Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY408161 Inspection date 14/02/2012 Inspector Janice Walker

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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 2010. She lives with her husband and three children aged 16, six and three years. The family live on the RAF base in Waddington, near Lincoln. The whole house is registered for childminding purposes, with the exception of the master bedroom on the first floor. Most activities take place on the ground floor, where toilet facilities are situated. There is an enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the compulsory and the voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of four children aged under eight years at any one time, two of whom may be in the early years age range. Currently, there are four children on roll, two of whom are in the early years range. The childminder provides care all year round. She has a vehicle available for her use and 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

The childminder provides a welcoming, stimulating environment where children are safe and their welfare is effectively promoted. Toys are plentiful and of good quality which, along with the childminder's good interaction, helps to ensure that each child makes good progress in their learning and development. Close working relationships with parents help to ensure that children's individual needs are met and that there is continuity and consistency for children. She is committed to the continuous improvement of her provision, and makes effective use of self- evaluation to support this.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the systems for monitoring children's achievements to ensure that they make progress towards each of the early learning goals  extend the level of information shared with parents at the outset in order to establish clear starting points for children's learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder gives high priority to children's safety; she provides high levels of supervision and the home is secure. Thorough risk assessments help to ensure that potential hazards are identified and minimised within the home, garden and on outings. Carefully considered policies and procedures mean that she is able to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 respond swiftly and efficiently in the event of an emergency situation, such as an accident or a fire. Robust procedures mean that all adults on the premises remain suitable to be in contact with children. The childminder has a clear understanding of her responsibilities regarding child protection and has relevant information readily to hand if needed. She has undertaken several training sessions to enhance her knowledge in this area. She is well organised; space within the home is well used to enable children to rest undisturbed and eat in comfort, with ample space

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the early years provision

to explore their toys. All required records and documents are comprehensively maintained, easily accessible and effectively used to promote children's care, learning and development.

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the early years provision

The childminder has established effective relationships with parents who are provided with a good range of information about her childminding service. She gathers a good level of information from parents regarding their children's routines, backgrounds and beliefs so that she can respond effectively to their individual needs. However, information does not yet extend to provide a comprehensive picture of their level of ability in order to establish clear starting points for their learning. Through the daily diaries and ongoing verbal exchanges they are well informed about their children's routines and achievements. The childminder has given good consideration to systems for sharing information with other providers where the care of children is shared in order to ensure consistency and continuity of care and learning. She makes good use of information from local resources, such as, the Sure Start provision and other local childminders to ensure

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the early years provision

that she follows current good practice advice and keeps abreast of changes. She demonstrates a high commitment to continue to extend her own skills and knowledge through these interactions along with her attendance at numerous training courses. She makes effective use of knowledge gained to influence her own provision and to provide advice and guidance to parents in order to support children's continued progress. She makes good use of reflective practice to identify her current strengths and areas requiring further development and seeks feedback from parents as part of her self evaluation process. This information is well used to identify clear targets which will support her strive for continuous improvement.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder knows the children well. She makes some useful observations of what they can do and makes good use of information gained, along with her developing knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, to identify their next steps in learning and to plan activities and experiences to support children's progress. However, the systems for monitoring their achievements are not yet fully secure in ensuring that they make progress towards each of the early learning goals. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They confidently move around their environment making their own selections regarding their play. Children enjoy frequent opportunities for interacting with other locally minded children, along with regular attendance at local groups which support their developing social skills and help them develop a good awareness of their local community. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Opportunities for children to draw and make marks with a range of differing materials, such as, paints, water and pencils, are regularly provided to promote children's early writing skills. They enjoy sharing books with the childminder and she skilfully adapts the activity to provide an appropriate level of challenge for each child. For example, younger children are encouraged to name objects and repeat familiar words and those slightly older learn to recognise letters, link sounds to letters and to re-tell stories using pictures. The wide selection of toys and resources around the dining room reflect the wider community and help to raise children's understanding of the world in which they live. Planned activities, such as, food tasting and craft activities linked to festivals support this well.

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and outcomes for children

High standards of cleanliness within the home, along with clear policies regarding the attendance of children who are unwell or infectious, help to minimise the risk of spread of infection. Good health and hygiene routines, such as those related to hand washing and nappy changing, support this well. The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure children have regular well-balanced meals. All children enjoy regular fresh air and physical activity through the three-times-a-day school run and by walking to local facilities. The garden and local parks, along with regular visits to toddler groups and soft play provision, provide regular opportunities for climbing and balancing. Children remain safe due to the childminder's vigilant practices. They begin to develop an understanding of possible dangers and how to stay safe through routines, such as, practising the emergency evacuation plan and road safety practices. The childminder has clear

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and outcomes for children

boundaries which she firmly but kindly re-enforces, enabling children to learn what is expected of them. Through her clear guidance and sensitive support they learn good manners and are learning to share, take turns and to care for their toys and each other. Children are therefore becoming well equipped with skills they need for future learning. 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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