Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY439670 Inspection date 07/06/2012 Inspector Patricia Bowler

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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 two children aged four and three years old in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. The whole of the property is 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 pet cat and two guinea-pigs.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom, no more than two may be in the early years age range and of whom, no more than one may be under one-year-old. There are currently three children attending who are within this age range, 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. The childminder holds a BA (Honours) degree and a post-graduate degree in Education and 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 outstanding.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children make rapid and sustained progress in their learning and development through the childminder's exceptional implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Their welfare is successfully maintained through highly committed partnerships with parents to ensure that they receive meticulous care in line with their individual needs. The childminder strives for improvement through robust self-evaluation to identify areas to enhance the extremely high standards of her childminding service.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 developing storage facilities to ensure resources are even more accessible in relation to creative materials.

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the early years provision

The childminder's comprehensive understanding of safeguarding ensures children's safety is of the utmost priority. She is highly proficient in the steps to take should she have any concerns relating to children's safety. Meticulous risk assessments are routinely carried out and consequently, children are cared for in a secure and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 safe environment where any risk to their health, safety and welfare is subsequently reduced. Outings are used to great effect to help children learn about road safety and what to do should they become separated from the childminder. They know and practise regular emergency evacuation drills. These are accurately recorded to establish when they have taken place and used effectively to identify any issues and resolutions. The childminder's background, as an early years professional and established practitioner, impacts significantly on the exceptional quality of

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the early years provision

The childminder uses consistent methods to manage behaviour and a purposeful use of praise to acknowledge children's efforts. Children acquire sensitive attitudes towards the needs of others, learning to share and take turns and develop an acute awareness of how their behaviour impacts on their own safety. Children help to tidy away, listening intently to explanations, for example, to pick up creative materials from the floor to prevent slipping.

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the early years provision

Exceedingly detailed policies and procedures work highly effectively to inform parents and determine children's specific needs. Comprehensive information successfully identifies individual starting points in children's learning and development. Parents are fully involved in contributing to on-going assessments to support progress towards children's next steps.

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the early years provision

The childminder is extremely committed to her personal development by attending training courses and continually monitoring and using evaluation processes. Improvements to the provision promote equality and inclusion and have a positive impact on the overall quality of the provision and the outcomes for children. Children benefit from an inclusive environment with positive images and attitudes towards difference and diversity and consequently develop sensitive awareness through active play situations.

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the early years provision

Parents receive exceptionally detailed information about the setting. They, along with children, play an active role in striving for improvement through the completion of regular questionnaires to ensure their thoughts and ideas are included in future developments. The childminder has robust links with other providers implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage and procedures are firmly established to liaise with other professionals, depending on children's individual needs.

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and outcomes for children

Children make outstanding progress towards the early learning goals. Outcomes are significantly enhanced in a vibrant and stimulating environment, which is rich in activities to develop age-appropriate skills. An exciting range of toys, equipment and resources, in a dedicated playroom, motivate and inspire children's imagination and their ability to confidently steer their own play. They play a dynamic role in organising their play from low-level storage units, although these are not so easily accessible for creative materials. Wherever possible, children offer their own ideas and respond to challenges with great enthusiasm. Children have This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 followed closely the transformation of butterflies from cocoons in a Lepidoptera habitat enclosure. They talk eagerly of releasing these in appropriate weather. They have used reference books and familiar stories, for example, a story about

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and outcomes for children

the lifecycle of a caterpillar, to plot and compare progress. Numeracy develops as children count and recognise shapes at a sticking activity. Also information and communication technology skills are enhanced through hand-activated role play equipment, musical instruments and early years laptop computers and programmes. Skills are developed as they are provided with opportunities to experience these first-hand and at their own pace. Children concentrate as they complete threading pictures. The childminder is vigilant to provide help when necessary for younger children to support their efforts and minimise age-related frustration. A quiet area enables children to access a wide range of books and listen to shared stories. A current theme of giants and witches developed from stories and are imaginatively recreated by children.

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and outcomes for children

Precise routines, organised effectively, meet children's individual needs and as a consequence, they gain an exceptionally strong sense of security. They move confidently within the home, from the playroom to activities in the lounge and conservatory. Children select and help to prepare fresh fruit at snack time, enjoying apple and plums. Balanced and nutritious meals help children to develop healthy eating habits. They shop for ingredients, talking about recent purchases for home-made pizzas, including peppers and pineapple. Children speak knowledgeably about healthy foods to 'stop you getting fat and to stop your teeth going yellow and bad.' Water and diluted fruit juice are readily accessible for when children become thirsty. They show an exceptional understanding of personal hygiene routines, washing their hands to minimise the risk of cross-infection and recognising and using their own hand towels.

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and outcomes for children

Regular outdoor play is experienced in the garden, where an extensive range of wheeled toys and equipment supports physical development. Children experience exciting visits to local recreational areas to enjoy open spaces and use the climbing equipment. They also visit various community groups, including a support group where they interact with other minded children. The childminder's positive attitude towards difference and inclusion promotes children's awareness through imaginative activities and extensive images in play resources. They develop an acute awareness of the local community and the wider world in which they live. Behaviour is exemplary as children respond to high expectations achieved through positive praise and encouragement. Detailed observation documents comprehensively record children's development. Photographs confirm children's involvement as their achievements are recognised and valued to produce a

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and outcomes for children

detailed compilation of their time with the childminder. 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 1 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 1 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 1

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 1 The extent to which children feel safe 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 1 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 1

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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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