Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY330361 Inspection date 17/11/2009 Inspector Teresa Marie Taylor

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 08456 404040, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 08456 404040 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2006. She lives with her family in the Burbage area of Leicestershire. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time, of whom two may be in the early years age group. There are currently 12 children on roll all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder is also registered on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register and cares for children aged over eight. Children can be walked to and collected from local schools and pre-school groups. The family has a dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are extremely happy and settled in this child-centred environment where they feel safe in the childminder's care. Children are provided with an excellent range of play activities which ensures they are progressing exceptionally well in all areas of learning. The childminder has a very good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and actively encourages parents to be fully involved in all aspects of their child's care and learning. The well-organised planning, assessments, self-evaluation systems and plans for the future significantly enhance children's learning and development especially, as children and parents are fully involved in these processes. Children’s uniqueness and individuality is recognised and managed exceptionally well. Well-written policies and procedures securely underpin the childminder's practice and all are shared with parents. Effective partnerships with parents and developing arrangements

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

with other settings ensure information relating to individual children’s progress and needs is shared appropriately.

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further?

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

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further?

 exploring ways of extending children's understanding of the changes that happen to their bodies when they are active. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder is very well informed about procedures to keep children safe and has an excellent understanding of all safeguarding procedures. Her commitment has led her to obtain additional information from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children so that she could provide appropriate information to enable children to learn how to protect themselves. All required policies and documentation for the efficient and effective running of the setting are well written, well organised and copies provided for parents. The childminder successfully promotes all areas of equal opportunities and inclusion, ensuring children are given a broad understanding of the wider world and their local area. The indoor and outdoor environments are subjected to thorough risk assessments to ensure any potential hazards to children are minimised or removed.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a very clear vision for the future of her provision and her practice. She undertakes additional training courses in order to continue to develop and significantly improve outcomes for children enabling them to develop to their full potential. The childminder's commitment to continuous improvement is excellent. She is proactive in obtaining the opinions of both parents and children and continually reflects on her practice to ensure the best possible care and learning opportunities are provided. Children are involved in the formation of activity and outing plans which gives them an excellent sense of belonging and increases their self-esteem. The childminder appropriately addressed the recommendation from the last inspection, which ensures parents have full information regarding her conditions of registration. Communication with parents and children are a strength. Parents have access to daily discussions, children's

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the early years provision

individual and activity folders and, weekly link sheets which detail events undertaken and those planned for the following week. Parents are actively encouraged to be fully involved in all aspects of their child's care and learning. The childminder is in the process of developing links with other providers and, with parents consent, is working out an effective method of sharing appropriate information.

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the early years provision

The childminder actively promotes the uniqueness and individuality of each child. She provides age-appropriate activities and a wealth of resources to ensure all children can participate in all play opportunities regardless of gender, background, ability or disability. The involvement of children in planning encourages them to be proactive in their own learning and begin to identify their own learning and development needs. All children and families are highly valued. Parents are provided with annual questionnaires encouraging them to take an active part in the setting. Recent comments from parents included the following comments; 'professional', 'invaluable', tirelessly works to provide a safe 'home from home environment' and 'excellent meals'. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children make outstanding progress as they enjoy a wide range of stimulating and enjoyable activities. They are very settled and relaxed and are given a high level of support that ensures that they develop fully as sociable individuals. Well-organised planning ensures children are provided with an excellent range of creative learning experiences which keep them involved and eager to learn. Clear information is gained about children’s starting points and carefully undertaken observations and assessments of children’s progress ensure all aspects of children’s needs are met successfully and achievable goals are set for their future learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children are very confident when exploring the environment both indoors and out. They play a full and active role in their own learning, make choices, decisions and provide ideas for future activities. A wide range of experiences and resources help them to understand the wider world as they explore the natural environment, discuss other cultures, abilities and disabilities, celebrate festivals and have a range of books in languages other than English, including sign language. They are given clear rules about how to treat each other which ensures they have developed superb self-esteem, understand each other's limitations and know how to behave. They freely express their feelings, ask for help when they need it and willingly share their news. Children play both independently and together and understand about sharing and considering each others feelings which helps them to develop skills for their future. They make excellent progress in their communication,

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and outcomes for children

language, problem solving and number skills as they enjoy a range of challenging and exciting experiences. For example, one child wished to 'feed' a doll with water. The particular doll had batteries. The childminder explained about the interaction of batteries and water and the damage it would do. The child decided it would not be a good idea so pretended to feed the doll. Children are also encouraged to use a computer and research ideas. Children accessed a children's web site to plan a display. They then measured the gate, cut out and fitted paper and completed art work to make a tree complete with leaves, birds and hedgehogs around the base. The childminder encourages the children to identify colours and shapes throughout all activities. For example, at lunch time they discussed the difference between the shape of the sandwiches and the rice cakes and the colour of the yoghurt. Planning includes resources to be used and includes books, art work and a resume

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and outcomes for children

of the effectiveness of the activity. Children are actively encouraged to access books, sing songs and use musical instrument. Children develop good early technology skills as they use a computer, listen to talking books and have a range of programmable toys.

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and outcomes for children

Children have a strong sense of belonging in the security of the childminder’s care. They show they feel safe and are confident in sharing their concerns with the childminder as they turn to her for reassurance for example, when discussing a family pet going to the vets. They show their understanding of keeping themselves safe through their good behaviour, consideration of each other and through their play show they understand safety rules when playing in the garden. They are protected when on outings and trips because they understand road safety rules and the childminder makes sure, through appropriate risk assessments, that the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 places they visit are safe and appropriate environments.

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and outcomes for children

Children show they understand about a healthy lifestyle as they make informed choices about what they eat and drink. The childminder extends their understanding by discussing the foods they have chosen and encourages them to try new foods by having a vegetable of the week. She shows her expertise at engaging children as she extends this into children growing their own vegetables and supports the activity with stories and art work. For example, Jack and the Beanstalk story and display. Children’s good health is promoted as they make the most of the fresh air and outdoor play available to them every day. However, they have limited discussions on physical activities and how it affects their body. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 1 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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Stage

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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