Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY406507 Inspection date 28/09/2010 Inspector Kate Bryan

p.1

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 assesses 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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.

p.3

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).

p.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2010. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and four years in Asfordby, Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with bathroom facilities on this level, two first floor bedrooms may also be used. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both parts of the compulsory Childcare Register. A maximum of four children may attend the setting at any one time; two of these may be in the early year's age group. There are currently three children on roll, all of whom are in the early year's age range. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The needs of children are well met because the childminder works closely with parents to understand them as individuals. They are happy and content as the childminder involves them in a good range of activities which interest and engage them. All children make good progress in their learning and development and all areas of learning are covered equally. Children's safety and welfare are well promoted as all required records and polices are in place. However, the childminder is not using self-evaluation as effectively as possible to improve her service to children. This is the first inspection since registration.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 develop the systems already in place to further self-evaluate and monitor practice in order to maintain continuous improvement  ensure that children's starting points are linked to the areas of learning.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how to keep children safe and a clear policy is in place which is shared with parents at admission. This ensures they understand how their child will be protected. All adults at the home have been vetted and children are never left with people who have not been cleared so their safety is well promoted.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her responsibility to keep children safe and has a range of measures in place for this. For example, socket covers and fire prevention equipment. A useful risk assessment is in place and this also covers This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 outdoor play and trips. Children have a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe, both indoors and when out, because the childminder explains hazards to them. For example, children understand about road safety and not running in the home as this could cause an accident. The childminder has all required policies and procedures in place and parents receive a copy of these so they understand how their child will be cared for. This includes a policy about sick children to ensure all children's health is well maintained. The childminder speaks to the parents daily about their child and children take home work they have

p.4

the early years provision

completed so parents can share in their achievements. The childminder also completes a daily diary for younger children. Parents have a good opportunity to comment on the service as they complete questionnaires and the childminder is happy to receive suggestions for improvement. The childminder also has effective systems in place to work with others who deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage to children.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder has completed the Introduction to Childminding Practice course, first aid and core skills, she has also identified further training, such as, safeguarding, to improve her range of knowledge. The childminder is beginning to use self-evaluation to reflect upon her service but this is not yet used as effectively as possible to demonstrate how she intends to maintain continuous improvement.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and consequently children make good progress across all areas of learning. Good observations and assessments are used to identify what children have learnt and need to learn next. However, starting points are not yet linked to the areas of learning which means planning is not as effective as possible. The childminder is skilled at maintaining a balance between adult-led activities and allowing the children to follow their own interests. This ensures they have an enjoyable time at her home. For example, a child happily chooses a favourite book for the childminder to read after the child has enjoyed an activity of sticking cut out pictures onto a plate. The childminder also has a good awareness of letting children enjoy free-flow around rooms and between the home and the outdoors, which helps children gain confidence as they explore their environment. For

p.5

and outcomes for children

example, younger children can move between the lounge and dining area knowing that the childminder is there to protect them. This also helps children begin to make choices and easily accessible, good quality resources provide them with lots of opportunities to have fun. For example, children can access mark-making equipment, such as, an easel and chalks, role play clothes, train tracks and books.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy outings into the local community which include parks, where they have access to equipment, such as, climbing frames and swings, which promote good physical challenges. They also go to toddler groups and the library which also presents them with good opportunities to socialise. The childminder also helps children to develop an awareness of the wider world as she acknowledges a range of festivals and uses toys which show children a range of people. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children behave well and play happily alongside each other. They understand simple rules, such as, being kind, and respond with delight when they receive praise and stickers which acknowledge their good behaviour.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children's health is well promoted as they enjoy snacks of fruit and they have grown courgettes and used these to put on their pizzas. Practical activities such as this ensure children learn about sustaining the world and also have fun weighing and measuring ingredients. Children learn to promote their own good health as they wash their hands regularly and use liquid soap and paper towels which effectively reduce cross-contamination. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

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

p.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.8