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

p.1

Unique reference number 225453 Inspection date 28/01/2009 Inspector Kate Bryan

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder has been registered since 1993. She lives with her husband and two children aged 18 and 16 years in a house on the outskirts of Loughborough. Access to the home is by a small step. Minded children have access to the whole of the first floor, where toilet facilities are available, and two bedrooms on the first floor for sleeping. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outdoor play and the family has a dog and two cats.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children and currently has four children on roll.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder attends a local childminding support group and cares for children on the Early Years Register, the Childcare Register and the Voluntary Register.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is good. Children are settled and happy because the childminder welcomes them into her home and works closely with parents to ensure she can meet their individual needs. She offers a good range of activities to promote children's play, development and learning and they enjoy regular trips into the local community.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The home is well organised to ensure children are kept safe and the childminder has a good knowledge of the areas of learning which she uses to ensure children make progress and enjoy their time at her home. Good use of self-evaluation has enabled the childminder to identify areas for development that will enhance her service to children.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 ensure that parents sign to acknowledge medication given to children  ensure that arrangements are in place to liaise with others who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage to children.

p.3

provision

The childminder has used self-evaluation effectively to reflect upon her practice and identify any areas for improvement. For example, make more written observations on children. This has helped to promote children's welfare, care and safety. She has a Level 3 qualification in childcare, a first aid qualification and has undertaken training in the Early Years Foundation Stage and this demonstrates her commitment to improving her service to children. The childminder ensures parents are aware of their child's learning as she has sent out a newsletter about the Early This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Years Foundation Stage and uses daily diaries and 'Memory Books' as a record of what they have enjoyed at her home. Children's starting points are also identified with parents so the childminder can build on their strengths and interests.

p.3

provision

Most required records, policies and procedures are well maintained although parents have not signed to acknowledge medication given to children. The childminder also has a range of policies and procedures which are shared with parents when they visit, for example, an Equal Opportunities policy. Policies also include procedures for safeguarding children and the childminder has a good understanding of making sure children are protected from harm and who to report concerns to.

p.4

provision

A good range of safety measures are in place within the home, for example a fireguard, and equipment is regularly checked and cleaned to ensure it is safe for children to use. A written risk assessment supports practice and trips out are also assessed so children's safety is maintained. The childminder also ensures household members are appropriately vetted and children are never left with anyone who has not been cleared. This enhances safety measures in place.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health is well promoted as they have daily opportunities for outdoor play and regularly visit parks which promote challenges for children as they use large equipment, such as climbing frames. The childminder ensures drinks are always available for children and provides fruit for snacks so they have healthy options.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children learn effectively to be responsible for their own safety within the home because the childminder explains possible hazards to them, for example, not touching the television, and the consequences of this. During outings the childminder explains to children about road safety and stranger danger so they understand about being safe.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Within the home, space is well organised to enable children to participate in a varied range of activities. Children are encouraged to make choices about what they want to play with as the childminder has cards with toys on which they can pick. This means all children gain confidence in selecting resources.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a good awareness of allowing children to initiate their own activities and of being flexible when planning activities. This ensures children's interests are built on and all areas of learning are covered equally. Good written observations support children's learning journeys and she uses expected milestones for assessment purposes to show what children have learnt and need to learn next.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of making sure all children have the opportunity to be involved in activities and actively encourages children of all ages to play together, this also helps them to learn to share. Children behave well because the childminder makes good use of simple house rules so they know what is expected of them and lots of praise and encouragement to let them know their This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 behaviour has been acknowledged. The childminder spends time talking to young children and uses phonics to progress their understanding of words. A good range of books are also easily accessible which promotes children's choice and interests. Children enjoy making things and have been involved in designing T-shirts and baking cakes. They also enjoy nature walks and have cut out leaves to make pictures.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children acknowledge a range of festivals and the childminder promotes children's awareness of the local community by trips and attendance at local groups. This enhances their knowledge and understanding of the world and helps them to socialise. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

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

p.7

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.

p.8

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.

p.8

Detail of the complaint/s

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action.

p.8

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.

p.8