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 510199 Inspection date 20/03/2009 Inspector Sheena Bankier

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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 1994. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder lives with her husband and adult child. They live in a residential area of Burghfield Common. Local facilities including shops, schools and parks are close by. The ground floor is mainly used for childminding with access to upstairs for sleeping purposes only. There is a small enclosed garden.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered for a maximum of six children under eight. She is currently caring for four children in the early years age range who attend for various days. The childminder is a member of the local childminding network.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall, the quality of the provision is satisfactory. Children enjoy a suitable range of experiences that support their progress and development. However, not all aspects of children's learning and development fully promote their outcomes. Partnerships with parents are good, although the childminder has not developed her communication with other settings that minded children attend. Safety and hygiene procedures are good. Training undertaken by the childminder is supporting her in developing her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 extend information gained from parents to ensure children's starting points are known  develop partnerships with other settings to promote children's learning and development outcomes  develop evaluation of activities and children's progress further to securely identify children's next steps in learning  extend knowledge and understanding of inclusive practice to promote children's awareness of the wider world.

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provision

The childminder provides a steady and consistent service to children and parents. She offers a homely environment to children where they feel secure. The childminder has taken appropriate action to ensure her home is safe for children and a written risk assessment is in place. Smoke alarms are regularly tested and an evacuation practice is undertaken. Whilst out with the children, the childminder assesses potential risks and hazards, for example, checking park play equipment before children use it. She carries a first aid kit with her on outings. This promotes children’s safety well. Children develop understanding of good health and hygiene This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 practices, such as healthy eating and hand cleaning routines.

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provision

Training develops the childminder’s practice, such as safeguarding children. The childminder has a secure knowledge and understanding of protecting children from harm, for example, signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow in the event of these. A written policy is in place and the childminder shares this with parents. This ensures they understand the childminders responsibilities to safeguard children's welfare.

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provision

Good communication is in place with parents. The childminder shares her written policies and procedures with them. These ensure they have a good understanding of her service. The childminder asks parents to provide information about their children's needs, such as home routines. This enables the childminder to provide consistent care to children. However, the childminder gains little information about children's learning and development starting points. The childminder and other settings that minded children attend do not exchange information about children's learning and progress. As a result, this does not promote consistent learning and development outcomes for children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children benefit from and enjoy suitable outings, activities and play experiences. These provide appropriate support to children's development. The childminder plans an activity or outing for each day. She uses these plans flexibly to take into account the children's day to day needs and interests. Children make progress in their social, personal and emotional development. The childminder and children have warm relationships with each other. Children are relaxed and at ease in her care. Children develop understanding of behaviour expectations. They help tidy up and the childminder praises children for their efforts. Children develop their social skills as they interact regularly with other children and adults in a safe environment, for example, the toddler group and the childminder's drop-in sessions.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Age and stage appropriate toys are freely available for children. This enables them to initiate their own play and ideas. The childminder understands the children's individual interests and provides for these, such as bringing out puzzles. She encourages the children's interest in books through outings to the library and uses this to support the children's understanding of the wider world, for example, by choosing books about festivals or religious dates. However, the childminder lacks a good knowledge and understanding of other ways to promote inclusive practice in a meaningful way with the children.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Creative activities encourage children to explore and investigate. Children mark make using paint, crayons and 'gloop'. These support children in using their small physical skills and creativity. Children develop their large physical skills through using play equipment, such as wheeled cars, slides and park equipment. The childminder also plans music and dance activities and takes children to soft play facilities to promote their physical development. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 The childminder is able to link children's development and her plans with the early learning goals and Early Years Foundation Stage. Records of children's achievements are in place along with examples of children's work and photographs. However, the childminder does not fully evaluate her activities and the children's progress. As a result, she does not securely identify or plan for the

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

next steps in 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? 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? 3 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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