Childminder in Wokingham

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 EY222667 Inspection date 25/06/2009 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 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 1990. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder is registered to provide care for six children under eight at any one time. There are currently three children on roll in the early years age range. Children attend on a full and part time basis.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder lives with her family in Woodley, near Reading. The downstairs is mainly used for childminding, with access to the first floor for sleeping. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet rabbit.

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Description of the childminding

Local facilities are within walking or a short driving distance, such as parks, schools and shops. The childminder is able to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. The childminder's in-depth understanding and knowledge of children as individuals underpins their excellent progress. Partnerships with parents and other settings promote effective and consistent outcomes for children. The childminder has an extensive understanding of childcare practice and continues to expand her knowledge and understanding through further training. The childminder's sound practice and thorough procedures ensure children’s well-being, safety and welfare.

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further?

To further improve the high quality early years provision the registered person should consider:

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further?

 extending the written safeguarding policy

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provision

The childminder demonstrates an extremely dedicated approach to promoting excellent outcomes for children. The childminder is very proactive in underpinning her already effective practice through further training. She has undertaken safeguarding training courses along with other courses to promote children's well- being and safety, such as food hygiene and behaviour management.

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provision

Excellent communication with parents ensures the childminder understands the children’s needs extremely well. The childminder asks parents to offer their opinion of her service through questionnaires to support her self-evaluation. Parents receive comprehensive information about the childminder's service, such as written policies and procedures. The childminder clearly discusses with parents her role This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and the processes she will follow to safeguard children. There is some written information for parents in respect of safeguarding children. The childminder shares information with other settings that minded children attend. This leads to a cohesive approach between the settings as they work closely together to meet children's needs.

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provision

All required paperwork is in place to support children's good health and safety. Effective risk assessments are in place for both the home and outings. These clearly identify potential risks and hazards and detail the steps the childminder takes to minimise these to children. Children increase their understanding of personal care through routines and taking part in activities, for example, to promote the importance of hand washing and healthy eating.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children thrive in the childminder's care as they benefit from secure relationships. Children are extremely happy and settled. They thoroughly enjoy the purposeful activities, outings and resources on offer. A photo board of a typical day provides children with information about their routines through a visual timetable. This provides children with a strong sense of belonging. Children initiate their own play both in and out of doors and there is a wide range of resources available. This ensures children make their own choices and decisions. The childminder has an exceptional understanding of children as individuals, such as their likes, dislikes and interests. This knowledge is effectively used to extend and support children's learning and development, for example, underpinning children's counting skills through using pictures of dinosaurs. As a result, this reflects individual children's interests and encourages their participation in activities.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Books are very accessible in the home and used outdoors in the garden. This motivates children's interest in books. Written information is on display for children, such as labelled photographs from outings and displays of artwork. This includes the names of the children to promote children's recognition of their written name. Sentences are also used, which underpins children's understanding that print carries meaning.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children develop extensive understanding of the world they live in through the different outings and activities. They make food for the birds, to put out in the garden, and keep records of the different birds they see. Children extend their understanding of the different birds' habits, such as which ones break snail shells. Outings increase children's understanding of living things, such as a visit to Dinton Pastures. Photographs of the outing on display encourage children to remember their experiences. Local outings increase children's understanding of their community and develop their social skills outside of the home, for example, through regular visits to the library and toddler group. These outings and experiences extend children's knowledge and understanding of the world.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder promotes excellent outcomes for children through her thorough assessment and planning. The comprehensive records of progress provide substantial information to support the childminder in identifying the next steps of This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 learning for children. The childminder uses evaluative observations to identify children's achievements and includes evidence of progress, such as artwork and photographs. The childminder makes clear links to the early learning goals and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to track and assess children’s progress. The childminder uses this information exceptionally well, she makes notes of children's next steps of learning to refer to on a day to day basis. This ensures she extends and consolidates children's learning and development on an on-going basis. Parents contribute to children's records of progress on a regular basis. This

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

provides a bigger picture of children’s learning and development for the childminder. Daily exchanges of information between the childminder and parents take place, both verbally and using written diaries. The childminder has gained information from other settings to ensure she is able to consistently support children's progress in her setting, such as how the settings form letters, to promote children's writing 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? 1 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? 1

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Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 1 How well are children helped to be healthy? 1 How well are children helped to enjoy and achieve? 1 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

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