Childminder in Leicestershire

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 EY349132 Inspection date 20/10/2008 Inspector Ros Church

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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 2007. She lives with her husband and young child in a village near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding, sleep and toilet facilities are available on both floors. There is an enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The family has three dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under the age of eight at any one time and currently cares for four children part-time on the Early Years Register. The provision is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are well supported by the childminder who consistently promotes their welfare, she ensures they are safe and secure and their individual needs are met. She provides them with a range of activities generally suitable for their developmental needs and ensures that her practice is inclusive for all children in her care. The childminder is in the early stages of introducing a system which monitors children's progress and achievements. The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure that children's welfare needs are appropriately met. The childminder is committed to improving the provision for all children and identifies areas which will help her to develop the care and education she provides.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the use of observations and assessments to identify learning priorities and use to plan activities relevant to children's next steps in learning  develop the information shared with parents and other carers to include learning and development, with particular reference to identifying children's starting points.

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provision

Children are well protected at all times because safeguarding procedures are secure. The childminder has a good knowledge of local child protection procedures and understands her responsibilities for the children in her care. An effective system for identifying and minimising risks is in place to ensure children are safe in her care whether they are in the home or on outings. The childminder has up to date knowledge of first aid and has clear procedures in place for dealing with any accidents and the administration of medication if required. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Records, policies and procedures are in place and updated regularly to promote positive outcomes for children. Children's records are well maintained and kept confidential. The childminder provides parents with general information about her service which includes the policies and procedures. She obtains information from

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provision

parents regarding children's care and individual needs prior to her caring for children. However, information regarding their starting points in learning are not identified, which does not give a clear basis on which to build children's learning and development. Parents of babies and younger children are provided with a daily diary which includes routine care and activities, this helps to promote consistency in their care.

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provision

The childminder is aware of the benefits of evaluating her practice and is in the early stages of completing the self-evaluation document. This, together with her commitment to training and personal development enables her to strive to make continual improvements.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health and well-being are promoted effectively because the childminder promotes good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of cross-infection. For example, children learn the importance of keeping clean and washing their hands before meals and snacks. Meals and snacks are balanced and nutritious, so helping to promote children's healthy food choices. Children can access drinks as they require from their individual drinking containers. Opportunities which include walks around the village and visits to local parks encourage children to be physically active. Children learn to keep themselves safe through activities and discussions with the childminder, these include learning about road safety when on outings and practising the fire evacuation procedures. Older children also learn about the safety of play equipment when younger children and babies are present.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cared for in a comfortable environment where good space is available for them to participate in a variety of activities. Toys and equipment are clean and well maintained and available for children to make choices in their play and learn to be independent. The childminder develops warm and caring relationships with the children, this helps them to feel secure and confident within their surroundings. The childminder provides a varied range of activities which generally meet children's developmental needs. For example, the childminder provides activities which encourage children to be creative and explore different media and materials such as play dough, and various different textures to create pictures. Children enjoy choosing books and sharing these with others where they listen to favourite stories. Younger children enjoy looking at picture books and practising familiar words and learning new ones. The childminder informally observes children to find out their

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

interests and what they can do, and is in the early stages of setting up a system to monitor and assess children's progress. However, this is not yet effective to ensure that each child's learning priorities are identified and used to plan activities relevant to their next steps in learning. Children are provided with opportunities outside the home to widen their experiences which include outings to Belton House, Twin Lakes and White Post Farm. Children learn and respect the rules of the house such as to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 take off shoes and coats when entering the home, they learn to share, take turns and help those younger than themselves. The childminder promotes children's good behaviour and achievements through giving praise and encouragement, this helps to develop children's self-esteem and confidence. 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? Good The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement. Good

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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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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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

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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: 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 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 registration.

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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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