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 EY222027 Inspection date 28/07/2009 Inspector Patricia King

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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 another adult in the village of Somerby which is situated in the north of Leicestershire, with shops and parks within walking distance. All of the childminders home except one bedroom is used and there are fully enclosed gardens for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for maximum of six children under eight at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding five children in this age group. She also offers to care for children aged over five to 11 years. The 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 has six dogs, a cat, budgerigars, rabbits and chickens. She 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. The childminder’s home and the daily routines are well-organised to ensure that children are safe, secure and offered stimulating and varied activities across all areas of learning and development. She takes care to find out all the necessary details to meet children’s individual needs, consequently, she knows them well and they are happy, settled and confident in her care. She fosters positive working relationships with parents providing them with good information about her service and their child's care and learning. She works closely with any other providers or agencies working with children to promote continuity of care and development. She is not yet using her self- evaluation systems to plan for future improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop effective systems to ensure that observations are used efficiently to recognise what children have learned and plan for their next steps  develop systems in place to ensure self-evaluation is used effectively to identify strengths and weaknesses in performance and plan ongoing improvement.

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provision

This childminder gives careful consideration to the inclusion of all children and effectively organises activities and learning opportunities so that they are fully enabled to participate safely and confidently. She has established contacts with others involved in the children's lives, for example, the pre-school and school which supports children’s overall development. Systems to sensitively observe and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 assess what children can do are in place, however, this information is not yet used consistently to plan for individual children’s next steps. All necessary records are maintained and parents are provided with verbal feedback of the children’s daily care and written details of their 'Learning Journey'.

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provision

The childminder has a thorough understanding of child protection procedures and knows what to do to report any concerns, which means children are effectively safeguarded from harm. She promotes children's safety by undertaking thorough risk assessments of her premises and any outings and by maintaining close supervision at all times. A comprehensive range of written policies and procedures is in place to promote children's health, safety and welfare and parents are provided with copies of this important information. All recommendations for improvement from the previous inspection have been addressed efficiently and the childminder has some systems to evaluate her services. She clearly recognises her strengths and weaknesses but is not using this information effectively to plan ongoing improvement.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thoroughly enjoy their time in the care of this childminder. She has organised her home to create a secure, welcoming environment for children, where an excellent range of toys and resources are stored within easy reach to promote independence and choice. She has arranged the playroom with interesting and educational posters, positive images, displays of children’s work and helpful, relevant information. Children settle easily developing confidence to choose a favourite toy, ask for a story or seek a comforting cuddle when they are tired. Consequently, they develop a sense of belonging and form close relationships with others within the setting.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are learning to share, take turns, show care and concern for each other, for example, older children encourage, help and support younger ones. They follow sensible house rules agreed and displayed to promote their personal safety and well-being indoors and outside. They behave well and are developing a clear understanding of what is right and wrong, which promotes a harmonious and inclusive environment. Children’s health and welfare are effectively promoted because the childminder is a good role model and helps children learn through daily routines. For example, children practise effective personal care routines and understand why this is important to their good health. She talks to them about healthy eating and provides practical cooking activities to promote their awareness. Such activities are used well to promote different areas of learning, for example, social and physical skills, mathematical language and learning about different diets

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have many opportunities to use their imagination and creativity as they make models, collages and pictures. Their work is proudly displayed around the playroom promoting self-esteem and a sense of achievement. The childminder skilfully uses children’s special interests and spontaneous opportunities to promote learning. For example, children playing with construction toys, vehicles and tools led to a wider discussion about skills and trades, such as, builders and drivers. She This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 gets down to the children’s level asking appropriate questions and knows when it is appropriate to stand back allowing imagination and confidence to develop. For example, children were encouraged to solve the problem of sticking dough, by adding flour to improve malleability. They beamed with pride when they achieved the required mixture to create their detailed models and figures styled from

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Photographs, children’s learning journals and discussion, evidence their outings to parks, pre-school and activity groups and visiting the childminder’s domestic and farm animals. They have real opportunities to explore, experience and learn about the wider and natural world. In this way the children are becoming aware and informed of their community, the wider world and their place in it. The childminder knows the children well, which means their individual needs and capabilities are recognised and regarded to ensure all children are fully included and enabled to participate in the daily routines. She provides a stimulating and challenging range of activities, opportunities and learning environments to capture children's interest and encourage them to be confident and competent learners. 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? 2 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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