Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY430682 Inspection date 17/04/2012 Inspector Karen Cooper

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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 2011. She lives with her husband and adult child in Newbold Verdon, Leicestershire. The ground floor of the childminder's house and first floor bathroom is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed rear garden available for outdoor play. The family has two cats.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time, of whom no more than three may be in the early years age range. She is currently caring for four children, three of whom are within the early years age range, of whom two attend on a full-time basis. The childminder is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is able to take and collect children from the local school. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 and enjoy attending this welcoming and homely setting. They have formed positive relationships with the childminder and are well settled. They have access to a variety of good quality toys and resources which are extremely well organised to encourage them to make good progress in their learning and development. The uniqueness of each child is well recognised and positive partnerships between parents and other early years practitioners ensure children's needs are effectively met. Most of the required documentation is in place and is well organised and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality is maintained. The childminder demonstrates a strong capacity for continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment. (Safeguarding and Promoting Children's Welfare) 01/05/2012

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the range of resources within the everyday environment to extend children's awareness of people with disabilities. 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 effectively safeguarded because the childminder demonstrates a good knowledge of child protection procedures. She has completed on-line training to keep her knowledge updated and has devised a clear safeguarding policy that she shares with parents which supports her practice. Children's freedom of choice is well supported because the playroom offers a wealth of quality toys and equipment. These are extremely well organised to ensure children make independent choices. The childminder carries out daily checks and regular risk assessments on the whole of her property and any outings undertaken with the children to ensure their safety is fully protected. The childminder encourages children to gain a good understanding of diversity. For example, she plans a variety of activities which acknowledge cultural differences. However, resources are limited with regards to helping raise children's awareness of people with

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the early years provision

The childminder holds a childcare National Vocational Qualification at level three and is enthusiastic about what she does and demonstrates a sound capacity for improvement. She is an experienced early years practitioner and has worked at the local school as a teaching assistant with children with additional needs. The childminder regularly reflects on the service that she provides and has completed the Ofsted self-evaluation form to help identify her strengths and areas for improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder has formed good relationships with parents and works well in partnership, sharing information verbally and in writing on a daily basis to maintain an effective two-way flow of information. For example, policies, procedures and the children's individual learning journeys are shared so that parents are fully informed of the service and care provided and the progress their children make in their learning and development. The childminder is methodical in her approach to paperwork and, as result, children's records and documentation are well organised and stored appropriately to ensure confidentiality is well maintained. However, consent to seek emergency treatment is not in place for all children attending to ensure their well-being is fully protected. The childminder is aware of the benefits of establishing and maintaining positive links with other professionals involved in the care and education of the children, and has formed effective links with the

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the early years provision

local school, toddler groups and other childminders to ensure children needs are effectively met.

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and outcomes for children

Children thrive in the childminder's care and the homely and welcoming environment that she provides helps them to settle and feel at ease. Good warm and caring relationships between the childminder and children are evident. The childminder promptly acknowledges children's good behaviour, effort and achievement with lots of praise and is very attentive towards their needs. The This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder clearly demonstrates that she knows the children well and takes positive steps to find out what interests each child and how much they know and can do. She regularly observes the children as they play and records what they can do. The information gained from the observations is effectively used to monitor children's progress and help plan the next step in their learning and development.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has developed an extremely well-organised playroom and outdoor area which appeals to children and provides a wealth of learning opportunities which are easily accessible. As a consequence, children are inspired to learn in a fun way. For example, children regularly participate in craft activities, such as junk modelling, painting, collage and playdough, and love to join in cooking activities. They have access to a variety of books to help develop their early reading skills and plenty of opportunities are provided for them to develop their simple writing skills. For example, great fun is had painting with water, drawing in shaving foam and making marks in sand. Recycled items including plastic containers and bottles used in water play and role play encourage children to use their imagination. For example, they thoroughly enjoy cleaning the windows of the conservatory and washing the dolls and other outdoor toys. They have access to a broad range of

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and outcomes for children

resources and play opportunities which develop their understanding of the world they live in. For example they have helped make a garden centre where they have access to straw, pots, compost and tools and have planted bulbs, potatoes and lettuce seeds and watched them as they grow.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about keeping themselves safe through the discussions and activities provided. They regularly join in fire evacuation practices to ensure that they know what to do in an emergency and know why they have to wear fluorescent jackets when on outings. Through effective daily routines children become aware of good hygiene practices and healthy eating. Food provided is nutritious and a sample menu is produced which the childminder shares with parents to inform them of meal choices. Children are appropriately cared for if they have an accident and there are effective procedures in place to protect them from illness and infection. Children develop their physical skills through a range of outdoor activities. They have access to the garden on a regular basis where they benefit from a good range of toys and equipment which help to foster their good health. 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 1 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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