Childminder in Leicestershire

Inspection date

Previous inspection date 22/01/2013 Not Applicable

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early years provision

This inspection: 2 Previous inspection: Not Applicable How well the early years provision meets the needs of the range of children who attend The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children 2 The effectiveness of the leadership and management of the early years provision 2

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This provision is good

 The childminder's effective planning and assessment means she creates an environment with a wide variety of toys and activities, which interest and engage children.  Children build strong bonds and attachments with the childminder. This helps them feel secure and valued and to develop the confidence to explore, learn and relate well to others.  The childminder builds strong relationships with parents. She has established secure ways of sharing information regarding children's experiences and learning, both at home and whilst in her care, so that these are continually built upon.  The childminder is well-organised and highly motivated. She maintains meticulous documentation which helps to ensure that children's needs are met. Her plans for improvement are well targeted, to strengthen her practice.

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It is not yet outstanding because

 There are limited opportunities for babies to freely investigate natural and everyday objects to support their developing mathematical concepts and understanding of the world.  Partnerships with other nurseries, which children attend in parallel to the childminding provision, are not yet fully effective in supporting children's progress.

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Information about this inspection

Inspections of registered early years provision are scheduled:  at least once in every inspection cycle. The current cycle ends on 31 July 2016  more frequently where Ofsted identifies a need to do so, for example where provision was previously judged as inadequate  brought forward in the inspection cycle where Ofsted has received information that suggests the provision may not be meeting the legal requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage; or where assessment of the provision identifies a need for early inspection  prioritised for inspection where we have received information that the provision is not meeting the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and which suggests children may not be safe  at the completion of an investigation into failure to comply with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Information about this inspection

The provision is also registered on the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. This report includes a judgment about compliance with the requirements of that register.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector observed children's activities in the main indoor ground floor play areas and the garden.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector spoke with the childminder at appropriate times throughout the inspection.  The inspector looked at children's assessment records and planning documentation.

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Inspection activities

 The inspector checked evidence of the childminder's attendance at required training and a selection of policies and children's records.  The inspector took account of the views of parents and carers from feedback forms.

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Information about the setting

The childminder was registered in 2012 on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her partner in Loughborough, Leicestershire. The whole of the ground floor, along with the first floor lounge and bathroom and the small bedroom on the second floor are used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outdoor play. The family has two pet cats.

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Information about the setting

The childminder attends a toddler group and visits the local shops, parks and soft play centre on a regular basis.

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Information about the setting

There are currently five children on roll, all of whom are in the early years age group and attend for a variety of sessions. The childminder operates all year round from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except bank holidays and family holidays. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and she holds a level 3 childcare qualification.

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 provide further opportunities for babies to investigate natural and everyday objects, for example, by providing treasure baskets to support their developing mathematical concepts and understanding of the world

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To further improve the quality of the early years provision the provider should:

 improve the existing links with nurseries that children in attend in parallel to the childminding provision in order to fully support their progress.

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who attend

Children are progressing well towards the early learning goals. This is because the childminder know each child well. She establishes positive relationships with parents and gathers detailed information from them when children first start, forming a clear picture of what children can already do. She shares ongoing information through verbal discussions and the daily diary. This enables her to keep up-to-date about what children do at home and ensures that parents are kept fully informed about children's activities and achievements, whilst in her care. She has a comprehensive knowledge about children's preferences. She uses her knowledge to create a stimulating environment with toys and activities, which successfully capture children's interest, consequently, they are keen to explore.

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who attend

The childminder closely observes children as they play and uses her knowledge to monitor their progress and identify next steps in their learning. This information influences her planning and ensures that children access stimulating and challenging toys and activities across all areas of learning. The childminder fosters children's communication skills effectively. She supports babies' understanding by naming objects they engage with, and by talking about the actions she carries out; for example, during nappy changing routines. She engages in clapping and singing games with them, which encourages them to listen and respond, and they do so with happy vocalising and big smiles. She supports and encourages young children to engage in conversations and they confidently talk about what they are doing, particularly when engaging in role play, with dolls. The childminder's skilful interaction as they play also supports them in gaining social skills, such as sharing

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who attend

Children enjoy a good variety of experiences throughout the day because the childminder plans activities to cover all areas of their learning and development. She introduces new experiences, such as painting with pumpkins and investigating the properties and texture of ice and snow. These activities ignite children's curiosity and make their learning fun. These activities provide valuable sensory experiences for babies. However, there are fewer opportunities for babies to freely access and explore natural and everyday objects, in order to support their developing mathematical skills and their understanding of the world. The childminder supports babies' developing physical skills well. She provides safe, spacious areas for them to move and explore, along with a good range of toys for them to be held and sucked. She ensures she is constantly taking children's needs into account, so, when a young baby shows signs of teething, she has a cold teething ring at the ready

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who attend

and supports her in using this to relieve the symptoms. The childminder's secure understanding of how children learn means she creates an environment where children are happy, secure. Through enjoyable experiences, they are developing a positive attitude to learning. This means children are developing the skills they need for school readiness.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Children are cared for in a homely and welcoming environment. The childminder is kind and caring and establishes close relationships with the children and spends her time interacting with them supportively. She gathers detailed information from parents initially, to ensure she knows children's routines and preferences and organises her routines around these. As a result, children feel safe and develop high levels of confidence. They develop good independence skills through making their own choices regarding their play. The childminder supports this well by encouraging young children to undertake tasks for themselves and praising their achievements. For example, when a child asks for help to fasten the tent, the childminder demonstrates how this works and supports the child to attempt this themselve. This results in the child quickly gaining, and using, this skill and being able to move in and out of the tent without support and with a sense of

