality, diversity and equal opportunities through meeting children's individual needs well. She encourages the children to respect each other's similarities and differences, and resources that promote diversity are used to extend their understanding of different cultures and beliefs in the wider world. The childminder contributes to their welfare as they access fresh air, develop coordination and control of their bodies and learn about the benefits of regular healthy exercise. Children enjoy the secure garden and the variety of resources available to them, such as the trampoline.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe in the childminder's care; they are relaxed and calm. Safety procedures are in place and well established to protect children, such as locked doors and a secure garden. Good measures are in place to promote children's health and well-being and they understand and adopt good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands after going to the toilet. The childminder takes account of children's dietary preferences and works with parents to provide the children with nutritious meals and snacks. Good behaviour is encouraged through praise, and guidance is given about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. Consequently, the children are well behaved and polite. 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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