Childminder in Windsor and Maidenhead

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 EY300031 Inspection date 27/01/2009 Inspector Maura Pigram

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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 2005. She lives in Burnham a suburb of Slough in Berkshire with her partner and two children aged 10 and five years. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding which includes a cloakroom and a playroom. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play, mainly laid to paving slabs. Access to the premises is via a small step. The family have goldfish as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register to provide care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. There are currently six children on roll, three of whom are within the early years age range. The childminder has links with local schools where she takes and collects children. She attends age- appropriate groups including a children's centre and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder provides effectively for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). She treats children as individuals and provides flexible care for the wide age range of children who attend. The setting is mostly well organised to enable all children to participate in activities.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder works closely with parents to ensure that specific needs are generally met. She is beginning to develop her understanding of the EYFS and in self-evaluating her practice. Most documentation is generally in place and appropriate.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop the partnership with parents so that learning needs such as starting points are identified and used to inform planning  develop systems so that parents can understand and be involved in their children's learning and development records  ensure all documetation is organised and easily available and continue to develop a culture of reflective practice and self-evaluation taking into account parents' and children's views to monitor the provision and to identify targets for development.

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further?

To fully meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

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further?

 develop the risk assessment so that it includes outings and the potential environmental risks such as the front door, the garage windows and the lock on the cloakroom door (Suitable premises, environment and 11/02/2009 This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 equipment).

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provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and demonstrates a commitment to update her professional skills, for example, a workshop on Play Environments has been completed and she is booked onto a further training course related to the EYFS. The childminder has worked hard to create necessary documentation such as policies, procedures, planning and assessment records. These are generally effective and she is in the process of ensuring they are easily available. Since her last inspection she has acted upon most of the recommendations raised. For example, she has developed children's understanding of the procedures to follow in an emergency. Her systems for self-evaluation are still evolving and she consistently discusses her childminding procedures with other childminders to ensure her practice is effective.

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provision

The childminder organises the environment and her resources effectively so that self-esteem and independence are fostered. For example, resources in the playroom are easily available are suitable for children's individual stages of development. Regular meetings with another registered childminder take place when younger children enjoy art and craft sessions and playing with peers of a similar age. Children are safeguarded as the childminder has a clear knowledge of how to protect children from harm or neglect. She has relevant documentation to refer to if necessary. Some suitable safety equipment is fitted around the home such as safety gates and smoke detectors. Risk assessments are completed, although outings and some potential hazards such as the security of the front door have not been included to ensure all children's safety is maintained.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes children's welfare, learning and development appropriately. Children learn how to keep healthy because they have good opportunities for both indoor and outdoor physical activities. For example, they regularly visit a variety of nearby parks where they enjoy running, climbing and riding bikes. At the childminder's home, younger children are able to ride their cars and trikes on the paved slabs, whilst older children enjoy jumping on the trampoline or playing football. Parents mainly supply meals which are appropriately stored. Children learn how to keep themselves safe because road safety is discussed as they walk to and from school. In addition, the childminder sensitively raises their awareness about talking to strangers. The childminder plans to further develop older children's awareness of staying safe by carrying out relevant quizzes.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have the opportunity to enjoy an effective range of planned and purposeful play. For example, space, resources and time are well managed so that children of all ages can enjoy joining in with planned activities such as cooking and craft sessions. Recently they made artefacts related to Chinese New Year and Christmas. The activities are adapted to ensure all children can take part and This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 extend their learning. Children are comfortable and at ease with the childminder, babies cuddle her spontaneously and any children who are tired or teething are offered appropriate support. The childminder effectively manages her time so that school/nursery age children arrive and are collected on time. The completion of homework is encouraged before children settle to chosen activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children independently access a wide range of equipment and toys to help them make progress in their communication, language, literacy, technology and numeracy. For example, the completion of jigsaws, exploring interactive toys, computer games and reading stories. The childminder plays and interacts with the children at all times, singing and talking to them as they play. Visits to the local library along with the availability of a wide range of books develop their interest in the printed word. Young children are encouraged to share and take turns so that they develop social skills, older children are aware of the house rules and good manners are promoted. Thus, children learn right from wrong.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Parents and carers are encouraged to share what they know about their children when their child first starts to attend, thus, the childminder can meet the children's welfare needs and help them to settle happily. However, starting points in their learning and development are not always used to inform planning so that the next steps in children's learning can be identified. Daily discussions and written diaries are beginning to keep parents informed about what their children are doing, although these and assessment folders are not as yet effectively used to enable parents to understand and be involved in their children's learning. 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? 3 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: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Not Met (with actions)

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

The registered provider does not meet the requirements of the compulsory and or voluntary part/s of the Childcare Register.

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 11/02/2009

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

To comply with the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, the registered person must take the following action/s by the specified date:

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Annex B: the Childcare Register

 take action as specified in the early years section of the report (Suitability and safety of premises and equipment) 11/02/2009 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 registration.

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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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