Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY341210 Inspection date 12/04/2010 Inspector Alison Edwards

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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 0300 123 1231, 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: 0300 123 1231 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

This childminder registered in 2006 and moved to her current address in the Melton district of Leicestershire in 2007. She lives in a village farmhouse with her husband, adult daughter and younger daughter aged 11 years. Minded children use the ground floor of the house for play. There is a rear garden for outdoor play. A cat, a rabbit, a guinea pig and three dogs are kept as family pets. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part of the Childcare Register to care for a maximum of six children aged under eight years, including three in the early years age range. There are currently five children under the age of eight on roll, including four in the early years age range. The childminder is also registered on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register to care for older children.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a good overview of how to implement the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to support children's care and learning effectively. She works well with parents to ensure that she has a good understanding of each child's individuality. She is attentive and responsive to children. Consequently, this helps them to feel valued and recognised, and to settle readily in her care. Children enjoy a varied range of activities helping them make good progress in relation to their individual starting points. The childminder makes effective use of available support and training to continue to develop her existing good practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 review the outdoor play environment in order to take the most appropriate measures to promote children's security with regard to the boundary fencing  develop further use of observations and assessments of children's progress to inform planning for their future learning in order to fully extend challenge and progression for each individual child.

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the early years provision

There are good arrangements to safeguard children from harm. The childminder is clear on what child abuse and neglect mean. She is aware of how to implement agreed local and national procedures should there be any concern about a child, or any allegation of abuse. Systematic and comprehensive records are readily accessible to underpin the safe management of children's care. For example, the childminder ensures that she has accurate details of adults who are authorised to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 collect children. She keeps written parental consent to obtain medical advice in the event of a sudden illness or serious accident. The childminder ensures that all adults living on the premises are cleared by Ofsted as suitable to be in minded children's proximity. Risk assessments are in place to minimise potential hazards arising from a wide range of activities within the home and on outings. The

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the early years provision

childminder has identified that although the existing boundary fencing between the rear garden and adjacent open farmland is adequate, it does not currently offer the best levels of security as it consists of posts and rails covered by wide wire mesh. She is currently considering ways of improving this, but has not yet decided on the best option. She takes good practical steps to maintain children's safety, for example by keeping external doors from the house secured, and ensuring that children are directly supervised when using play equipment in the rear garden.

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the early years provision

The childminder shows a strong commitment to continued improvement. She has recently completed a recognised early years qualification at Level 3. She makes good use of locally available short courses to extend her knowledge of issues such as inclusion and disability awareness. The childminder has taken effective steps to address recommendations made at the previous inspection at her former address by ensuring the safety of low glass and by reviewing and developing her use of documentation to more effectively underpin children's care.

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the early years provision

There are good arrangements to work in partnership with others to support children's care and development. Parents' comments about the quality of the provision are consistently very positive. The childminder uses initial visits and written agreements to ensure that there is a shared understanding with parents about arrangements for children's care. She seeks and records information from parents about children's initial needs, interests and abilities to help ensure that she quickly gains a good understanding of their individuality. The childminder uses photographs and written observations to keep an on-going log of children's changing abilities which she shares with parents, and other early years settings which children attend. This helps to ensure that there is a shared understanding of how children are progressing and the next steps in their development. The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of working closely with

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the early years provision

other agencies to support the identification and inclusion of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Children are helped to recognise and respect individual and cultural diversity because the childminder encourages their interest and enjoyment of a range of good quality books and playthings reflecting different lifestyles.

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and outcomes for children

Children gain a good understanding of health and safety within their daily routines. Toddlers show growing independence when using a sturdy step stool to reach liquid soap and paper towels to wash their own hands. They talk with the childminder about the reasons for good hygiene practices, and enjoy sharing simple story books about self-care skills, such as 'I don't want to wash my hands'. Children enjoy a good selection of healthy options at snack time, including fresh and dried fruits. Main meals, such as cottage pie and vegetables, are planned and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provided to help contribute to a healthy balanced diet. Young children show good levels of dexterity when manipulating shape sorters and activity toys. They enjoy well-supervised energetic play opportunities in the rear garden as they use wheeled toys or a low slide. They make frequent use of a wide range of climbing

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and outcomes for children

and balancing equipment at local toddler groups, parks and soft play facilities, so helping them to extend their large movement skills. The childminder talks with children about simple aspects of safety, such as the reasons for using straps on booster cushions and car seats. Children safely and independently exercise choice within their daily activities as they readily access a variety of good quality toys and resources stored in low units.

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and outcomes for children

Children are settled and confident in the childminder's care. She prioritises spending time listening to and talking with them, so helping them to feel that they are valued. The childminder helps children learn what behaviour is acceptable because she sets consistent and positive expectations, taking account of children's stage of maturity. For example, she encourages toddlers' independence in simple tasks such as managing their own outdoor clothes, and helps them understand the importance of sharing and taking turns. From an early age, children enjoy sharing a good selection of books introducing them to different lifestyles, family structures and feelings, so helping them to understand their own, and other people's, experiences and needs.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder understands her responsibility to help children progress towards the early learning goals identified in the Early Years Foundation Stage. She is clear on the value of practical play and first-hand experiences in supporting all aspects of children's development. Consequently, children enjoy a varied range of activities generally helping them to progress well and to establish a good foundation for their future skills. For example, babies and young toddlers are interested and engaged in simple problem solving as they explore shape sorters and 'cause and effect' toys. Children across the age range enjoy a good range of simple action rhymes and songs, showing growing awareness of rhythm and rhyme as they begin to clap and anticipate the words. Toddlers show growing confidence in using spoken language to express their own needs and experiences, and enjoy talking about the characters and events in favourite books. Children of all ages enjoy

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and outcomes for children

investigating different substances as they play with sterilised compost, sand or playdough. They confidently use everyday technology as they use the controls of a toy microwave oven, or stop and start a nursery rhyme CD. The childminder displays examples of children's independent paintings and drawings, so showing that she values their creativity. Children show spontaneous interest in simple pretend play with animal puppets, or with a well-equipped play kitchen, so exercising their imaginations. The childminder already makes extensive use of photographs and written notes to track some aspects of children's changing abilities and progress, and to identify some priorities for their continued development. However, these assessments are not yet used to full effect to consistently cover each aspect of development, and to plan and provide for the highest levels of challenge and progression. 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 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 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 2

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Stage

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

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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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