Childminder in North East Lincolnshire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY376842 Inspection date 07/04/2009 Inspector Josie Lever

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Type of setting Childminder 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. 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 September 2008 and lives with her six year old daughter in Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time on the Early Years Register and both parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently seven children on roll between the ages of 20 months and 10 years. Two of these are in the early years age group and attend on a full-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

Minded children have access to all areas of the property and there is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder takes children on local walks and occasional outings. They visit a local music group once per week.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children are well cared for in a warm and welcoming home where most risks to their safety have been assessed. Children's individual needs are met to ensure an inclusive environment is provided where they can make suitable progress across the six areas of learning. Self- evaluation systems are being developing by the childminder, in order for clearer identification of areas for improvement, that will further develop the welfare, learning and development opportunities offered to children.

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further?

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

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further?

 use the information from observations, assessments and next steps to inform future planning in order for children to make as much progress as they can across all areas of learning  develop ways in which parents can be involved in their children's learning at home and contribute to their developmental records  increase children's understanding of fire safety by practicing fire evacuation procedures  improve safety checking procedures to ensure children cannot access keys in doors and leave the home unsupervised.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure each specific outing is included as part of the record of risk assessment clearly stating when it was carried out, by who, date of review and any action taken. (Documentation) 21/04/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children benefit from the care of a caring childminder who creates a calm environment for children. She has all the required documentation regarding the children in her care, which enables her to meet their individual needs on a daily basis. For example, she gathers information on children's likes and interests and any dietary or medical needs. Daily routines allow children to eat, rest and play in the home and visits to a music group provide opportunities for children to socialise with others. Children are safeguarded because the childminder has attended first aid training and is therefore confident to deal with minor injuries. She has a suitable understanding of recognising the signs and symptoms of harm and shares her responsibilities for reporting these with parents. Self-evaluation systems have yet to be fully established that take into account the views of all service users to reflect practice. However, the childminder is aware of weaknesses in the provision

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provision

with regard to documentation and the requirements of the Childcare Register.

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provision

Most risk assessments enable potential hazards to be minimised both indoors and out in the garden. For example, safety equipment is in place such as safety gates and cupboard locks. Checking procedures for sleeping children ensure they are monitored frequently. Most security measures are satisfactorily implemented, however, not all safety checking procedures are consistently followed by the childminder. For example, on occasions some keys are left in doors at child height which increase opportunities for children to access these and leave the home unsupervised. Additionally, outings have not been fully assessed as part of the risk assessment, for example a bus trip to Skegness, and this is a breach of a specific legal requirement. There are a suitable range of written policies and procedures in place, most of which meets with requirements. Partnerships with parents are a strength of the setting. They are provided with written literature about the service

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provision

provided and all receive copies of these and sign contractual agreements. The childminder keeps parents fully informed about children's progress and achievements through sharing learning journeys, observations and assessments, some of which include photos and she is beginning to monitor children's progress towards the early learning goals. However, as yet systems have not been established in ways in which parents can support their children's learning at home and contribute to their development files.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and settled with the childminder and move around the home freely. The learning environment is stimulating, for example, it is organised well to ensure children have the space to play and move around freely. Children's art work is displayed welcomingly, along with their photographic images which promotes their sense of belonging. Positive images of other cultures and disability are promoted through a range of books, toys and pictures. The childminder encourages children to share and take turns, for example, when using the outdoor low trampoline. As a result, children are developing the habits and behaviours appropriate to considering the needs of others. Children are well behaved and respond well to the positive praise given by the childminder which promotes their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 self-esteem.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder rotates the toys and resources so that children have variety. She plans the day with flexibility taking into account the ages and interests of the children and their daily routines. She has a suitable understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to provide children with a balance of adult-led and child initiated experiences and is beginning to observe and assess children's progress to identify the next steps in their learning. However, this information is not always used effectively in future planning to support further challenges for children. Children are active and benefit from physical activities. For example, they have daily opportunities to go on walks within the local community and develop their understanding of the wider world. They enjoy outdoor play, for example, kicking balls in the garden, running and climbing up and down the slide. They visit a weekly group called 'Melody monkeys' where they can dance to music and take

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

part in a range of creative crafts. Children use a range of replica everyday technology, for example, shop tills, mobile phones and the mouse and keyboard on a computer, all of which helps them develop their future economic well-being in information, communication and technology.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children play well together and are occupied and interested in the resources available, many of which are accessible through low storage, which promotes their independence and decision making. They have opportunities to mark make using paints, pencils and crayons. For example, making handprint flower pictures for Mother's day. They develop an awareness of early counting skills through everyday discussion, for example, counting objects when out and about on walks. They enjoy listening to stories and the childminder has made up their own story sacks using some of their favourite books, puppets and other props which encourages children's communication and language skills. Children enjoy making their own sounds, for example, using a range of musical instruments and singing songs. They play imaginatively, for example, using a range of role play equipment and spontaneously make up their own games for instance, making dens with covers

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from a healthy diet, for example, they make healthy choices such as choosing grapes and bananas for a snack or cucumber and tomatoes as an accompaniment to their lunchtime sandwich and yoghurt. Effective hand washing routines are in place that minimise the risk of infection spreading, for example, before eating meals. The home is clean and the childminder has a sound knowledge of effective food preparation because she has attended training in this area. Children develop a suitable understanding about safety, for example, they are reminded about the house safety rules and not climbing on small furniture, although as yet have not had an opportunity to practice the fire evacuation procedure. 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 3 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 3 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 implement a written procedure to be followed in the event of a child going missing. (Records to be kept) 21/04/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 implement a written procedure to be followed in the event of a child going missing. (Records to be kept) 21/04/2009

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