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 225602 Inspection date 03/06/2009 Inspector Carol Johnson

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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

The childminder has been registered with Ofsted since 1983. She lives with her husband in Huncote, Leicestershire. Her husband is registered as her assistant and the childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding purposes, together with a small bedroom on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. Access to the front entrance of the childminder’s home is via a low step.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently minding five children in this age group. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. The childminder has systems in place to care for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who speak English as an additional language.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and the family has two dogs.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children's individuality is recognised and the childminder offers them a wide range of experiences that are thoughtfully planned to encourage them to develop new skills, gain knowledge and have fun. Effective partnerships are in place with their parents and strong links are in place with other settings delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to ensure consistency of care. The childminder demonstrates a good capacity for improvement but some minor amendments to her practice are required to ensure the legal requirements of the EYFS are fully met.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems to monitor and evaluate the quality of practice to further identify the setting’s strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of provision for all children.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 improve the record of risk assessment so that it includes information on who conducted it, date of review and any action taken following a review or incident (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) 10/06/2009  provide information for parents of the procedure to be 10/06/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 followed in the event of a child going missing (Safeguarding and promoting children's welfare).

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provision

The management of the provision is good. Documentation is generally well maintained and space and resources are effectively organised. The childminder has a variety of written policies and procedures that she shares with parents and these suitably support her everyday practice. The childminder affords a high priority to safety and visually checks her home and equipment on a daily basis. Written risk assessments are maintained and the childminder thoughtfully assesses and reviews safety before taking children on any outings. The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of child protection issues and ensures that children are not left unsupervised with persons that have not been appropriately vetted.

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provision

The childminder demonstrates a good awareness of her strengths and is committed to continual improvement. Since her last inspection she has fully addressed a recommendation raised in relation to the confidentiality of accident and medication records and she has attended various training courses. For example, she has attended sessions in relation to food hygiene, health and safety and child protection. The childminder regularly and informally evaluates all aspects of her provision, however, current self-evaluation methods have failed to identify that two of the legal requirements of the EYFS have not been met. The childminder has failed to share with parents the procedure that she would follow should a child go missing and her record of risk assessment lacks required detail.

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provision

The childminder has developed good partnerships with parents and other settings delivering the EYFS. She is an experienced childminder and offers care to several sibling groups and children of various ages and abilities. She and her husband have formed strong friendships with many of the parents and she has received an array of letters from parents and children that confirm the good quality service that she provides. Comments on these letters include references to how happy children are in her care and the wide range of experiences they enjoy. The childminder has forged strong links with other local childcare providers and this benefits children greatly. She regularly exchanges important information with staff at these settings and this helps to ensure coherence and consistency of care for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder’s home is warm and welcoming and children are at ease with the childminder and her family. The childminder has a calm and warm manner and children receive plenty of affection and a good level of interaction. She encourages their language and communication skills through actively involving them in conversations, asking questions and listening with interest to their responses. With younger children she responds appropriately to their attempts at communication and recognises whether they are hungry, tired or just wanting attention. The childminder talks to their parents about home routines and parenting practices and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 this enables her to provide consistency and reassurance. Children behave well and are developing positive attitudes towards others through everyday discussions and experiences. Older children help to support the younger ones and children’s all-

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

round skills are increased as they learn from one another.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are motivated and making good progress in all areas of learning. This is because the childminder knows the children in her care well and offers a range of experiences that suit their individual needs and interest them. For example, children participate in a variety of craft activities, go on outings, read books and listen to music. The childminder sensitively observes children and thoughtfully uses what she sees, together with information gained through discussions with parents to assess individual children's progress and identify the next steps in their learning. She demonstrates a good knowledge of how children develop and learn and is aware of the value of working with other provisions delivering the EYFS, for example, the local school and playgroup, to enhance children's care and development.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have an abundance of space in which to play and rest and have access to a wide variety of good quality and developmentally-appropriate resources. Toys are stored in various places around the childminder's home and a selection is put out by the childminder, on a daily basis, to enhance and support children's play and learning. She carefully considers children’s individual and collective needs and preferences and children know that they can ask for things that they cannot see or reach. The childminder helps children to learn during everyday routines and they are developing a sense of independence and responsibility as they help to prepare food for mealtimes, lay and clear the table and help tidy away toys. They learn about the need for safety and are reminded why it is important that they wash their hands before touching food. Children are motivated to persevere and succeed with tasks because the childminder praises their efforts and is at hand to provide

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s overall good health and welfare is effectively promoted. Food provided by the childminder is healthy and nutritious and children receive plenty of fresh air and exercise as they regularly play out in the childminder's garden and go for walks in the local environment. Children walk to and from school and the childminder ensures that they understand the need to observe road safety rules; young children know that they must stay on the pavement and hold the childminder’s hand. 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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