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 225349 Inspection date 16/01/2009 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 1995. She lives with her child aged 14 years in Loughborough in Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and toilet facilities are available on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. There is level access to the premises.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children and has seven children on roll. She minds with a co-childminder, and together they may care for a maximum of 12 children. Currently they are caring for 11 children in the Early Years Foundation Stage between them. Both childminders have joint responsibility for the childminding practice.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group, takes children to the library and the toy library and to the park. 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. She is registered on the Early Years Register and compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are treated as individuals because the childminder works closely with parents to collect information about their care and routines, and keeps them informed on a daily basis about their child's day. Consistency for children is developed because the childminder works in partnership with other childcare providers. The childminder has an increasing understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and uses this to ensure that children are developing and learning well. Systems for assessing and tracking children's progress are very new, as such they do not yet fully identify children's next steps for learning. Children are cared for in a generally safe environment. Procedures to self-evaluate the provision are in the early stages.

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further?

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

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further?

 make hazards in the garden safe or inaccessible to children. This is with regard to slate tiles  develop systems to collect information regarding children’s starting points across the areas of learning  develop systems further to identify what children can do and what they need to learn next in all areas of learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

Children's welfare, learning and development are promoted well because the childminder continues to update her knowledge and skills through training. The childminder carries out risk assessments daily and considers potential risks to children in her care and takes steps to reduce accidents. As a result the home is safe and suitably equipped for children. However, slate tiles in the garden pose a risk to children's safety. Children's welfare is suitably protected because the childminder can implement the appropriate safeguarding procedures. The childminder has started to self-evaluate her provision and also uses questionnaires with parents and children to do this. As a result she can identify areas for improvement and adapt her practices accordingly to benefit the children.

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provision

Policies and procedures are maintained well and shared with parents enabling them to fully understand the service provided and be confident that their children receive good care. Good systems are in place to collect information about the children's care and routines. As a result, the childminder is able to cater for personal requirements. However, there is currently very little information collected regarding each child's current stage of development and learning. Consequently, the childminder does not have all the necessary information to allow her to build on what they already know and can do. The childminder ensures that parents are kept informed of their child's progress and learning by sharing records.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit because the childminder considers their individual needs consistently. As a result the routines for younger children are managed well. A quiet space is provided for children to sleep and rest, while others continue to play. The overall planning for the day ensures that children have time for adult-led activities and to initiate their own play. Children show that they have good social skills as they play harmoniously with their friends. These skills are further promoted by visiting local community groups and meeting up with others of a similar age. Children also benefit from wider learning experiences in different environments such as going on walks and visits to farms and local places of interest. The home and resources are well organised enabling children to make choices in their play, and space is managed well to enable several different activities to occur at the same time. The enabling environment means that children

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

can take their play in a range of directions. For example, during imaginative play they become birds and talk to the childminder about how to care for them. The accessible ground floor toilet ensures that children's personal independence is fostered, with the childminder close at hand to offer support as required.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's good health is effectively promoted. As a result they understand the importance of good hygiene and enjoy fruit at snack time. The childminder ensures that children use the garden and frequently walk to and from school and playgroups to benefit from fresh air and exercise. Children learn about safe practices during everyday events. For example, they know that when the smoke alarm sounds there is a danger of fire, and practise how to leave the home safely. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The home is kept clean and the childminder is mindful to clean high chairs and other equipment to minimise the risk of germs spreading. Children show good behaviour because they understand the realistic rules that they must follow. They have good self-esteem because they receive praise for their achievements. Children have equal access to all toys and activities promoting gender-free play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Close working relationships with parents ensures that their preferences and cultural needs are respected.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Methods for assessing and planning for children's progress are developing, however, these do not yet clearly show their learning priorities in all areas, although they reflect that all children are making good progress overall. A good variety of activities are provided helping children to make progress in all six areas of learning. For example, children develop their early writing skills during sand play and craft activities. This enables them to become confident and older children are able to write independently. Children are imaginative in their play and use their language well to negotiate and take on different roles. Younger children are encouraged to use their own communications systems to make their needs known and to develop early talking. All children develop an interests in books because the childminder spends time reading to them. Older or more able children can identify their name and can link sounds to letters showing phonetic knowledge. Children

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

show they can identify colours as they choose which plate and cup to use at snack time. Children enjoy playing with instruments as they enthusiastically sing well- known rhymes. 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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