Childminder in Lincolnshire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 01/08/2014 11/07/2011

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: 2 How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 Teaching is good. The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of how children learn and develop. He carefully observes them at play, assesses their skills and interacts effectively to further support their learning.  Relationships and attachments between the childminder, his co-childminder and children are good. This means children are happy, feel safe and are secure in their care.  The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and learning well. He ensures all reasonable steps are in place to maintain a safe, clean and stimulating learning environment. He does this effectively by implementing clear policies and procedures and by being actively involved in children's play.  Partnerships with parents are strong. As a result, all children and their families are included in the setting and their skills and achievements are recognised and valued.  The childminder uses positive methods to manage children's behaviour. As a result,

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This provision is good

they are growing in confidence and are learning to respect and value one another.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 The outdoor environment is not always utilised to fully support children's learning through the use of a wide range of resources and experiences.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are:  scheduled at least once in every inspection cycle – the current cycle ends on 31 July

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Information about this inspection

 scheduled more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  scheduled at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed activities in the lounge and garden.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder, co-childminder and children at appropriate times throughout the inspection.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector looked at children's learning records, planning documentation, the childminder's self-evaluation form and a selection of policies and children's records.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of suitability of all household members over 16 years and checked the qualifications of the childminder.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector took account of the views of parents and carers via the childminder's recent references and thank you letters.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2010 and is on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. He lives with his wife and two children aged 11 and seven years on a residential estate close to the centre of Grantham. The whole of the ground floor, and the rear garden are used for childminding. He works with his wife who is also a registered childminder. They attend toddler groups, activities at the local children's centre and visit parks on a regular basis. The childminder takes and collects children from the local schools and pre-schools. The provision operates all year round Monday to Friday, from 7am to 6pm, except for main bank holidays and family holidays. There are currently 11 children on roll, of whom, five are in the early years age group and attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder is a member of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 strengthen the outdoor provision by providing a stimulating range of resources and experiences which are accessible and open ended, to allow children to further explore, build, move and role play.

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who attend

The childminder has a secure understanding of the learning and development requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children enjoy the time they spend with the childminder and he offers a warm and welcoming environment in which children can learn and play. This helps them to feel valued, safe and happy and empowers children to make their own decisions. This results in children being enthusiastic learners, concentrating for age-appropriate periods of time at their chosen activities. The indoor environment is stimulating and enables children to follow their own interests. However, the outdoor play area for children currently does not provide extensive opportunities to cover all areas of development in an inspiring environment. This means that some children's learning outdoors is not always maximised to continually allow them play and explore for themselves. The childminder demonstrates high expectations of children and

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who attend

plans an educational programme that has depth and breadth across the seven areas of learning. He provides a well-organised, child accessible, stimulating and inviting indoor learning environment. This helps children to acquire the skills and dispositions required for the next stage in their learning and means that they are well prepared for starting school.

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who attend

Teaching is effective and children are making good progress given their starting points. Children begin to explore and extend their vocabulary because the childminder talks with them consistently about what they are doing and encourages them to respond. For example, as the younger children play he asks questions of the children to make them think, at the same time extending their play and communication skills. Older children demonstrate friendly behaviour, as they initiate conversations and form good relationships with familiar and unfamiliar adults. For example, they confidently talk to and interact with the inspector. The childminder easily gets down to the children's level as he plays with them. For example, he supports them in making a den outside and listens to their suggestions of where to place the pegs to join the material together. As a result, children are confident in their own ideas. The younger children get excited as they dress up,

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who attend

dancing around in their chosen outfit. Clearly demonstrating the characteristics of effective learning as they are eager to have a go and think critically. The childminder provides a broad range of activities and experiences, which promote children's development well in all areas. As a result, children are working comfortably within the typical range of development expected for their age. The younger children enjoy playing with the interactive toys which helps to raise their awareness of information and communication technology. Older children use the laptop to play games and they sit and watch the others playing as they wait for their turn. Children are very aware of the routines that the childminder has in place and their independence is promoted very well. For example, the children attend to their own hygiene routines and needs.

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who attend

The childminder gathers a range of information from parents about their child's interests and abilities before they begin to attend. Alongside the childminder's own initial observations, this shared approach helps to identify children's starting points. The childminder observes children during activities and make sound assessments of their abilities. He monitors children's development and progress. Parents can access their own child's records at any time. Children can consolidate their learning at home as information is shared effectively between the childminder and parents about how they can extend their child's learning at home. Children benefit from a good balance of adult-led and child- initiated activities and the routine is very flexible to enable them to pursue their own interests. The childminder has a good understanding of his responsibility to carry out progress checks for children aged between two and three years. This means that younger

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who attend

children's assessments are monitored effectively so that early intervention can be sought as necessary.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children's emotional well-being is encouraged and they are making strong bonds and attachments with the childminder and their peers. The childminder is supportive of children's needs and he demonstrates a genuine kindness towards them. Children demonstrate that they feel secure and form good emotional attachments with the childminder as they eagerly invite him into their play. Gentle encouragement by the childminder supports young children in understanding and managing their own behaviour. For example, they learn to share resources. The childminder praises children's efforts and achievements regularly, which helps boost their self-esteem and confidence. He is a positive role model and provides a calm and caring environment. The childminder requests useful information from parents, which enables him to follow young children's routines. This means they sleep and eat according to their individual needs, which supports the

