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 EY292158 Inspection date 22/01/2009 Inspector Samantha Hunt

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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 2004. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and two children aged 12 and nine years in the All Saint's area of Maidenhead, Berkshire. This is within walking distance of local schools, town centre and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding, with sleeping facilities only upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time. She is currently caring for five children, of which four are in the early years age range. All children currently attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks and/or drives to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. She takes children to local parks, libraries and toddler groups.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder holds a level 2 childcare qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are happy and confident, as they play and learn in a warm, homely environment. The childminder provides children with a variety of activities and experiences that support their learning in all areas. She recognises each child as an individual and shows them care and support. The childminder has a positive approach to continuous improvement and has the capacity to build on her existing strengths for the benefit of the children she cares for.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop effective systems for gathering information on children's learning and development prior to them starting to help inform future planning  improve documentation to ensure details of medication administered is clearly listed, and include all outings regularly undertaken in the risk assessment

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provision

The childminder has a pro-active approach to her childminding and ensures documentation relating to her provision is well maintained and up to date. For example, policies have been updated to recognise the introduction of the Early Years Foundation Stage. The childminder follows a clear procedure for administering medication which includes gaining written permission from parents. However, the record does not always include the name of the medication being given. The childminder has begun to identify her strengths and weaknesses This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 positively and recognises that further development and self evaluation will aid her practice and improve her provision.

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provision

Good steps are taken by the childminder to ensure children are safeguarded. She demonstrates a good knowledge of child protection, has attended further training and holds local authority documentation to support her should she need to report concerns. She has conducted a written risk assessment of her home to identify and minimise potential hazards. Although the risk assessment includes outings, this is only general and does not specify regular outings undertaken by the children.

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provision

The childminder has formed good partnerships with parents. She shares information with parents, both written and verbal, to ensure all individual needs are met. Links have been made with the children’s nursery which enables the childminder to support and reinforce their learning. Parents comment on the warm, stimulating and fun environment which the childminder provides and children not wanting to go home at the end of the day because of the good time they are having in her care.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are happy and relaxed in the childminder’s care. They confidently make their individual needs known as they play, and are clearly forming close relationships with the childminder. The childminder provides children with a flexible routine of activities both in the home and outside that provide stimulation, enjoyment and learning for them. There is a good range of toys and resources for children to play with, stored within easy reach to allow them to make choices. The childminder involves herself well in children’s play, for example, using conversation effectively to develop their language skills. Children eagerly do a puzzle with the childminder encouraging them to name the animals as they place them in the gaps. They show curiosity and excitement as they watch the wildlife coming into the garden from the window and enjoy freely creating a picture with the crayons.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of children’s stages of development and is observing children on a regular basis to help her move them forward with their learning and development. Settling in procedures are good, with the childminder encouraging several visits. The childminder liaises with parents to gather information such as daily routines and dietary needs, but as yet does not have a clear system for gathering information to cover the learning and development children have experienced at home.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder follows effective procedures to promote good health such as wiping children’s hands before and after snacks and changing nappies according to need. Regular visits to the play gym, ball pool centre and walks to the park and school ensure children get regular fresh air and exercise. Children build an awareness of their own safety as the childminder straps them into the high chair at snack time and reminds them to hold hands as they walk to the car. Outings into the community such as to toddlers and the shops help children to learn about the wider world and begin to develop skills for later life. Children develop good self- esteem and confidence because of the positive praise and encouragement they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 receive from the childminder. They learn to foster good relationships because of the warmth and affection shown to them by the childminder.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

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

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action.

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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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