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 EY136712 Inspection date 11/03/2009 Inspector Claire Jenner

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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

Children only attend this setting before and/or after the school day and/or during the school holidays. The judgements in this report reflect the quality of early years provision offered to children during those periods.

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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 2001. She lives with her partner and two children aged three and eight years in a village in Leicestershire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is level access to the property. There is a fully enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent/toddler group and takes children to the local library and park. The family have no pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for five children at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding four children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The provision is registered by Ofsted on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder provides a safe and welcoming environment for all children. The premises and organisation of the day means that children can participate in a range of activities across the six areas of learning. She works closely with parents to ensure information is shared and updated regularly so that children's individual needs are met. She has begun to forge links with other providers to help children receive a coordinated service. Developing use of self-evaluation has enabled the childminder to identify areas that will enhance her service to children.

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further?

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

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further?

 review systems to ensure that records, policies and procedures are well maintained and in good order  further develop systems to make observations and assessments and use these to identify learning priorities and plan relevant and motivating learning experiences for each child.

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provision

The childminder has a clear understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and is able to implement this well to improve outcomes for children. She has begun to use self-evaluation effectively to identify areas for improvement. For example, she has taken time to find out and seek advice from her link officer, has accessed current guidance and literature and is undertaking relevant training. All the required records, policies and procedures are in place and contain the necessary detail. However, these are a little unorganised and not all are easily This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 accessible.

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provision

Children's care, welfare and safety are suitably promoted because the childminder understands what she has to do to keep children safe and has taken positive steps to minimise potential risks. For example, written risk assessments are in place and reviewed regularly and the childminder conducts a visual daily assessment of the premises prior to children arriving. She is vigilant about children's safety when in the home and when on outings. For example, using appropriate restraints, such as reins when out walking and appropriate car seats when in the car. The childminder has a good understanding of safeguarding children and recognising the signs of abuse and whom to contact to ensure they are protected.

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provision

Positive relationships between the childminder and parents are positive . The childminder appreciates the importance of maintaining clear and regular communication with them and provides daily feedback about their child's day and achievements. In addition to this, she also shares her written policies and procedures by, for example, including information on complaints and details of the observations and photographs she makes on their child's play and development. The introduction of parental and child questionnaires provides them with additional opportunities to express their ideas and comments to the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's health is well-promoted as they learn about good hygiene through everyday routines, such as hand washing before eating or after playing outside. Children's health is further promoted as the childminder provides a good range of meals and snacks for the children, which includes fresh fruit, crackers, pasta and fresh vegetables. Daily opportunities to play outdoors and use a range of resources provide children with the chance to enjoy the fresh air and be physically active. Children learn how to keep themselves safe as the childminder introduces simple ground rules and reminds them of what they can and cannot do, such as, not running when inside and walking together on the way back from school. Children gain an awareness of technology as they explore battery operated toys and press the buttons on the 'robot' to make different sounds. They begin to learn about the wider world through frequent trips to the local community, acknowledging a range

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

of festivals and accessing a range of resources that reflect other cultures and lifestyles.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have good opportunities to learn and develop through a range of adult-led and child-initiated activities. The childminder knows the children well and ensures they have easy access to a range of toys and resources relevant to their interests and capabilities. The environment is planned effectively to enable children to move freely within the identified play spaces, for example, by building a track for the train and cars in the lounge or using glue and collage materials in the dining room. They generally have easy access to equipment and are confident to ask for assistance should it be required. The childminder has started to record children's learning and development and has begun to use the information to ascertain what children know and can do. However, this does not clearly identify individual children's next steps in learning to provide clear information when planning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well and understand what is expected of them as the childminder uses clear and consistent messages to ensure they understand. She acts as a good role model and encourages them to reflect on their actions and the impact it has on others. Children receive lots of praise from the childminder and all children's achievements are recognised. As a result, children feel confident and secure in her care. 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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