Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY410486 Inspection date 06/04/2011 Inspector Hayley Lapworth

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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 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.

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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

The childminder was registered in 2010. She lives with her husband, who works as an assistant, and two children aged eight and four years. The family live in Ibstock, Leicestershire. The family have a pet cat and rabbit. The whole of the childminder's home, with exception of two bedrooms on the first floor, is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The premises is accessible to all.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for four children aged under eight years at any one time. The number of children in the early years age group may increase when working alongside her assistant. The childminder is currently minding eight children, five of whom are in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association (NCMA).

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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's understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage is good. The learning and development requirements are implemented well and children are making good progress. Partnerships with parents are secure and most written information reflects current legislation. The childminder ensures that all children are valued and included. Information is obtained, records are maintained and risk assessments are conducted, including most of the potential risks to children. The childminder is aware of her strengths and areas for improvement and uses this awareness to review her practice.

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further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 ensure that the risk assessment identifies all aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis and review it regularly (Suitable premises, environment and equipment) (also applies to both parts of the Childcare Register). 14/04/2011

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further?

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

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further?

 update all written information provided to parents to reflect current legislation. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

Children are fully safeguarded. The childminder ensures that all adults living and working on the premises complete vetting procedures. Both the childminder and her assistant are well deployed to ensure children are fully supervised at all times. A safeguarding policy is in place. The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of types of abuse and of possible signs and symptoms. She is aware of her responsibilities and the procedure to follow in the event of a concern about a child in her care. Many risk assessments have been devised. These include risk assessments for outings in and around the local community. However, there are still minor omissions with regards to the accessibility of rooms which are not registered for use. Consequently, this impacts upon the children's safety. Parental consents are in place for the taking of photographs and using public transport. The childminder also obtains information about legal restrictions and parental

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the early years provision

There is good capacity for continuous improvement. The childminder recognises that self-evaluation plays a key role in improving the service she provides. She has completed the Ofsted self-evaluation form and has identified areas for improvement. The childminder is developing her knowledge and understanding in many areas as she grows in confidence as a childminder. She has built secure networks with her advisory team and other local childminders, which enables her to seek support and share best practice.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a positive attitude towards inclusion and is committed to treating children and their families with equal concern. Consequently, she is effective in meeting the needs of all the children who attend. Secure arrangements are made to ensure children of all ages and capabilities access all of the facilities and activities that are on offer. The childminder demonstrates how children with special educational needs and/or disabilities can be fully involved. She has developed good working partnerships with other providers where children attend more than one setting. This contributes towards a consistent approach for the children's care and learning needs.

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the early years provision

Partnerships with parents are good. The childminder has a warm and caring approach and the visual environment is inviting to children as the toys are attractively displayed and very welcoming. Parents are provided with a wealth of written information at the onset of care, most of which is also verbally discussed during the settling-in period. Through a variety of methods, such as questionnaires and verbal comments received by the childminder, parents comment positively on many aspects of the service. Parents share that the childminder makes 'fantastic efforts in encouraging children to eat vegetables', that their 'children see coming to the childminder's house as a treat' and that they 'couldn't be happier with the service she provides'.

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the early years provision

Parents have regular access to their children's detailed 'learning journeys', and they are encouraged to contribute and share their observations of their child's learning at home. Consequently, children's development is positively enhanced. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in the childminder's home. All ages of children are effectively challenged; they have fun and enjoy their learning. There are a good range of resources and activities that meet their needs and interests well. The childminder provides them with an equal balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. The childminder observes the children as they play and makes assessments of their stage of development across the six areas of learning. She then uses this information to plan for their next steps in their learning journey. As a result, children are making good progress in all areas of their development.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing good skills in communication, language and literacy. They have access to books in a comfy seating area and posters contain written instructions for children to read. For example, the emergency evacuation procedure. Toys and resources are all at the children's level with pictures and labels showing them what is available. Consequently, they are learning that print carries meaning. The childminder talks to the children as they play and makes them aware of what is going to happen next. For example, as a young child awakes from sleep the childminder explains it is time for a drink. She also makes them aware that there is a visitor in the house and comforts them sensitively while they settle. Children's personal, social and emotional development is enhanced as the childminder ensures she gets to know children and their families in the early stages. She obtains information about their individual needs as well as their likes

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe and secure in the childminder's home because she has a warm and caring manner that helps to put them at ease. They are learning to keep themselves safe as they practise road safety and take part in regular emergency evacuation drills. The childminder talks to them about safety and how to behave in her home. She practices good manners with the children and is beginning to help them show care and concern for one another.

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and outcomes for children

Children's good health is promoted well as they follow good hygiene routines and enjoy lots of opportunities to experience fresh air and physical exercise. The childminder's garden has an array of toys and equipment that develop children's skills in climbing, catching, throwing and gardening. Personal hygiene routines are encouraged from an early age. They wash their hands after using the toilet and a sickness policy is in place to ensure appropriate measures are taken when they are ill. The childminder and her assistant are qualified in first aid which means they can care for children appropriately in the event of an accident. Accident and medication documents are well maintained. Children's individual dietary needs along with the nutritional needs of children are considered in the planning of meals. For example, a typical meal consists of a range of vegetables and fish. Drinks are made easily accessible to the children which means they can meet their

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and outcomes for children

own needs when they are thirsty. 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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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

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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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 14/04/2011

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the Early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 14/04/2011

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