Childminder in Slough

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

p.1

Unique reference number EY384533 Inspection date 06/08/2009 Inspector Susan Victoria May

p.1

Type of setting Childminder This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.1

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.

p.2

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).

p.2

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

p.2

Description of the childminding

The childminder was registered in 2008. She lives with her partner and daughter aged two years in a residential area in Slough, Berkshire. All areas of the home may be used for childminding, although children will generally play on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. The childminder is currently minding two children in the early years age group. This provision is registered by Ofsted on the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register.

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder is prepared to take and collect children from local schools.

p.3

Overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good. Children are happy in the setting, eager to enjoy the challenging and stimulating activities that are both adult initiated and child led. The childminder helps the children make effective progress towards the early learning goals through the good support she offers. Each child’s individuality is recognised and clear policies and procedures are in place to promote inclusion. The childminder uses verbal discussion and written records to form good links with parents. This ensures information about the children’s everyday activities and development are shared. The childminder recognises that improving children’s care and learning is an ongoing process, identifying areas where further training and an increasing understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage would benefit the children and augment their learning opportunities.

p.3

further?

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

p.3

further?

 continue to develop knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage to help support the planning of activities that promote children's learning  extend risk assessments to cover all aspects of each outing, identifying hazards and the steps taken to minimise them

p.3

provision

The childminder organises her home and daily routines effectively. Children are kept safe as the childminder checks all people who have regular contact with the children are suitable to do so and ensures she supervises children closely at all times. The childminder keeps a daily record of children and adults who visit, these This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 are completed at the time of arrival and departure and accurately reflect when children and visitors are on the premises. Children are safeguarded under the childminder's care. She has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and is aware of the procedures to be followed if she has any concerns. The childminder keeps the children safe as she follows written risk assessments on her premises. However, while she is vigilant on outings and has basic written assessments in place, these do not fully identify all hazards, or the steps taken to

p.3

provision

The childminder creates an inclusive environment. She is friendly and welcoming towards parents, is aware children develop as individuals and offers appropriate levels of support to help them reach their potential. To ensure the children’s needs are met, parental preferences and information about the children’s health and dietary requirements is discussed and recorded. To protect children’s well being, permissions are in place for outings and the administration of medication, all accidents are recorded. The childminder shares all information with parents about the children. This supports working in partnership with parents. Links have begun to be made with other carers to share children's learning, for example, at the local school. The childminder reviews and evaluates her provision and has developed a system to observe and assess children's progress, she is aware of the children's next steps and is comfortable with her understanding of the areas of learning. However, she

p.4

provision

recognises that as her knowledge of the early years foundation stage and experience develops, she will be able to develop her planning to further support children's next steps and therefore enhance their care.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children are comfortable, relaxed and busily occupied in the childminder's home. The environment is welcoming, with age appropriate toys and equipment easily accessible and in good repair. Children are encouraged to become independent as they choose what they want to play with. Children confidently approach the childminder for support and have a good relationship with her and other family members. Children play in co-operation, show care and respect for each other and enjoy partaking in activities together. For example, a baby and older child enjoy singing and completing actions to Row, row, row your boat, the older child taking care to match her actions to the babies limited movements. The childminder divides her time between the children to ensure she offers them individual care and attention; this helps to support their learning as the childminder uses appropriate language and discussion for their age and stage of development.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children have access to a range of books that promote enjoyment of stories and provide information and knowledge of the world around us. Children are able to develop their problem solving skills as they build with construction toys, using small scale wooden bricks or large scale soft play shapes. They begin to recognise concepts such as over, under and through as they climb, crawl and move through tunnels and play equipment.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

Children explore the area in which they live and find out about the local community as they visit groups and areas of interest to them. The childminder offers a range This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 of materials with which they can explore their creativity. For example, they have access to collage materials such as pipe cleaners, a variety of materials, paper and glitter with which to follow their own designs. Attending singing and music groups provide children with further opportunities to express themselves and the childminder supports this at home as children play with musical instruments and access a range of role play resources. Children begin to use tools as they handle glue sticks, brushes and painting pens with increasing skill.

p.4

The quality and standards of the early years provision

The childminder is fully aware of children’s dietary needs and discusses all requirements with parents. Children begin to find out about healthy eating as they are offered nutritious snacks and meals and form future good habits as they sit together to eat. Drinks are always available for children to help themselves to as they wish. Routines are followed in line with parental wishes and according to the individual needs, for instance, after a busy day at school, the childminder is aware children may need to rest and sit quietly or be active, letting off steam, with a physical activity such as a visit to the park or playing with a football. The childminder adopts a positive attitude to behaviour, offering praise appropriately; building children’s confidence in their abilities and helping them recognise their self worth. Children behave generally well, show consideration for each other and begin to develop caring relationships. The childminder instils values as she

p.5

The quality and standards of the early years provision

reinforces good social manners, such as sharing, taking turns and saying thank you. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.5

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.6

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

p.6

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.

p.6

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

p.6

Years Foundation Stage promoted?

How well are children helped to stay safe? 3 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?

p.6

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

p.6

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the compulsory part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

The provider confirms that the requirements of the voluntary part of the Childcare Register are: Met

p.7