Ward, Karen

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 EY270073 Inspection date 27/08/2009 Inspector Lynne Elizabeth Lewington

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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 was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and three children in a house in Finchampstead. The property is close to local schools and amenities and there is a park nearby. There is level access and toilet facilities are available on the ground floor.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years, currently five children are on roll, all are in the early years age range. The childminder's husband works occasionally as an assistant to the childminder. The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

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Description of the childminding

Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor of the property and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a pet dog.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends the local carer and toddler group and children's activities. She holds a valid first aid qualification.

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Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is outstanding. Children thrive in this child centred environment where their individuality is recognised and respected. They learn to appreciate differences in the people they know and in the wider community. The childminder carefully considers how she can provide activities, resources and experiences to engage children's interests and help them to progress at their own pace. The childminder strives successfully to develop her knowledge and skills for the benefit of the children by utilising the many opportunities available to her, including training courses and self evaluation.

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further?

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

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further?

 improving the detail in the risk assessment of the indoor area and the detail in the child protection procedure

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provision

Excellent working relationships develop with parents and others involved in the children's care through good communication. Parents are made welcome and comprehensive information is shared about the service offered through discussion and the childminder's portfolio. Introductory visits are planned, enabling a good This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 understanding of the child to be developed. Parents provide information about their child's interests and development, ensuring the childminder has an awareness of how to interest and encourage the child. Information is shared daily through discussion, daily diaries, and photographs are sent by e-mail. Observations, assessments and ideas to encourage development are shared.

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provision

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the possible signs of abuse and neglect. She has a sound knowledge of the action she would take to report concerns about a child or if allegations were made regarding her service. She has attended training courses and keeps the local children's services contact numbers easily accessible. However, the child protection policy lacks detail of the childminder's role in safeguarding children and the procedures she will follow. Children learn through activities about how to keep themselves safe both in the home and on outings. Young children demonstrate their awareness of safe procedures and behaviours when prompted. For example, a three year old when asked what they do when they go on outings said she wears a special armband and holds the pushchair.

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provision

Very good care is taken throughout the premises to manage risks on a daily basis; the childminder is conscious of the children's developing abilities and skills and adapts to meet them appropriately. Risk assessments are undertaken for all aspects of the service both in the home and on outings, however whilst risks are managed well in the home the written risk assessment lacks detail. More detailed risk assessments are available for the many outings the childminder undertakes, clearly indicating the care and commitment she has for keeping the children safe.

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provision

Children enjoy the benefits of playing and learning in a well equipped clean environment where they can easily and safely access the attractive toys and resources available to them. Children show an awareness of why they follow sensible hygiene routines. Drinks of water to prevent dehydration are available throughout the day and healthy nutritious meals are offered. Children learn about healthy eating through activities and books.

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provision

The childminder uses the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and guidance effectively to ensure she meets all the requirements of her registration. The required documentation is clear, well maintained and stored confidentially. The childminder's passion for her role in the children's lives is clear in her interaction with the children and in her self-evaluation. Self-evaluation has enabled her to reflect on her practice and identify aspects she wishes to improve and training to undertake, indicating her ongoing commitment to providing an excellent quality service.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is well informed about each child she cares for and adapts and ensures they experience activities suitable to their abilities. With the help of parents, children share aspects of their culture and language, increasing their playmates' acceptance of people who may look or do things differently to themselves. For example, children sensitively learn about a child's illness, they This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 taste Indian food and learn rhymes in the language of another child. On outings in the local community they meet the postman and other trades people, developing an awareness of their community. These simple activities also help the children to develop their awareness of the wider world and acceptance of others.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder makes each day an enjoyable experience, recognising that children learn more when they are happy and confident. They have opportunities to make choices and also undertake planned activities. The routine to the day ensures the children have a sense of security and familiarity with what sort of thing will happen next. They enjoy outings each morning, visiting local children's activities and play parks. This encourages the children to develop their social skills as they meet many different people and learn how to behave appropriately in different environments.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children talk confidently to the childminder and enjoy her interaction with them. For example, they listen attentively to the story of the 'Gruffalo' and make comments on what they can see in the pictures, demonstrating increasing language skills. They have good opportunities to see the written word through posters, displays of their 'work' and good quality fact and fiction books. They have opportunities to make marks with a variety of resources, developing the skills they will need to learn to write.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children demonstrate their awareness of size, shape and quantity as they play with the dough. The childminder uses language to increase their awareness of these aspects of the activity and the children learn from her example. They comment on the textures they create and show problem solving skills as they seek other tools to create pattern and texture. As they play with small world figures they demonstrate awareness of size and shape as they look for specific items to fit the figures.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Creative activities provide the children with opportunities to use their imaginations and act out experiences they may have had. They can access junk modelling materials, craft materials, dressing up clothes, drawing, painting and modelling materials. They listen to music and enjoy opportunities to dance and sing. They currently enjoy singing and dancing to Mama Mia songs in addition to nursery rhymes and action songs.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children's increasing physical skills are evident in all that they do. They use the tools with developing dexterity as they cut, squeeze and stamp out shapes in the dough. They climb confidently on and off the chairs and move carefully around the play environment. The outdoor equipment, including the trampoline and wheeled toys provide opportunities for larger movements in addition to the experiences they have in the local parks.

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The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder undertakes good quality observations of the children and uses this information to plan appropriate experiences to consolidate and encourage learning further. This good quality information is shared with parents and others involved with children, enabling all to work together in the interests of the child. 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? 2

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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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