Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number 225511 Inspection date 23/08/2011 Inspector Janice Hughes

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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 has been registered since 1992. She lives with her husband and one adult child in a house in Melton Mowbray, within walking distance of a primary school, pre-school groups and local amenities. The whole of the ground floor and bathroom facilities on the first floor are used for childminding purposes. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom three may be in the early years age range and of these, two may be under one. She and currently has four children on roll, of whom one is in the early years age range, and all children attend on part-time basis during the week. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder attends various local pre-school groups.

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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

Children are happy, confident and settled in the childminder's care. A welcoming, homely and inclusive environment is provided, in which children are equally well cared for. Children's learning and development are effectively supported. Children make good progress and enjoy their time at the setting. The childminder works exceptionally well with parents to ensure each child's individual welfare and development needs are well met. Policies and procedures are implemented effectively to safeguard and promote children's welfare. The childminder is experienced and knowledgeable and shows commitment to developing her practice through attending ongoing training, which provides a strong basis for her capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the existing risk assessments to include everything a child may come into contact with.

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the early years provision

The childminder is aware of how to safeguard children and understands her role in reporting any concerns. All adults living on the premises are known to Ofsted to ensure that their suitability can be checked. This helps to protect children from harm and neglect. Risk assessments are completed for areas of the premises and any outings, with appropriate steps taken to prevent accidents and minimise risks. However, although risk assessments are recorded, they do not include everything This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 a child may come into contact with. For example, some activities the children may participate in, such as water play. The toys and equipment are well maintained and in good condition. Effective procedures are in place to reduce the risk of cross- infection, for instance, children are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, appropriate arrangements are in place should a child become ill or have an

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the early years provision

accident, and the childminder has completed appropriate first aid training. These measures contribute towards children's health and well-being and mean that children can play and explore in safety.

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the early years provision

The childminder has developed a good knowledge of the requirements within the Early Years Foundation Stage and effectively promotes children's health and safety. The childminder strives to provide a service that is inclusive for all children and their families to ensure children get the support they need to make good progress. She has a strong understanding of the children she carers for and she is skilful in supporting children's individual needs, resulting in a stimulating learning environment where children can flourish. She makes good use of the local toy library to provide a varied range of quality resources that are easily accessible so that children can make appropriate choices and decisions in their play, for example, musical instruments for an African day.

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the early years provision

The childminder maintains a good system for keeping records and ensuring that all documentation is clearly written and well presented. A good range of policies and procedures are implemented and shared with parents. All of the required information is obtained. The childminder is proactive in promoting equality so all who use her service feel included and valued.

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the early years provision

The childminder provides a service that is inclusive for all children and their families. She supports children's individual needs and interests and provides them with a warm and welcoming environment. She places high value on recognising children's uniqueness and meeting their needs. This ensures children have the opportunity to make good progress in relation to their starting points. Children benefit from accessing a wide range of stimulating resources that are set out in each of the downstairs rooms and include positive images of diversity. This helps children to make choices, remain interested and engaged and to learn at their own pace.

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the early years provision

The childminder develops open and excellent relationships with parents to ensure each child's needs are met. She is highly motivated to include parents and values and responds to their views. Written comments from parents demonstrate very high levels of satisfaction with the care their children receive. Parents are kept well informed and are included in their child's achievements and daily experiences. The childminder provides a written daily diary sheet for children under two years and a communication book that is used to promote a two-way exchange of information, as well as daily discussions at drop-off and pick-up times. This effectively supports continuity for children's care. Parents are encouraged to share what they know about their child's development, and the childminder uses this information to inform assessments. Parents are encouraged to look at children's 'learning journeys' , which show their child's progress, on a regular basis.

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates drive and ambition to improve her practice and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 attends training events in order to improve all the outcomes for children. For instance, she has recently attended training in 'preventing bullying behaviour' and 'progress from the start for Early Years Foundation Stage children'. She uses self- evaluation documents to ensure she is meeting all the welfare and learning requirements and she is able to identify her strengths and recognise areas for improvement.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder creates a warm, welcoming environment and helps each child to feel settled and included. The children enjoy the time they spend in her care and make good progress towards the early learning goals. They are confident to access the range of resources available to initiate their own play and follow their own interests. This helps children to become independent and active learners. The childminder has a good understanding of each child's stage of development, which enables her to support their learning successfully. Children enjoy and achieve during their time with the childminder. They play confidently and have plenty of opportunities to develop their skills. Children have good relationships with the childminder and her family members, and this is clearly demonstrated as one child enjoys taking part in playing a shopping game with the childminder, laughing as they fill the shopping trolley with food.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder knows what children can do, their likes and dislikes and their particular interests. She uses this knowledge well to plan an interesting and varied range of activities to promote all areas of learning. For example, children's interest in the home corner is fostered because these resources are made readily available. While the children play with the toy cooker and pots and pans, the childminder enhances speech and language skills by encouraging the children to express feelings, experiences and thoughts. Board games are also provided to help develop the children's social skills and learning to take turns. During the activity the childminder fosters the children's interest in number and colour and encourages investigation. She supports children's enjoyment of learning and helps them to achieve well in developing skills for the future.

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and outcomes for children

Children engage well in a range of experiences to raise awareness of diversity and a respect for others. They celebrate different festivals, such as St David's Day and Diwali, use a variety of musical instruments for an African Day and investigate building a Mosque. They learn about similarities and differences as they use small world resources, play figures and books that promote an understanding of the wider world. Visits to local community venues help to develop their social skills and awareness of the wider community.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop a good understanding of appropriate behaviour because the childminder provides consistent boundaries, gentle reminders, praise and encouragement. Children show they feel safe in the setting as they go to the childminder for support and follow their own routines for sleep and eating. They show good levels of confidence and self-esteem. They benefit from continuity in their care and learning because the childminder develops excellent, effective This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 partnerships with parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing a strong understanding of healthy lifestyles. Daily routines are in place to foster children's awareness of the need for personal hygiene. Children's health and dietary needs are met well. They have regular snacks that are adapted to suit their individual dietary requirements and preferences and include fresh fruit and vegetables. Children enjoy regular fresh air and become active outdoors on a daily basis as they play in the garden, walk to and from school and visit the local park. 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: 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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