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

smooth move between home and the childminding setting.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder completes risk assessments and this minimises hazards to children to promote their well-being. Children's awareness for their personal safety is well supported because the childminder uses day-to-day opportunities to discuss and talk about this. For example, on the walk to and from pre-school and school children learn about the importance of crossing the roads safely. Regular fire drills help children to know what is expected of them in a real situation. All this helps children to learn and understand how to keep themselves safe. Children have access to a range of stimulating resources, which are age and stage appropriate and support their independence as they make choices about their play. They confidently move around the ground floor playing in the different play areas both indoors and outdoors. Which demonstrates that children are in control of their own learning. Children have opportunities to learn about other cultures and beliefs as the

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

childminder provides a range of resources and activities to reflect todays diverse society. This helps children learn to value and respect others and to challenge inappropriate attitudes and practices.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder supports children in developing an understanding of the importance of healthy living. He works with parents to meet all dietary needs and ensure that all children are nourished. They provide healthy snacks and home cooked, nutritious meals. Children eagerly eat their meals and help themselves to a drink when they become thirsty. Demonstrating that they understand how to keep themselves healthy. Children have lots of opportunities to be outdoors in the fresh air. They play in the garden and walk to and from pre-school and school which provides them with daily exercise. The childminder helps children learn appropriate procedures for their personal hygiene and self-care, helping them develop increasing independence. He takes time to settle children when they first begin with him by encouraging them to undertake visits to get used to their new surroundings and routines. The childminder ensures that he is fully aware of their

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

preferences and usual routines and incorporates these into their daily care. He gathers detailed information about children's health, development and care needs prior to them attending. Therefore, the transition from home into the setting is managed well and children settle quickly. In addition, children accompany the childminder and older children to school and pre-school, which helps familiarise them with other settings. This means that they are emotionally prepared for the next stage in their learning, such as starting primary school or pre-school.

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provision

The inspection was prioritised following a notification from the childminder about an older child leaving the premises for a very short period of time. The inspection found that the childminder did everything that they could do to safeguard children. The childminder undertook a risk assessment of the security front door and where they keep their keys. The keys were in a high position away from the younger children but were at a height that the older children could reach. This was addressed with some urgency and now the keys are kept at adult height. The childminder followed his procedures and recorded in detail the incident. He appropriately informed Ofsted and all parents of the incident and action taken. The childminder has a good understanding of their responsibilities in meeting the Early Years Foundation Stage. He has a secure knowledge of child protection issues and has accessed appropriate training. This ensures that he is aware of potential signs of

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provision

abuse and neglect and has a secure understanding of his responsibilities regarding protecting children from harm. For example, he knows what he must do if he has any concerns and which agencies he must inform. Risk assessments are conducted thoroughly so children play in a safe and secure environment. The childminder has effective emergency procedures in place. This offers parents reassurance about their children's safety and welfare. The childminder successfully evaluates the provision to ensure he meets all the legal requirements. He is fully aware of when to inform Ofsted of any changes to the provision or himself that would impact on the care of the children. For example, the childminder notified Ofsted about the recent extension to increase the play space for children. The childminder and her co-childminder work together effectively to ensure they are well deployed to supervise children and promote their safety and well-

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provision

The childminder organises his documentation well. He demonstrates a positive approach to improving his professional development in order to enhance the learning, development and care of the children in the setting. He regularly attends training events to expand and enhance his knowledge and experience. Self-evaluation is suitable and supports continuous improvement for the benefit of the children who attend. Through parental references and discussions with the parents, the co-childminder and children, the childminder is positively striving towards involving others in the self-evaluation process. The childminder has a positive commitment towards monitoring and evaluating his service. He understands his responsibility in meeting the learning and development requirements. For example, he regularly reviews and monitors children's progress and planning documents to ensure they offer a broad range of activities across all areas of learning.

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provision

The childminder maintains a good two-way flow of information with parents and carers via a developmental recording system, daily diaries, newsletters, discussions and regular meetings. This ensures both parties are fully aware of the child and their needs. Relationships with parents are well established as are relationships with other early years providers that also care for the children. The childminder shares information about children's learning and development, to ensure all adults have a shared and agreed view of children's individual needs to promote the progression of their learning. Parents speak positively about the childminder. For example, they state that their child is extremely happy in their care. Parents comment that their child loves going to the childminder's setting to see their friends and do the activities with the childminders. Also, they are always greeted with smiles.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Requires improvement The provision is not giving children a good standard of early years education and/or there are minor breaches of the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. We re-inspect nurseries and pre-schools judged as requires improvement within 12 months of the date of inspection Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement action. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or

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Grade Judgement Description

is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be monitored and inspected again within six months of the date of this inspection. Met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not met There were no children present at the time of the inspection. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY413895 Local authority Lincolnshire Inspection number 984224 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 11

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘Complaints procedure: raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises, which are usually the childminder’s own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, 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. To receive regular email alerts about new publications, including survey reports and school inspection reports, please visit our website and go to ‘Subscribe’.

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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