Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY439624 Inspection date 24/07/2012 Inspector Patricia Bowler

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 2011. She lives with her husband and one adult child in Groby, Leicestershire. The living areas of the bungalow 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.

p.4

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 three children attending who are within this age range, one of whom attends full-time and others on a part-time basis. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder supports children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and children who speak English as an additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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 are cared for in a well-managed environment. Partnerships with parents and the completion of most associated documentation ensures they receive individualised care. Learning and development is effectively promoted and subsequently children make good progress towards the early learning goals. Systems for self-evaluation are firmly embedded to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 ensure ongoing observational assessments are linked to the areas of learning to inform planning for each child's continuing development  enhance systems to work in partnership with other providers of the Early Years Foundation Stage, sharing information to support children's continuous learning and development.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder is knowledgeable of safeguarding issues. She knows the steps to take should she have any concerns regarding children and an effective policy and procedure is established should there be any complaint about the provision or any This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 adult. Clear and concise policies and procedures inform parents and clarify children's individual welfare needs. Parents provide initial information about children's learning and development to form a firm foundation to build on. Links with other providers involved with children are established and support children's welfare, but are not fully embedded with regards to shared goals in learning.

p.4

the early years provision

Accurate attendance records confirm children's arrival and departure times, and secure safety measures minimise hazards indoors and on outings through rigorous risk assessment. Children learn about safety as they move confidently around the home and respond to age appropriate expectations for behaviour. They practise emergency evacuation and outings are used productively to gain an awareness of road safety. A policy is established with procedures to follow should children become separated from the childminder.

p.5

the early years provision

Daily routines help children to develop a good awareness of personal hygiene. They have their own hand towels and know to wash their hands and why this is important to prevent the spread of infection. They sit comfortably around the dining table to enjoy snacks and meals and use individualised water bottles to address their thirst needs. Mealtimes are shared events where children develop social and communication skills. Health is further promoted through information obtained in discussion with parents and accurate records relating to accidents and medication administration. Procedures including sickness exclusion and diligent hygiene routines further minimise the risk of cross-infection.

p.5

the early years provision

A wide variety of toys, equipment and resources are easily accessible to children who confidently steer their own play. These are checked regularly to maintain safety and suitability for the ages of the children present. Children develop an awareness of boundaries through age-related methods to manage behaviour and a sensitive use of praise and encouragement.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder provides an inclusive service by promoting positive attitudes and recognising the uniqueness of individual children. Positive images of difference and diversity actively promote children's awareness of themselves and others.

p.5

the early years provision

Self-evaluation is used effectively to influence and drive improvement.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children make good progress towards the early learning goals settling well and moving freely and confidently within the home. The childminder knows the children well and organises her day effectively to meet their individual care routines and preferences. A current favourite theme is achildren's train character and children work cooperatively to set up a wooden train track on the floor and busy themselves setting up trains. They know and successfully name engines from the television programme. Children access mark-making materials including assorted pencil and wax crayons producing pictures which they choose to take home or This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 mount in their learning journals. They squeeze and manipulate dough using a range of tools. Older children roll skilfully and use cutters recognising shapes and colours. A young child proceeds to pull small pieces of dough and line these on the

p.5

and outcomes for children

table. 'Train' he says before squeezing it all together and placing it in tubs. 'All gone' he says before leaving the table to join other children. The childminder listens intently to children, engaging in age appropriate conversations to develop language and support their efforts in activities. Children enjoy shared stories and settle comfortably with the childminder after selecting a book.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Work is currently taking place in the garden preventing access. However, physical skills are enhanced as children ride wheeled cars indoors. They skilfully manoeuvre around the table and use the length of the kitchen. They giggle, chasing and bumping into each other but listen and respond as the childminder reminds them to be careful and not to hurt each other. The sensitive use of praise and encouragement helps children to learn about positive behaviour and how their actions reflect on others.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Much emphasis is placed on children learning through play. Planning is established but is flexibe and responsive to spontaneous opportunities which provide children with varied experiences. Detailed observation and development records confirm children's involvement in a range of activities. However, these ongoing observational assessments are not consistentenly linked to the areas of learning. Children visit local recreational areas to experience open spaces and talk about play in different weather conditions including rain. 'We don't need boots today' they say when discussing a proposed outing to the park remarking the need for sandals, sunhats and sun cream in the warm weather. 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