Childminder in Leicester

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 226557 Inspection date 06/10/2008 Inspector Susan Andrews

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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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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 1996. She lives with her husband and children aged 18, 16 and nine years in the New Parks area of Leicester City. The premises can be easily accessed by all children. The ground floor living room, kitchen, playroom and toilet facilities are primarily used for childcare purposes. However, the first floor, including the family bathroom, is also used on occasions and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. When working alone or with an assistant she may care for a maximum of six children at any one time during the daytime and up to three children for overnight care. She is currently minding two children under five years plus older children before and after school, all of whom attend on a part-time basis.

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Description of the childminding

Schools, parks, shops and places of interest are within easy walking or driving distance. The family has six rabbits, two guinea pigs and an aviary of birds located in the garden. In the living room the family keeps a pet snake in a locked glass fronted cabinet and tropical fish are kept in an aquarium. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has experience of supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, and those who have English as an additional language.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a welcoming and caring environment for all children. They are settled and happy at the setting. Children are treated as individuals and the childminder works closely with parents and other professionals to ensure their specific needs are met. Systems for gathering relevant information, for example, dietary, health needs and daily routines are in place. The home is clean, well organised and suitably equipped, enabling children to participate in a varied range of activities that form the basis of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder routinely evaluates and reviews her practice to maintain continuous improvement. Consequently, children's care, play and learning is generally supported.

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further?

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

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further?

 use observations and assessments to more effectively identify children's individual learning needs and provide a range of challenging and enjoyable learning experiences to further enhance their progression through all areas of learning and development.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must: This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006  conduct a comprehensive risk assessment and ensure a record is kept clearly stating when it was carried out, by whom, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register) 20/10/2008

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provision

Children's welfare is generally promoted because children are always carefully supervised, so that they do not have contact with unauthorised adults. The childminder recognises the signs and symptoms of abuse and has a secure awareness of safeguarding reporting procedures.

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provision

The childminder provides a range of play and learning opportunities. However, children's individual learning needs are not effectively identified, as the childminder does not use ongoing observations and assessments to plan for children's next steps. Consequently, they may not make as much progress in their learning and development as they could. She understands the importance of liaising effectively with parents, schools and other agencies and works closely with them to promote consistency of care.

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provision

A range of records, policies and procedures is in place and useful information is gathered from parents at the time a child is placed at the setting. Appropriate records are maintained regarding accidents, the administration of medication and the required written consents are obtained from parents, therefore, children's general well-being is safeguarded. The fire evacuation plan has been devised and is practised and the childminder is mindful of general health and safety issues. However, risk assessments are not conducted and some hazardous items in the kitchen are within children's reach, which could place them at risk of harm.

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provision

The childminder has a clear, realistic awareness of her own provision and identifies areas for improvement when necessary. For example, she is committed to improving her knowledge and awareness of relevant issues through further training in areas such as food safety, helping anxious children and makaton.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a suitable range of activities and play equipment to engage children's interest and to help them make steady progress. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care and they have developed warm and positive relationships. Children are well behaved and show they care and have consideration for others. For example, they willingly share toys and take turns. The childminder provides a secure environment where they feel confident to express their own needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children move freely between different activities and play areas and make their own choices from the range of resources available. The childminder interacts effectively This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 with the children, listening to them, asking questions and engaging them in conversation to support and promote their language and communication skills. The childminder is sensitive to the needs of children whose first language is not English. Consequently they feel valued and their self-esteem is promoted. Children show an early interest in stories, rhymes and number games, snuggling close to the childminder to play 'round and round the garden'. However, the lack of effective observations and assessments to identify children's individual learning needs may delay their progression through all areas of learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder generally provides an environment for children to rest and play in safety. Security is appropriate and she has a good awareness of child protection issues. However, risk assessments are not conducted and hazardous items are accessible in the kitchen, this means that children's welfare is not fully safeguarded. The childminder encourages children to be active and understands the benefits of physical activity. She adopts healthy habits such as good hygiene practices and makes healthy choices about what children eat and drink. Children have free access to drinking water, particularly in hot weather or after physical exercise, so that they remain well-hydrated.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children gain awareness of the wider community as they go on walks and outings to school, places of interest, the park and meet up with other childminders. They begin to grasp an awareness of technology as they explore programmable toys. Children engage in outdoor activities that develop their physical skills and co-ordination. Their creativity is promoted as they select from a range of resources to create their own pictures which they display in the kitchen. They enjoy participating in role play, for example, making a pretend cup of tea to share with the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has experience of caring for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those children who speak English as an additional language. All children have equal access to activities and equipment and as a result, their self- esteem is enhanced and they feel valued and included. The childminder helps children make general progress through literacy, numeracy and technology to develop their choice and decision-making. Consequently, this aids their development to become inquisitive and independent learners through their play and communication. 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

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound 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? Satisfactory The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? Satisfactory

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How well are children safeguarded? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? Satisfactory How well are children helped to be healthy? Satisfactory How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? Satisfactory How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? Satisfactory

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being? Satisfactory

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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

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report regarding suitability and safety of premises and equipment 20/10/2008

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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

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report regarding suitability and safety of premises and equipment 20/10/2008 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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