Childminder in Bracknell Forest

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 EY381381 Inspection date 12/03/2009 Inspector Hazel Farrant

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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 2008. She lives with her husband in Bracknell, Berkshire. The whole of the ground floor is available for childminding purposes and one bedroom has been identified for sleep purposes. The house is close to local shops, schools and amenities. There is easy access to the property and a secure garden available. The childminder may care for a maximum of six children and currently has three on the register, all of which are in the early years age range. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on both the voluntary and compulsory parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks or drives to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler groups. There are no family pets.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are very well cared for by a caring and conscientious childminder who uses the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) effectively. Children's individual needs are supported well as the childminder has a good understanding of their welfare and learning abilities. She demonstrates a good capacity for continuous improvement and has started to use the self-evaluation document and parental questionnaires to identify further areas for her own development.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the use of observation and assessment to identify the next step for each child's learning and link to future planning and activities  further develop systems for self-evaluation in order to help to promote continuous improvement to the provision and outcomes for children.

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provision

The childminder's home is well equipped and organised. She provides a welcoming and attractive environment for children and parents. Her home is used well to ensure children can move around freely and safely as they choose their activities from the good range of resources offered. Policies and procedures are implemented well to ensure children’s safety and welfare are suitably protected. The childminder ensures children remain safe. For example, safety gates prevent unauthorised access of children to the first floor of the home. In addition cupboard locks are fitted in the kitchen to ensure children are not at risk from potentially harmful items and products. Written risk assessments are regularly completed and necessary actions to address identified hazards are recorded and acted upon without delay. The childminder ensures children are well supervised at all times and provides support to children in their play, helping them to learn and develop

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provision

This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 from the experiences offered.

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provision

The childminder shows a commitment to developing her knowledge and skills by completing training provided by the local authority and by purchasing books to help her further her knowledge of the EYFS. The childminder has started to evaluate her own practice, and is beginning to keep a written record, though the systems in place are not yet fully developed. The childminder promotes positive working relationships with parents. There is a good level of verbal communication for sharing information relating to each child, which is also supplemented by the use of daily diaries. The childminder uses information from parents, such as the children's interests and routines, to help her to plan and provide for their individual needs and requirements. She works hard to ensure consistency of care is promoted for all children in her care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are extremely happy and very secure in the childminder's care and have clearly built a strong positive relationship with her. They receive constant attention from the childminder and as a result they make good progress in their learning and development. The childminder is developing her systems of observations and assessments. However, currently they are not linked to the early learning goals and they do not clearly identify the child’s ‘next steps’. Each child has a daily journal in which the childminder records activities and experiences that the children have taken part in each day. There are photographs of children enjoying a variety of activities both inside and outside of the home. For example, children enjoy splashing around in the rain puddles. They use their problem solving skills and discover how to wash their muddy boots off by jumping into clean puddles. Children recently enjoyed making a snowman in the garden and eagerly recall they

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children excitedly fill the bird seed container and place it in the garden. They grow cress indoors and remember the seeds need water to grow. Through these activities they are learning about the natural world and caring for the environment. Children are able to play safely indoors; they have a good amount of clear floor space and can safely access the age appropriate toys provided. The childminder works very closely with parents and has built good partnerships which promotes a two way flow of information. A wide range of practical information is collected through the children's records and the daily journals are shared with parents to keep them informed of their children's progress. Foods which are provided by parents are stored safely in the fridge. Healthy eating is promoted through offering balanced meals and snacks with fresh fruit and drinks always being available. The good hygiene routines ensure that children's health is well supported and they are

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

beginning to learn good basic hygiene skills. The children have a wide variety of outings to local facilities and places of interest where they are able to explore and discover. They are learning how to share and take turns through the childminders gentle reminders. Toddler’s language is developed as the childminder constantly talks to them making good eye contact. For example, toddlers echo spoken words and are praised for doing so. The childminder has introduced a box of signs, symbols and sounds which is used in conjunction with Makaton signing. This This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provides valuable support to all of the children in their verbal and visual communication and language skills. 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 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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