Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY439326 Inspection date 03/07/2012 Inspector Claire Jenner

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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 partner and son aged 19 months in a village in Leicestershire. The whole of the property with exception of the main and spare bedroom are used for childminding. There is an enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. There are currently two children attending who are within the early years age range, all of whom attend on a part-time basis. 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 good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides a warm and welcoming family environment where children are happy, secure and settled. She has a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage which she uses effectively to support children's welfare and learning. The required records and documents, policies and procedures are in place and well maintained by the childminder. Close partnership with parents ensures that clear information is obtained to help the childminder identify and address children's differences. She is committed to her work and the care of children and has begun to implement systems to evaluate and develop her service further.

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further?

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

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further?

 ensure that observations of what children can do are used effectively and consistently to inform planning to promote children's next steps in their learning and development  extend systems for self-evaluation and reflective practice to further identify strengths and priorities for improvement that will continue to improve the quality of provision for children.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is protected because the childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues and procedures. She is confident in how to report This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 concerns to the appropriate agencies. An effective safeguarding policy is in place and shared with parents and the childminder ensures that any persons who have regular contact with the children are suitable to do so. Children play in a safe environment as the childminder is pro-active in carrying out regular safety checks and maintains clear records of when and by whom these were carried out. The childminder works well within the required adult:child ratios and ensures that children are appropriately supervised at all times. As a result, children feel secure and are well supported in all that they do.

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the early years provision

Through discussion the childminder demonstrates a secure understanding of how to support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, children who speak English as an additional language and has a positive attitude towards equality and diversity. Consequently she is committed to and provides an inclusive service for all children. The childminder organises her time and her setting effectively to ensure that children benefit from a broad range of play and learning opportunities both within and outside of the home. They have very good opportunities to make choices in their play as resources are well presented and made readily accessible to children. The childminder has forged positive relationships with parents. She ensures that she has all the necessary information to meet the children's individual requirements from the outset, such as their background, routines, likes and dislikes. At the end of each session she makes time

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the early years provision

to share all relevant information about the children's daily care and the activities that they have engaged in. In addition, on-going opportunities to exchange information through shared discussions and regular access to children's individual files, daily diaries, text updates and records are maintained. Consequently, any changes can be addressed swiftly helping to ensure children receive a continuity of care. The childminder shows an clear understanding of the benefits of sharing relevant information with other practitioners who receive education and care in more than one setting to ensure continuity and coherence.

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the early years provision

All of the required written policies and procedures are in place to promote children's health, safety and welfare and are shared and discussed with parents. The childminder has begun to consider and review her practice and places an emphasis upon her own professional development through accessing relevant courses and updating herself on changing legislation. This has a positive impact upon the good service she already provides. Systems for monitoring and self- assessment are developing and the childminder has begun to identify some areas for further improvement. She has started to obtain parents opinions on her service. However, systems to feed their comments into the self-evaluation process are not yet fully effective.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good understanding of how children learn through play and she offers a good range of age appropriate resources and activities both within and outside of the home. She has a good knowledge of the children in her care and their individual interests and development. The childminder has established This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 effective systems to observe and assess children at play and has created individual learning journals to illustrate and record the children's activities and achievements. However, the information gathered is not used consistently to plan for individual children's next steps in their learning. Children develop a sense of belonging and build positive relationships with the childminder and her family. Consequently, they enjoy their time with her and feel confident in the environment. They have easy access to a broad selection of age appropriate toys and resources which reflect

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and outcomes for children

their personal interests. For example, a young child selects a battery operated train, skilfully switches it on and watches it intently as it moves along the floor and under a chair. The child animatedly comments on the "tunnel" that the train has travelled under. The childminder responds enthusiastically and helps the child to build another tunnel out of two cushions, he then continues to play happily with the toy for a prolonged period of time.

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and outcomes for children

Children's early communication is effectively promoted because the childminder talks to them about what they are doing as they play and recognises the need to listen carefully and allow children opportunities and time to express themselves. For example, a young child shares a favourite book with the childminder and enjoys naming the familiar objects in the illustrations. The child excitedly points to the pictures and mimics the sounds of the animals and vehicles, the childminder responds too with equal enthusiasm. All children are provided with opportunities to participate in activities to enhance their creative development on a regular basis. They use a selection of materials and tools to create their own pictures which are displayed attractively on the walls of the childminder's home, taken to the child's home or included in children's individual learning journals to share with parents.

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and outcomes for children

Children's personal, social and emotional development is promoted well as the childminder regularly praises them for their achievements which helps to develop their confidence and self-esteem. She understands that all children should be included in the setting and is calm and affectionate in her dealings with them. The childminder acts as a good role model, has a positive attitude to people's similarities and differences and encourages children to do the same. Older children are supported in being kind and gentle with their younger peers and to treat them with careful consideration. For example, when a younger child is ready for sleep the childminder encourages the others to give him space and calm to settle. Children attend various community groups, such as play and stay sessions and recreational areas with the childminder on a regular basis which promotes their social development and awareness of the wider community. Children are active or

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and outcomes for children

restful through choice and toddlers and babies sleep in line with their individual needs and parents' wishes. For example, the childminder responds sensitively to a young child as he tires and ensures he is able to rest comfortably until he is ready to play again.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a good balance of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks which includes, fresh fruit and vegetables and water, diluted juice and milk to drink. All children are encouraged and supported in being independent and enjoy the social aspect of meal times. For example, young children sit at the table together making independent choices of what they would like to eat and feed themselves with increasing skill and sense of achievement. Children are protected from the spread of infection and any medication is administered in an appropriate This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 manner. Records are accurately maintained and shared with parents so they are well informed. All records containing personal information are stored securely, are well organised and are readily accessible to underpin children's care. 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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