Childminder in West Berkshire

Website: www.ofsted.gov.uk This document may be reproduced in whole or in part for non-commercial educational purposes, provided that the information quoted is reproduced without adaptation and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY374678 Inspection date 09/02/2009 Inspector Joanne Graham

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Type of setting Childminder 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 report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration whichever is the later, which require Ofsted or the provider to take action in Annex C.

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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. 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 registered in 2008. She lives with her husband, elderly aunt and three children. They live in Tilehurst, in Reading, Berkshire. Most areas of the home on the ground floor are accessible to the children with the exception of the bedroom and annex. Children access the first floor for sleeping in the spare bedroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden area available for outside play and access to the premises is on street level.

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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. She is currently minding three children in this age group, part time. She also offers care to children aged over five years to 11 years. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. The childminder values and respects children’s differences and individual needs, and supports them to achieve at their own pace and level, adapting activities to ensure they all have an opportunity to take part. Children play in a safe, clean environment, with access to developmentally appropriate toys and equipment. The childminder builds up good relationships with parents and carers, promoting continuity of care. The current evaluation system is in its infancy but the childminder has a positive attitude to develop her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 make sure policies and procedures are up to date and contain sufficient detail ensure medication administered records contain sufficient detail and accident records maintain confidentiality at all times  ensure alcohol is made inaccessible to children.

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provision

The childminder is beginning to implement an evaluative system to review her practice and her positive attitude to training ensures she updates her knowledge. She has recently put into practice a method to record activities the children partake through completing photo scrap books and monthly plans of activities to support individual learning needs of the children. These activities are evaluated and used to inform future planning needs and she shares the children’s This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 achievements with their parents. Daily diaries are used to support continuity of care and to record changes in the children’s routines. The childminder uses written policies to support her everyday practice, although some are out of date and lack sufficient details.

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provision

The childminder has good knowledge of the signs and symptoms of abuse and is aware of her role if she has a concern about a child. An up to date knowledge of first aid and having an easily accessible first aid box ensures the childminder provides good care if children have an accident. Documentation is in place to record medication administered, and accidents and most are completed well, although some lack adequate detail and on occasions confidentiality is not maintained sufficiently.

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provision

The childminder identifies and minimises most potential risks through daily visual checks and completing a risk assessment. Safety measures in place to keep children safe, such as stair gates, smoke alarms and emergency evacuation procedures, are discussed and practised with the older children. However, alcohol is stored in a low cabinet and is accessible to children. The childminder safeguards children’s welfare by ensuring she never leaves them alone with persons not vetted, monitoring who enters the premises, and she makes sure children are in sight or hearing distance at all times.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are comfortable, relaxed and are busily occupied. They confidently approach the childminder for comfort and support and are beginning to build up relationships with the childminder and other children attending the setting. They play in co-operation and enjoy partaking in activities together which the childminder adapts to accommodate their individual developmental needs, such as exploring and moulding the dough. The childminder divides her time between the children to ensure she offers them individual care and attention; this helps to extend their learning as the childminder supports this well by asking effective questions.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is aware of the children’s family context and talks about their home life and family members, which helps children to feel a sense of belonging. Children visit local places of interest to introduce children to the wider world. Children sleep according to their needs and sleeping children are checked regularly to safeguard their welfare. The premises is clean and welcoming, with age appropriate toys and equipment easily accessible and in good repair. Children eat healthy snacks, such as dried apricots, raisins and savoury biscuits and have easy access to drinks. The childminder stores food provided by parents safely and she is aware of children’s dietary needs and requirements when preparing meals.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Older children engage in conversation and the childminder interprets gestures and sounds from the younger children, encouraging their language development. Children enjoy dressing up, operating toys which make noises and piecing together jigsaws. The childminder is aware of children’s interests and encourages them to participate in activities which they self select. Children enjoy using their senses to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 explore and especially liked discovering how snow feels. The childminder is beginning to utilise the outdoor garden well to extend the children’s learning opportunities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children’s behaviour is good and well managed. They are aware of house rules, such as sitting down to eat and not entering certain rooms in the house, and the childminder sensitively reinforces good social manners, such as sharing, taking turns and saying thank you. 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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of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

How well does the provision promote inclusive practice? 2 The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement.

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Foundation Stage led and managed?

How effective is the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement? How well does the setting work in partnership with parents and others? How well are children safeguarded? 2

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 2 How well are children helped to be healthy? 2 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 2 How well are children helped to make a positive contribution? How well are children helped develop skills that will contribute to their future economic well-being?

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

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 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

This section of the report includes details of any complaint/s made to Ofsted when:  we took action for the provider to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  we asked the provider to take action in order to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register; or  the provider had already taken any necessary action to meet the requirements of the Early Years Register.

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Annex C: complaint/s made to Ofsted

We will not report on any complaint where the provider met the requirements of the Early Years Register or did not require any action by Ofsted or the registered provider.

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Detail of the complaint/s

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection.

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Detail of the complaint/s

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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