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 226068 Inspection date 19/08/2009 Inspector Susan Andrews

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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 1986. She lives with her husband in a large Leicestershire village. The whole ground floor and the small front and rear bedrooms on the first floor of the childminder's house is used for childcare purposes and 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 on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children at any one time. She is currently minding nine children who all attend on a part- time basis, of which four are within the early years age range

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Description of the childminding

She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a level 3 childcare qualification. Schools, parks, shops and places of interest are within easy walking or driving distance.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder is highly effective in ensuring that the unique needs of each child are met. Equality of opportunity is promoted throughout all aspects of the provision so that no child is disadvantaged. All children make purposeful and significant progress and the systems for observation and assessment and planning reflect individual learning and development needs. Children's welfare is consistently promoted and safeguarded, underpinned by the childminder's exceptional professional knowledge, comprehensive range of policies, procedures, self-evaluation and reflective good practice. Well established partnerships with parents and liaison with others who also deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage, are used to support a high level of continuity and quality for children's care.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 encouraging parents and carers to further contribute to their children's learning programme and develop the existing observation and assessment systems to focus more effectively on children's next steps in their learning and development.

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provision

An extensive range of documentation required for the safe and efficient management of the childminder's service is in place. This ensures the unique needs of all children are met. Practice and documentation is regularly reviewed and amended where necessary to improve the service offered and to take into This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 account changes in current legislation and guidance. The childminder is highly skilled, has excellent knowledge of safeguarding children and has clear vision for planning their learning and development. She provides a stable, secure and inspiring learning environment and offers professional care and emotional support for all children.

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provision

The childminder undertakes effective methods of evaluation regarding the quality of the service she offers. She conducts initial baseline assessments so that she is clear about children's starting points and is developing the use of observation and assessment strategies to monitor children's progression. Consequently, children make rapid progress and thrive. Ongoing self-evaluation and systems of reflective practice are conducted, the views of parents and children are sought and the findings acted upon to promote constant and optimum improvement. The childminder embraces professional training opportunities, therefore, children benefit immensely from her increased skills and knowledge.

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provision

Inclusive practices are encompassed and promoted well in all aspects of the care offered, so that all children feel valued and have their needs met. She is enthusiastic, dedicated and earnestly committed to provide a quality service to children and families. She has developed an effective partnership with parents and others involved in the provision of the Early Years Foundation Stage and this actively promotes continuity of care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are cherished and welcomed into the vibrant, well-organised childcare environment and develop positive relationships with the childminder. She listens and gently talks to the children, showing affection and a genuine interest in their welfare, therefore, children settle well, feel secure and valued. Children are relaxed, behave well, work cooperatively and in harmony with each other and the childminder is a good role model, always saying 'please' and 'thank you' to the children and expecting them to do the same in return.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The development of initial assessments with parents helps identify what children can do at the time they are placed in her care and this forms the basis of an effective partnership with parents. The childminder is committed to regular and meaningfully liaison with parents and others, to promote a high level of consistency of care, through daily diaries and questionnaires. She is extremely professional and is committed to set a high priority in the delivery of the learning and development programme. Her documentation, policies and good practice ensures positive images are promoted regarding culture, gender and disability, therefore, all children benefit from this inclusive environment. Children thrive and make rapid and continued progress through the six areas of learning because their individual needs, interests and stages of development are taken fully into account. Children are extremely well-settled, are happy and have fun. They have extensive

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

opportunities to develop their independence and become involved with activities that invite their curiosity, for example, finding a frog under the leaves in the garden. The childminder ensures she challenges and inspires them to make choices and decisions about their play. They develop their imagination and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 language through lively dialogue, learning new words and developing numeracy and creative skills. They solve problems as they self-select and use a wide range of age appropriate tools, stimulating toys and equipment that they enjoy and are interested in such as, painting on the patio windows, exploring the changing textures of corn flour and washing it away with a garden hose. The childminder is skilled in motivating and supporting children, consequently, there is an excellent balance of child-initiated and adult-led activities through which children flourish.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Self-evaluation of the childminder's service delivery takes place, therefore, ongoing improvement is constantly generated.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder demonstrates extensive childcare knowledge and maintains strategies to safeguard and promote their welfare. She is familiar with the signs and symptoms of abuse and is mindful of her responsibilities regarding child protection issues and reporting procedures. The children are kept healthy and develop their physical skills, as the childminder supports a healthy lifestyle with daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise in the garden, on walks and outings. They develop their coordination as they climb, run, jump, balance, bounce and clamber using an extensive range of garden equipment and apparatus. Children learn about healthy food options and this is supported with a nutritious range of meals. They have fruit juice, milk and are able to access drinking water at any time. They are encouraged to take additional fluids during hot weather or after physical exercise, so that they remain well-hydrated. Children

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

stay safe and secure, as rigorous risk assessments and emergency evacuation practises are conducted so that they develop an awareness about their own safety and know what procedures to follow should a real emergency occur. Children are meticulously supervised, therefore, they are kept safe and free from harm. 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? 1 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? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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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