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 225809 Inspection date 03/08/2009 Inspector Sheila Dawn Flounders

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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 1994. She lives with her husband and two children in the Glenfield area of Leicester. The property is close to shops, parks, schools and public transport links. The ground floor of the childminder’s home is used for childminding, together with the front bedrooms on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding four children under five years at various times on the Early Years Register. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder collects children from the local school and attends several toddler groups on a regular basis.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the provision is good. Most requirements of the Early Year Foundation Stage (EYFS) are in place and the childminder demonstrates a willingness to swiftly rectify those that are not. She prioritises children's welfare by concentrating on their individual needs and offering appropriate care to their stage of development, which ensures all aspects are promoted. Necessary information is exchanged via strong partnerships with parents. Children are able to make sound progress in learning and development, although the evidence to support this is not yet robust. The childminder is able to demonstrate the actions taken to meet the recommendations from her last inspection, and she has begun informal self- evaluation to identify areas for further improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems for sensitive observational assessments, identifying what children can do, what they need to do next, and then plan appropriate activities to encourage this progression.

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further?

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

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further?

 maintain a record of those aspects of the risk assessments checked on a regular basis (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 17/08/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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provision

The childminder is confident in her ability to safeguard those in her care. She is aware of signs and symptoms that would cause her concern and what action to take. All adults within the household have been vetted and the childminder is vigilant on outings, often remaining in the company of other registered childminders. She has necessary measures in place to protect children within her home and on outings, with risk assessments used to identify most potential hazards, although, she does not record her regular checks or any action taken as a result. Organisation within the premises and effective deployment of resources ensure that children are constantly supervised, with resources needed regularly kept easily to hand. The childminder is well-organised, maintaining appropriate records, policies and procedures which are stored to ensure confidentiality of information. She continues to attend relevant training and also keeps herself

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provision

updated through regular contact with other local childminders and discussion with parents about their views of her provision. She is developing methods to monitor and evaluate her practise effectively.

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provision

Parents are provided with information about the childminder's policies and procedures. They are encouraged to share all that they know about their child, especially when they first attend, which ensures that the childminder is aware of their wishes, which she endeavours to accommodate. An ongoing regular discussion ensures that everyone is updated about significant changes, including those taking place in the children's homes, and that parents are familiar with the activities and experiences their children engage in. With parental permission the childminder will be developing links with other settings when current children start to attend next term, and she has past experience of liaising with other agencies, with regards to meeting children's individual needs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children access a wide range of activities from their experiences at the setting and within the local community, which provide opportunities for development in all areas of learning and a diverse learning environment. Strong emphasis is placed on their increasing independence, confidence and a positive self-image. Verbal communication is central to all their activities and children benefit greatly from their interaction with the childminder. She uses her experience and understanding of child development to support their learning, for example, re-affirming their new vocabulary or providing simple opportunities for making choices, such as, which books to read. Basic routines for the week and planning around seasonal activities ensure that there is always something ready to do, although, much of the time is spent following the children's interests and the direction they want to take their play. Today, for example, the introduction of a balloon and ball developed into

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

using the tunnel and football goal, at the children's request. The childminder has begun to collect evidence which shows the children are making progress through the observations she has made, examples of their creative work and photographs which will form their 'Learning Journey'. However this information is not yet sufficiently developed to provide clear links between what she knows individuals This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 can do currently, what they need to do next and how she will provide that experience.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is well-promoted. The childminder encourages a healthy lifestyle with regular access to physical activities and fresh air, a varied diet and frequent drinks. These are supported by a robust sickness policy and thorough personal hygiene routines to protect them from the risk of cross-infection. Thought is also given to hygiene on outings, for example, hand wash gel is always taken on picnics. Children learn to keep themselves safe through opportunities, such as, practising the emergency drill and their regular routines on outings, with older children given some freedom as long as they behave sensibly. Generally children's behaviour is very good as they receive high levels of attention and are always busy, with the childminder using distraction as the main method of handling incidents. Positive behaviour is promoted through praise and encouragement, particularly to use good manners. As a result children learn to play together, share

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

resources and take turns, developing necessary skills and habits for the future. 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? 3 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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