Highlands College

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 148836 Inspection date 19/01/2009 Inspector Aileen Ewins

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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 has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and two children who are five years and eight years of age. They live in a house located in the All Saints area of Maidenhead, within walking distance of local schools, parks and shops. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding with sleeping facilities provided on the first floor. There is a back garden available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory part and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for five children under eight years of age, of these three children may be in the early years age group. Currently the childminder has five children on roll on a part time basis on various days of the week, of these four children are in the early years age group.

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Description of the childminding

The family have a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has a range of policies in place which promote the well-being of children; however, some procedures are not updated in line with current guidance. Whilst the childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection issues, she has not successfully used risk assessments to identify potential hazards within her home and when out and about. The childminder has a warm nature and responds to children in a caring way; however, her understanding of the six areas of learning is limited and therefore impacts on individual children's development within the Early Learning Goals. The childminder is aware of the need to continually enhance her provision and the need to increase her knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

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further?

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

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further?

 extend the risk assessments for all specific outing types to assess the hazards and minimise the risks to children, ensuring that these are regularly updated as required  extend the safeguarding policy to include the procedures to be taken should an allegation be made against the childminder or a member of the household using the risk assessments in place to identify and act upon potential hazards to children, ensure that the garden pond is suitably covered throughout the year so that the risk to children is minimised when they play or go outside  ensure that an accurate record is maintained within the register to record children's attendance times  plan activities to provide a challenging learning environment tailored to meet This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 children's individual needs; undertake sensitive observational assessments and evaluation of activities; and identify next steps in order to assess

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further?

children's progress within the early learning goals. Ensure this information involves input from parents and other providers and is shared with them

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provision

The childminder has ensured that she has a full range of policies in place which help to promote the health and well-being of the children she cares for. These policies are shared with parents. However, the safeguarding policy does not enable parents to understand the procedures in place should an allegation be made against the childminder or a member of her household. The childminder has a sound understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and children are protected in her care as she is aware of the procedures to act upon should she have any concerns regarding children's welfare.

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provision

The childminder has conducted risk assessments for her home and garden. She has not fully acted on these, however, in order to identify potential hazards. Therefore, she has not given the garden pond full regard. The pond is not covered and is, therefore, a potential safety risk to children. Whilst some risk assessments have been conducted for outings, not all specific outing types have been risk assessed and therefore, children's safety may again be placed at risk, as potential hazards when out and about have not been identified.

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provision

Registers record children's daily attendance; however, they are not a true reflection of children's actual times of arrival and departure. Therefore, the registers do not provide a historically accurate account. The childminder is aware to obtain parental written permission prior to administering any medication to children. She also understands the procedures for documenting accidents, although none are currently highlighted in her paperwork. The childminder has completed her paediatric first aid training and parents are aware of the sickness policy. Therefore, children with sickness or any contagious disease remain at home, which helps to prevent the spread of infection.

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provision

The childminder has started to acquaint herself with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) but has not expanded her knowledge and understanding of the learning and development requirements. The childminder, whilst planning for children's play and activities and providing a wide range of resources, does not link children's play to the six areas of learning. Children's starting points are identified through discussions with parents and settling in times. The childminder has started to consider making observations on children, but has not, however, extended these or evaluated activities to enable her to plot children's progression. Therefore, planning is not linked to the needs of the individual child.

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provision

The childminder has completed a self-evaluation of her provision. Whilst she identifies that she provides a warm and welcoming environment and children are settled in her care, she acknowledges that she has not, however, fully acquainted herself with the EYFS. She has acted on her last recommendation in providing This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 parents information about how to make a complaint should they wish to. The childminder is aware, however, that she needs to assess and update her knowledge of current practice particularly in respect of the learning and development requirements of the EYFS. She has the support of the local authority early years co-ordinator.

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provision

The childminder has a warm relationship with the parents of the children she cares for. Daily feedback is exchanged in regard to children's welfare. A welcoming environment exists. The childminder acknowledges the need to extend the partnership with others including parents and other providers in regard to welfare, learning and development within the EYFS.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder has a warm bond with the children she cares for. Children are happy to play independently and come to her for cuddles and a chat. Children have access to age appropriate resources which they can access easily. Daily provision is made in order to be out and about. Therefore, children receive plenty of fresh air and exercise. Children learn to become sociable through music groups, toddler groups and meeting up with other childminders and their children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder encourages children to learn about healthy routines such as hand washing and healthy eating. They understand the need to leave the house in an emergency, through practising the fire drill for example. Smoke detectors are in each room and checked regularly. Children also learn about road safety when out and practise with the childminder how to find safe crossing places. They understand to walk along together holding her hand when not in a buggy.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children behave well. They are treated with respect and respond to this well by understanding the needs of others. Good behaviour is promoted with praise and the calm atmosphere within the home.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have many opportunities for play, mixing with others, trips out and planned activities. However, the childminder has not acquainted herself fully with the learning and development requirements of the EYFS. Whilst activities in place take into account all six areas of learning, the childminder has not identified where these fit within the framework. Consequently, she has only just started to make observations on the children she cares for and does not assess children's individual needs in order to identify their next steps within the Early Learning Goals. The childminder is, however, becoming aware to increase her knowledge and understanding in order to help children to reach their full potential. 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? 3 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? 3

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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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