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

Babies demonstrate a strong sense of security and trust; they respond to the childminder's attention with smiles, kicking and arm waving and seek support by snuggling closely when they first wake after a sleep. They contentedly explore their toys and respond with evident pleasure when older children pay them attention. Children behave well. This is due to the high levels of attention they receive and the positive environment the childminder creates. They have many opportunities to make choices and they are interested in the range of toys and activities provided. This means they are happy and busy. Children enjoy a variety of outings to local facilities which provides opportunities for them to meet other children and supports their awareness of the wider world. This helps children to gain the skills and confidence to make successful transitions, as they move to other settings and eventually, to school.

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The contribution of the early years provision to the well-being of children

The childminder encourages children to stay healthy. She maintains high standards of cleanliness within the home, which helps to minimise the risk of the spread of infection. Children enjoy a balanced, nutritious range of meals and snacks along with daily fresh air and exercise; these routines support them in establishing healthy life styles. The childminder effectively supports children to gain an awareness and understanding of possible dangers. She does this by giving simple explanations as situations arise. For example, older children learn to take the baby into consideration as they move around and avoid the paving slabs in the garden because they know the snow has frozen and made them slippery. Therefore, they learn, through hands-on experiences, how to keep themselves and others, safe.

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provision

The childminder is a newly registered provider and has made a positive start to her childminding business. She has a clear understanding of her responsibilities in meeting the learning and development requirements of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the seven areas of learning. She implements an efficient system of observing and assessing children's achievements along with an effective method of monitoring their progress over time. This ensures that they are progressing across all areas of their learning and any gaps or emerging concerns are easily identified.

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provision

The childminder effectively promotes children's welfare and has devised, and regularly reviews, a relevant range of policies and procedures which support this. She has developed detailed documentation to ensure that she has relevant information relating to children's individual needs, to enable her to provide good quality care. Children are looked after in a secure and safe environment because the childminder gives high regard to their safety, ensuring that potential hazards are assessed and minimised. She demonstrates a good understanding of child protection issues and has a clear procedure in place, which she shares with parents, and which clearly state her responsibilities.

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provision

The childminder has a good understanding of the importance of partnership working. She develops positive relationships with parents, sharing extensive information to support smooth transitions for children as they move between home and her childminding setting. However, whilst she seeks information from parents regarding the care and learning their children receive at other settings, partnerships with these settings are not yet fully effective in ensuring that there is a joint approach for children, regarding their learning and development.

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provision

The childminder evaluates her practice on a continual basis. She makes positive use of information from other local childcare providers and professionals, relevant internet sites and national childcare organisations and takes this into consideration when reflecting upon her own provision. She actively seeks feedback from parents and responds positively to their suggestions for improvement. She demonstrates a good understanding of her strengths and areas for improvement and has identified clear and purposeful targets for development to support the ongoing improvement of her provision.

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The Childcare Register

The requirements for the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are Met The requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are Met

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Grade Judgement Description

Grade 1 Outstanding Outstanding provision is highly effective in meeting the needs of all children exceptionally well. This ensures that children are very well prepared for the next stage of their learning. Grade 2 Good Good provision is effective in delivering provision that meets the needs of all children well. This ensures children are ready for the next stage of their learning. Grade 3 Satisfactory Satisfactory provision is performing less well than expectations in one or more of the key areas. It requires improvement in order to be good. Grade 4 Inadequate Provision that is inadequate requires significant improvement and/or enforcement. The provision is failing to give children an acceptable standard of early years education and/or is not meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It will be inspected again within 12 months of the date of this inspection.

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Grade Judgement Description

Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider continues to meet the requirements for registration. Not Met The provision has no children on roll. The inspection judgement is that the provider does not meet the requirements for registration.

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Inspection

This inspection was carried out by Ofsted under Sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children’s learning, development and care, known as the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY446991 Local authority Leicestershire Inspection number 810589 Type of provision Childminder Registration category Childminder Age range of children 0 - 17 Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 5

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Name of provider

Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Telephone number

set out in the guidance ‘raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.ofsted.gov.uk. If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk.

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Type of provision

For the purposes of this inspection the following definitions apply:

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Type of provision

Full-time provision is that which operates for more than three hours. These are usually known as nurseries, nursery schools and pre-schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the higher fee for registration.

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Type of provision

Sessional provision operates for more than two hours but does not exceed three hours in any one day. These are usually known as pre-schools, kindergartens or nursery schools and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. They are registered on the Early Years Register and pay the lower fee for registration. Childminders care for one or more children where individual children attend for a period of more than two hours in any one day. They operate from domestic premises that are usually their own home. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage.

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Type of provision

Out of school provision may be sessional or full-time provision and is delivered before or after school and/or in the summer holidays. They are registered on the Early Years Register and must deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage. Where children receive their Early Years Foundation Stage in school these providers do not have to deliver the learning and development requirements in full but should complement the experiences children receive in school. 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,

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Type of provision

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Type of provision

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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