Childminder, Out-of school day care 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 225551 Inspection date 17/08/2009 Inspector Lynn Dent

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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

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 1989. She lives with her husband and three adult sons in Waltham on the Wolds in Leicestershire. The ground floor and the bathroom and toilet on the first floor of the childminder’s house are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local carer and toddler group, takes children to the park. The family has two pet dogs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently caring for six children in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 13 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory. The childminder provides a suitable range of developmentally appropriate activities and, organises toys and resources so that children can access them at will. Activities to help children learn about different cultures and beliefs are limited. The childminder works with parents and others to promote consistency for the children. Systems to collect information about children's learning and developmental stage, and to help parents extend their children's learning at home are not yet fully in place. The childminder is beginning to consider the service she provides and how she can improve.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the range of activities to help children begin to know about their own culture and beliefs and those of other people  improve the arrangements in place to further determine children's starting points so their strengths and interests can be built on  develop further systems to share information and offer support for parents to extend their child's learning in the home  develop systems to self-evaluate and monitor practice further to bring about improvements to ensure the individual needs of all children are met.

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provision

A range of records and written policies and procedures are in place and implemented well to underpin the children's welfare. The organisation of the home ensures that children have space to play and a quiet area to rest. The childminder has started to consider and self-evaluate her provision. As a result, she is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 beginning to identify areas for improvement. For example, improving her documentation and activities that promote different cultures. Children's welfare is promoted because the childminder carries out risk assessments to ensure that the premises, toys and resources are safe and suitable for children to use. Children are kept safe on outings because the childminder is mindful of potential hazards. The childminder recognises the signs and symptoms of abuse and has a secure awareness of safeguarding reporting procedures.

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provision

The childminder has made a good start on using her observations of the children to build a record of their progress. Information is collected from parents about their children, although this tends to be about their care and routines and does not provide a full picture of what the child can do. Consequently, the childminder cannot fully build on their prior skills and knowledge. Children benefit because the childminder shares information with the local playgroups that children attend. As a result, consistency of care is promoted. The childminder shares information about the children's progress with parents. However, she does not currently provide information about how to extend the children's learning at home. Consequently, this may not be fully promoted. The childminder provides a range of play and learning opportunities and also ensures that children have time to initiate their own play and learning both indoors and in the garden. Consequently, children make

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provision

choices about what they would like to do and where they would like to play.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder provides a suitable range of activities and play equipment to engage children's interest and to help them make steady progress in all areas. Children benefit because the childminder spends her time interacting with them and supporting their play. For example, during role play in the garden they talk about going to the seaside and the supermarket. Children are well behaved and show they care and have consideration for others. For example, older children are mindful of the younger babies and ensure that they are careful and gentle when playing near and with them.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages children to be active and everyday routines are used well to promote good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle. As a result, children understand the importance of washing their hands and enjoy healthy snacks such as fruit. Children have free access to drinks which helps them to remain hydrated and the childminder also provides regular drinks for babies. The childminder is mindful of the risk of germs spreading and implements sound procedures when changing nappies to ensure this is minimised. Meal times are used well to develop children's table manners and all children feel involved because babies are strapped into high chairs next to older children. Children learn how to keep themselves safe through everyday routines such as crossing the road. In the home, the childminder gently reminds children to sit on chairs so that they do not fall.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes children's language development well as she asks them a range of questions and engaging them in conversation about what they are doing. As a result, they are excited by insects and show the childminder a ladybird. Children gain awareness of the wider community as they go on walks in the local This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 area and also grow flowers. However, their understanding of other cultures and beliefs is not fully promoted because the childminder only celebrates a few festivals such as Easter, Christmas and birthdays during the year. Children show an early interest in technology as they play with computerised toys.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children engage in outdoor activities that develop their physical skills and co- ordination. Their creativity is promoted as they participate in junk modelling, make flags for their sand castles, use playdough and enjoy sewing. Younger children develop a sense of who they are as the childminders uses small mirrors on toys to show them their reflection. Children learn to use numbers through everyday experiences such as counting stairs and how many carrots they have. Consequently, they are learning to count by rote and to count objects. 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? 3 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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