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 226610 Inspection date 19/08/2009 Inspector Hayley Lapworth

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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 1999. She lives with her husband and son aged 15 years in South Wigston in Leicestershire. The premises are easily accessible and there is a downstairs toilet and stairs leading to the first floor. The whole of the ground floor and an upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. There are currently seven children attending, three of whom are within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The children attend on a full and part-time basis. 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 good. Children are settled and secure in this clean, safe and welcoming environment. The childminder knows the children's individual personalities and needs extremely well. Her practice is fully inclusive; all children are valued and treated with equal concern. Their safety is protected through good risk assessments and training the childminder has undertaken. Children are making good progress because they access a wide variety of stimulating play and systems of assessing children's learning are currently being developed. Excellent partnerships are in place with parents. The childminder is committed to continually reflecting on her practice and has identified some areas for improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 use assessments at all times to identify learning priorities for each child.

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provision

Excellent partnerships with parents have been formed. They are kept very well informed about their child's progress, care and activities they participate in on a daily basis. Parents are actively encouraged to contribute to their children's individual learning journeys by sharing their observations of their children's development. As part of her self-evaluation process the childminder has devised detailed questionnaires for parents that confirm how happy they are with the service she provides. Comments include references to the childminder's caring personality, professionalism as a childminder and the safe and happy learning environment she provides. Some children also attend other settings that deliver the EYFS. The childminder, with parents’ permission, has taken positive steps to build links with these settings so that she can provide consistency and support This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

children's learning whilst they are in her care.

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provision

Children are safeguarded because the childminder has a superb understanding of child protection procedures. She has undertaken extensive training provided by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and her local early years department. She has excellent knowledge of possible signs of abuse and harm and has a clear understanding of what to do should she be concerned about a child in her care. She also clearly understands her responsibilities and the procedure to be followed in the event of an allegation being made against her. Comprehensive written risk assessments are in place and the childminder carries out thorough daily safety checks within her home.

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provision

The childminder is well organised, she maintains accurate records, which assist her in keeping the children safe. For example, recording details of who to contact in an emergency and any legal restrictions relating to the children she cares for. The childminder effectively evaluates her practice and has a good understanding of her own her strengths and areas for improvement. She recognises the value of reviewing all aspects of her provision and demonstrates a strong desire and commitment towards continually improving her service.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All ages of children are happy, confident and well settled in the childminder's home. The childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of the learning and development requirements within the EYFS. Consequently, children are making good progress towards the early learning goals. Their individual learning is promoted well by the childminder most of the time. She plans stimulating and purposeful play opportunities with many first hand learning experiences. She records detailed ongoing observations of children's development. However, on some occasions she does not always most effectively use the information gained to identify the next steps in their learning. This may potentially compromise their learning in some areas.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have access to a variety of good quality resources that help promote their development across the six areas of learning. Toys and equipment are stored at the children's level which enables them to self-select. Older children are aware of resources available to them that they may use which are not suitable for the younger children. A free flow of indoor and outdoor learning enables children to access large equipment at all times, thus helping to develop their physical skills.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are starting to learn about one another's differences and about people in society. The childminder raises their awareness of the wider community through discussing culture and religion. They also have access to a range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity. All children are valued by the childminder who takes time to get to know them and their families very well indeed. Older children are also encouraged to act as role models and to value the younger children in the setting. As a result, this helps to develop the self-esteem of children of all ages.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

All children participate in group activities which are adapted to their individual This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 levels of development. For example, they make wooden spoon puppets, where the youngest of children have fun randomly sticking a range of different textured materials on the spoon. Others learn how to make a person by discussing with the childminder where the hands and arms should be, whilst older children create sea creatures, such as a 'dolphin'. Therefore, children are developing social skills and are learning from one another.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning how to keep themselves safe as they are regularly involved in practising procedures, such as the fire evacuation drill. The childminder sets clear boundaries and the children's behaviour is very good. This is because she ensures that children know about her expectations for their behaviour, she encourages them to be kind and praises them appropriately. For example, she claps and tells young children how clever they are when they push the pump down on the soap dispenser.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Established daily routines ensure that children develop good hygiene practices, for example, robust hand washing routines. Every child has an individual flannel and towel to prevent the spread of infection. The childminder's home is very clean and well maintained. Children access a range of healthy snacks, for example, yoghurt covered raisins which the childminder provides. 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 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

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