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 225524 Inspection date 22/04/2009 Inspector Alison Putnar

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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 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

This childminder registered in 1992. She lives with her husband and two teenage children in a semi-detached house, in a residential area of Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Children can use the hall, lounge/diner and kitchen, and the first floor bathroom. There is an enclosed garden area for outdoor play. The family have a pet cat and a goldfish. The premises are accessed by low steps.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children under eight years old at any one time. There are nine children attending in total, six children are in the early year’s age range. The childminder is registered on the early years register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The provision is satisfactory overall. The childminder has a positive attitude to making improvements and has begun to review her service identifying areas to extend to benefit the children further. She has an expanding understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and as a result provides some worthwhile activities that help children to make sound progress in development as they play. Relationships with parents are secure and systems of communication ensure children's care needs are accommodated. Methods for discussing and planning for children's progress are less effective currently. Children's welfare is protected effectively.

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further?

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

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further?

 expand observations and records of children's development to ensure children are making progress in all six areas of learning equally. Identify next steps for individuals development and use these to plan future activities to help children to build on the skills they already have and reach their full potential  improve the two way flow of information with parents and other settings children attend to promote a shared understanding of children’s individual needs and to provide continuity in children's learning and development  expand systems to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the setting, taking action to address any weaker areas identified, to ensure that the individual needs of all children are met effectively.

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provision

The childminder organises her home well to provide a safe and secure environment. This is accomplished through close monitoring of children while they play, eat and sleep. Written risk assessments have been completed to further This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 reduce the likelihood of accidents in the home and when on trips. A welcoming environment is created. Toys are stored in accessible units enabling children to make choices and settle to play quickly. The childminder has a secure understanding of systems to safeguard children in her care and of procedures to report any concerns for children's welfare should the need arise.

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provision

Good relationships are evident between the childminder and children. She builds her knowledge of individuals requirements through communicating with parents during sensitive settling in sessions. Most required information is documented to aid the childminder in meeting individual needs, although, records about children's personal details lack some details. Parents report they value the supportive, homely environment provided. Methods for discussing children's progress are largely informal and do not fully incorporate the views of parents and other settings the children attend. Positively, the childminder is beginning to make some records of children's progress gathering photographs, art work and making some notes about what children have learnt. These records are not yet used to ensure that children are making progress in all six areas of learning equally.

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provision

The childminder has attended required training including first aid and shows a positive commitment to developing her knowledge through attending a variety of courses about play, child development and safety issues. She has acquired a range of policies which generally reflect her practice, these are shared with parents enabling them to gain knowledge of the way the setting operates and the childminders roles and responsibilities. The childminder informally gains feedback from parents. She has recently completed a self-evaluation of her service to highlight areas for improvement to bring about positive changes for the children, such as using information gained from children's assessments to plan for future learning. She now needs time to take action to address these areas to show maximum benefit on their learning and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children enjoy their play and make steady progress in development as they explore a varied range of toys and resources. The garden is used well to offer wider learning experiences. For example, they develop their knowledge and understanding of the world as they grow herbs using their senses exploring the feel and smell of the plants. They observe birds and insects in the garden and collect leaves to make collage pictures. Water and sand are provided with a range of different pots and tubs helping children to explore early mathematical concepts using language to describe the correct size. These outdoor experiences along with trips to local parks, library and shops provide good opportunities for children to benefit from the fresh air and exercise promoting their good health. The childminder is also keen to use these activities to help children to learn about safety; talking about and practising crossing roads safely together.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Appropriate methods are used to manage children's behaviour. Younger ones are gently reminded to share and take turns with some successes. Children are polite and get on well together. They are confident to access toys and resources in the home and to voice their wishes. They snuggle with the childminder to share a story This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 following a child's request. A range of books and regular visits to the library are used as a useful tool to support early reading and to extend language skills. The childminder is keen to let children choose activities to ensure they are interested and active. Observations of children's development are not yet used effectively to highlight and plan for their next steps in progress, as a result children may frequently re-visit skills they already have rather than learning new ones and reaching their full potential.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are well supported and comforted, they regularly enjoy the cuddles and interaction from the childminder. She shows genuine care and appropriate affection to the children enabling them to thrive in the calm and relaxed environment. Resources are provided that enable children to explore similarities and differences in society through positive experiences. They play with dolls reflecting a wide range of cultures, access dressing up and take part in craft activities for a variety of special events and festivals. Children develop a sense of belonging through a variety of methods such as creating their own place mat for meal times. 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? 3 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? 3 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

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