Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY103750 Inspection date 20/01/2012 Inspector Hazel White

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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 2000. She lives with her husband, adult child and one child aged 15 years. The whole of the ground floor and the upstairs bathroom are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools. The family has a cat and two guinea pigs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. There are currently four children attending who are within the Early Years Foundation Stage, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder also offers care to children aged over five years. She is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy in the childminder's home and receive care that suitably meets their individual needs. They have access to a wide range of play activities which support their learning and development. The childminder has sound working relationships with parents and is beginning to develop effective partnerships with other early years settings. Systems for reflecting on and evaluating her practice are in the early stages of development. All required policies and procedures are in place and are generally well organised.

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further?

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

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further?

 update the safeguarding children policy in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board guidance and procedures, and share this with parents  improve the organisation of the setting by developing the use of self- evaluation to identify areas for improvement in all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage  develop the opportunities for partnership working where children receive care and education in more than one setting.

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the early years provision

Children are suitably safeguarded as the childminder ensures that all adults living on the premises complete vetting procedures. She has a sound knowledge and understanding of types of abuse and of possible signs and symptoms. She is also aware of how to raise a concern. However, the safeguarding policy is not reviewed or effectively shared with parents, and therefore they are not fully informed of the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder's roles and responsibilities in protecting children from harm. Potential hazards to children have been minimised by the use of safety equipment, such as stair gates and socket covers. Written risk assessments are in place and the emergency evacuation procedure is practised so children are familiar with what to do. Documentation is suitably maintained and some information is displayed for parents and visitors to browse.

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the early years provision

The childminder's home is suitably organised so that all children can play in comfort and have easy, independent access to most toys and resources. Sound relationships with parents help to ensure that she cares for their child in accordance with their wishes. Information about their care needs and interests are recorded and are used as a basis on which to build the children's learning and development. Daily chats keep parents up to date with what their children have enjoyed during the day. Parents comment positively on the service she provides. For example, they feel that their children are cared for and nurtured in a friendly, welcoming and homely environment. Partnership working with other early years providers is beginning to be developed to help ensure consistency of care for the children. However, ways in which to form these links are still being considered and therefore not fully effective.

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the early years provision

The recommendations made at the previous inspection have been suitably addressed. The childminder has read the local guidelines for safeguarding children and has updated contact numbers. She has also devised a form to record any behaviour incidents. The childminder sufficiently recognises that self-evaluation plays a key role in continuous improvement. She has begun to develop systems to monitor the provision so that strengths and any areas for improvement are accurately targeted.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy their time with the childminder and relate confidently to her. They access a wide range of resources, most of which are stored at their level in the designated playroom. This promotes their independence well. The childminder monitors the children's choices and encourages them to try new or different types of play. As a result, their development across the six areas of learning is enhanced. Children of all ages and capabilities are appropriately challenged and effectively supported by the childminder. There are effective methods in place to observe, assess and track the children's learning. Planning includes the children's individual interests and is flexible. Therefore, children are making good progress towards the early learning goals.

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and outcomes for children

Children are learning skills in problem solving, number and reasoning. For example, they build a garage using different shaped wooden bricks and learn that the largest one needs to go at the bottom to support the structure. Children learn to count in numerical order throughout the day; they count the plates and bowls at snack time and identify the different colours. Older children are encouraged to write their names and have suitable access to books. Animal hand puppets enhance the children's imagination well. They make the sounds of various animals This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and ask adults to handle them with care so that they do not hurt them.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy outdoor play in all weathers, splashing in puddles, riding wheeled toys and having picnics in the park. Meals are provided by their parents and appropriately stored until needed. Drinking water is readily available to keep children hydrated and they are offered a good range of fruit at snack time. They are encouraged to learn personal hygiene routines from an early age as they wash their hands after using the toilet and handling the guinea pigs. Children are gaining an understanding of their own safety through participating in activities supported by the childminder. For example, they practise what they should do if in the event of a fire or an emergency. The childminder also reminds them how to keep safe when using equipment and explains why they need to hold hands when crossing the road.

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and outcomes for children

Behaviour is managed in a clear and fair manner, enabling children to learn boundaries and be clear of expectations. They are encouraged to play cooperatively together, sharing and taking turns. The childminder sets a good example to the children in her calm and consistent responses to any problems. Children are beginning to learn about the wider world through some planned experiences. For example, they make cards for their parents at Christmas time and peppermint sweets in celebration of Easter. Some play figures and books reflect positive images of diversity. 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 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 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 3

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 3 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 3 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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