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 225161 Inspection date 15/01/2009 Inspector Lynn Dent

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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 2000. She lives with her husband and one child aged 12 years in Burton-on-the-Wolds in Leicestershire. Most of the childminder's house is used for childminding and toilet facilities are available on the first floor. Access to the premises is by one step. 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 to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for five children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the library and the park. The family has a pet dog. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder also makes provision for children older than the early years age group and is registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children make good progress in their learning and development due to effective organisation by the childminder who provides appropriate activities and experiences. She observes children and has made a good start in documenting information to show their progression and their learning priorities. The childminder shows a limited understanding of procedures to access support for children with learning difficulties. The childminder meets children's individual needs by working closely with parents and other professionals to ensure that relevant information is shared. Most written policies are detailed and shared with parents so that they understand the service provided.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the safeguarding policy shared with parents to ensure they have the relevant contact information  improve knowledge of how to access specialist help to promote inclusive practice. This is with regard to the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice  continue to develop assessment procedures of children's learning and development.

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provision

The childminder has developed a range of policies and procedures that underpin her work and demonstrate her knowledge of good childcare practices. These are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 shared with parents ensuring that they are fully informed of her methods to protect children and promote their welfare. However, parents do not have the contact details for the relevant safeguarding agencies. Therefore, these are not readily available although the childminder shares this information on request. Records about children are well documented and shared with parents promoting continuity in their child's care, development and learning. The childminder makes time to talk with parents daily enabling her to give feedback about the progress children are making whilst in her care. Links with the local playgroup are in place and ensure that information is shared and children receive consistency in their

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provision

experiences and learning, and enable all parties to support children to achieve.

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provision

The childminder has a positive attitude to improving the service she provides. A recent self-evaluation enabled her to identify her strengths and areas for future development. Discussions are held with parents and children enabling the childminder to review her practice and make positive improvements. The childminder has updated her training in first aid and demonstrates a commitment to personal development as she has attended training in the Early Years Foundation Stage. However, her understanding of how to implement the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice is limited. Consequently, there may be a delay in accessing the specialist support that children need to reach their full potential. Children are well protected because the childminder conducts and documents regular risk assessments ensuring that steps are taken to reduce the likelihood of accidents in the home and when on outings. The childminder demonstrates a

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provision

secure knowledge of the indicators of child abuse and the relevant safeguarding procedures. This ensures that children's welfare is protected.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder uses her knowledge of the EYFS to plan and provide learning experiences through play. Children's current stage of development and learning are promoted and they are challenged to achieve more because the childminder skilfully adapts activities to take account of children's interests and development. For example, inset jigsaws at various levels of difficulty are provided. Younger children enjoy looking at the pictures and older children can identify and insert numbers correctly on a clock. The childminder uses the EYFS document well to ensure that all six areas of learning are equally covered through daily activities and experiences. She has started to observe and monitor children's progress and is beginning to use the information to identify their achievements and future learning priorities; further implementation of these will ensure that all children are making progress in their learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's learning is extended through incidental experiences particularly when away from home. Whilst on a walk the children observe a butterfly. On returning home they paint pictures of butterflies which enables them to learn about patterns and express their creativity. Frequent opportunities are provided for children to make choices and initiate play helping them to be active learners. The childminder is proficient in supporting the children's play and children are confident and actively initiate activities with her. They approach her with toys to indicate what they want to do. This results in the child identifying, matching and sorting simple This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 shapes. Children learn about their local community during trips out and explore aspects of the wider world through planned activities. They enjoy craft activities, such as making advent calendars at Christmas and tasting fortune cookies at

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Chinese New Year. Children's language skills are well supported because the childminder uses a range of words and sentence structures to extend and build their vocabulary during play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health is well promoted as they follow appropriate routines for reducing the risk of spreading germs. They receive a nutritious diet and babies are bottle fed as required. Children benefit from fresh air and exercise during walks to school and visits to local parks. The childminder is trained and able to administer specialist medication, such as an Epipen which means that children's health is protected. The children show developing social skills as they begin to play alongside their friends with cars. The childminder periodically reminds children about the importance of caring for their friends ensuring that they develop harmonious relationships. The childminder's calm approach and sensitive methods for managing behaviour ensures a positive result. Children are frequently praised which reinforces good behaviour and promotes their positive self-esteem. Opportunities are seized to help children to learn to keep themselves safe, through

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

discussions about road safety and practising the emergency evacuation procedure. The home is organised to provide adequate space for children to play and rest in comfortable surroundings and the good management of routines accommodates children's needs. 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? 2 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? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 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: 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 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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