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 225485 Inspection date 21/07/2009 Inspector Georgina Walker

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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 was registered in 1987. She lives with her husband and teenage child. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. Access to the premises is via one step. The childminder drives to the schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent, carer and toddler groups and takes children to the local library and parks. She shares and seeks verbal information in partnership with other early years settings the children attend.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and voluntary part of the Childcare Register to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding two children, one in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) age range. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. A child-friendly environment is created to ensure all children are included and enjoy their time with the childminder. A stimulating range of experiences are provided for children, however, there is limited evidence each area of learning is regularly included and plans for the next steps of progress has not been fully instigated. Self-evaluation, with targets for improvement, is incomplete and the requirement to formalise indoor risk assessments had been missed, although the premises are safe. A range of policies and procedures shared with parents ensures the welfare of the children is generally promoted, however the fire evacuation procedures do not reflect the use of the whole house. Comprehensive information about each child is not sought or collated to ensure children are fully safeguarded and specific needs met.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the fire evacuation procedures to reflect the use of the rooms upstairs and the provision of overnight care  devise systems to show the children engage in activities in each of the areas of learning on a regular basis and consistently record the next steps of progress  ensure all documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the setting contains all current details as required in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and is directly available to contribute to the welfare and safeguarding of the children.

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further?

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

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further?

 provide evidence of how the indoor spaces, furniture 07/08/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and toys are safe and suitable for their purpose by conducting a risk assessment and reviewing regularly- at least once a year or more frequently where the need arises (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) also applies to the Compulsory and Voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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provision

The childminder has adapted her extensive experience and knowledge to develop the implementation of the EYFS in a professional manner and has set realistic targets to continuously improve. Training is accessed in a wide range of subjects demonstrating the childminder's commitment to increasing her knowledge which she implements to ensure children's safety and well-being. However, risk assessments for indoors are not recorded although daily checks are undertaken to promote children's safety and they have a clear understanding of the fire evacuation procedures, which are now regularly practised. These procedures do not extend to evacuation from the first floor, which is used both in the day and when children are accommodated overnight, therefore some aspects of them learning about safety is compromised. The childminder and her assistant meet the qualification criteria as they hold first aid certificates to meet children's needs in

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provision

the event of an accident. However, the information held on each child is recorded in a range of documents and therefore some detail is inconsistently available for use if an accident should occur when the children are off the premises. The records do not contain all the detail as required in the EYFS framework.

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provision

A range of policies and procedures are given to parents to sign and effective partnerships are promoted through discussion and the sharing of development folders. Parents are encouraged to verbally share what they know about their child's developmental progress. Visits prior to the commencement of the placement ensure each child integrates at their own unique pace and inclusion is successfully promoted. However, the childminder does not record all the detail on the children's record sheets for future use. Parents and children contribute to the inspection process and evaluation of the service provided. The childminder has made attempts to develop meaningful liaison with other providers delivering the EYFS and promoted such activities as colour recognition to increase children's awareness.

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provision

Good hygiene practices are followed to prevent the risk of infection. Children are aware of why they must wash and wipe hands to prevent the spread of germs and clean themselves after messy play or wash before baking. The indoor environment is warm and welcoming as the conservatory has been adapted into a playroom where children have free access to the outdoor play area, covered by a veranda to allow access to fresh air even if it is raining. This leads to using their own initiative to instigate play, including water play and measuring resources, or the cones, sponges and household items in the basket which increases awareness of textures. Photographs of the children engaged in an exciting range of activities both on and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 off the premises contribute to their inclusion in the household. They enjoy a wide range of outings, where their safety is assured as written risk assessments are

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provision

completed. They eat meals at the low picnic tables, also used for crafts indoors or out, and there is a dining table, where older children can play with small items which may pose a hazard to younger children. An excellent range of resources are available to choose from or children request them from the book the childminder has made to assist children who have limited vocabulary and they point to the toys they wish to play with. Many are stored in the shed or upstairs. Following the previous inspection the childminder has increased resources and activities to promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practise. Two other recommendations have been adequately met to assist in safeguarding the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder supports learning through an interesting range of activities although she does not have sufficient evidence in the range of children's files to ensure each area is regularly covered. Children's abilities are, however, successfully extended and observation and assessment is used to ensure that children achieve targets. The observations contain clear detail of what the child learnt from the activity, what aspects of learning were achieved and next steps have recently been noted in the records. Activities are adapted for children whatever age and stage they are at.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop a positive awareness of themselves and their needs through the support of the childminder. They engage in walks, outings or outdoor play each day which provide opportunities for physical play in the garden or local parks. The children are encouraged to be active and healthy and enjoy using the extensive variety of toys in the garden, including the swimming pool on warm days, or learn to throw and catch, climb, slide and run in the park. They grow a wide variety of vegetables and eagerly await harvest time to include the food in their meals. Their meals are healthy and nutritious, regularly including a roast meal and different tastes from around the world and the menu is discussed with parents to ensure a balanced diet. Children drink water, juice or milk to meet thirst needs. The children learn how to share with the wide age range of children who usually attend. They are well-behaved as they follow the rules, which are displayed in the conservatory,

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are eager to play and learn in stimulating surroundings. Language is age appropriately developed as the childminder and her assistant constantly talk to the children, extending their learning. They use phonic sounds and children have access to a wide variety of books, including those with positive images of the diversities within society to reaffirm differences and acceptance. Children are supported to develop problem solving and other mathematical skills and use words spontaneously when discussing the colour, size and shape of inter-connecting toys being sorted into boxes. They use tools with good dexterity and learn many skills for their future. The children have access to battery operated toys and a computer and quickly learn to use the mouse and keyboard to follow programmes. Their imaginations are substantially developed with the support of the childminder and 'hide and seek' games are a particular favourite which often end in laughter.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 provide evidence of how a risk assessment of the premises and equipment is undertaken at least once a year or immediately where the need for assessment arises and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to minimise any identified risks (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) also applies to the Voluntary part of the Childcare Register. 07/08/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the compulsory part of the Childcare Register (Suitability and Safety of Premises and Equipment) 07/08/2009  demonstrate how the childminding training already undertaken complies with the principles of the ‘common core skills and knowledge for the children’s workforce’ by checking with the local authority or provide evidence of how you will obtain a relevant childcare qualification by the required date (Qualifications and training). 07/08/2009

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