Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY222283 Inspection date 08/09/2011 Inspector Dianne Sadler

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 2001. She lives with her child aged 15 years old in the Wigston area of Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding purposes and the bathroom on the first floor. Children have access to an enclosed garden for outside play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time. There are currently two children attending both of whom are within the early years age group. The childminder takes and collects children from local schools and pre- schools.

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

Children settle very well in this welcoming and inclusive setting. The childminder has implemented effective monitoring systems to ensure all outcomes for children are being promoted well. Processes are being developed to assess the good progress children make. The childminder establishes strong partnerships with parents and other providers to ensure children's needs are understood and their protection assured. Policies, procedures and records are well organised.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure the risk assessment covers anything in which a child may come into contact  improve further the use of observations to assess children's learning towards all the early learning goals.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of how to successfully safeguard children. She maintains clear well-written policies, procedures and records for the efficient running of the setting which include a detailed safeguarding Children policy. The childminder is booked on training to update her knowledge in this area. Effective risk assessments ensure children are cared for in a safe and secure environment both indoors and outdoors. However, the record of risk assessment does not include the bathroom and some items, such as sharp implements stored in the kitchen.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder uses the space and stimulating range of good quality resources This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 very well to support and motivate children's learning. Resources are stored in clear plastic boxes enabling children to self-select and develop their independence and confidence. Many resources show good positive images of diversity, such as pictures depicting guide dogs and a person reading Braille. This ensures children are learning about the similarities and differences between themselves and others.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a strong commitment to continually improving the setting and her professional development. She successfully identifies the strengths and areas for improvement within the setting which she records in a self- evaluation document. The childminder has implemented effective procedures to ensure there is good communication between herself, parents and other providers. For example, before children attend the setting the childminder builds a picture of their likes, dislikes, interests and developmental achievements through discussions with the parents. Throughout their time in the setting parents are encouraged to express their views both verbally and by completing questionnaires. They like the safe and friendly family environment and comment on the calm nature of the childminder who they say is very patient, helpful and knowledgeable.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are learning how to lead a healthy lifestyle and how to keep themselves safe through well-planned activities and every day experiences. Young children demonstrate they feel safe and secure as they snuggle up to the childminder on her lap when feeling tired and contentedly fall to sleep. Children enjoy healthy foods and snacks provided by both the childminder and their parents. They also access regular drinks throughout the day which helps to keep them well hydrated. Children access fresh air and exercise daily. They benefit from planting items, such as sunflowers, in the garden and learn about the need to wash hands after playing in the dirt. They also enjoy growing items, such as tomatoes, strawberries and carrots, which they water and watch grow.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder observes children's learning and records the observations in their Learning Journey books using photographs, examples of their work and written text. She ensures children are making good progress within all six areas of learning and identifies some of their learning priorities. However, she is not fully assessing their learning towards all the early learning goals, which may compromise the progress they make.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are successfully developing all skills which equip them well for the future. They enjoy regular visits to amenities in the local community. For instance, they benefit from attending sessions at the library where they concentrate intently whilst listening to a story being read. They develop their communication and language well at this time and explain to the childminder that they like the story of the caterpillar. They also enjoy visits to the plant store where they are developing their understanding of calculation by exploring which plants are big and which are small. Children are encouraged to explore and investigate the natural world when going pond dipping at the local park. They watch the ranger put water in a tray This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and successfully identify fish, weeds and stones. Children are also encouraged to be creative and explore different media and materials. For example, they enjoy

p.5

and outcomes for children

making a foot print in paint for Father's Day and explore the shape of a rectangle when participating in 'Spin painting'. 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