Childminder in West Berkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY391733 Inspection date 29/01/2010 Inspector Claudia Padfield

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Type of setting Childminder to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, work-based learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It rates council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may copy all or parts of this document for non-commercial educational purposes, as long as you give details of the source and date of publication and do not alter the information in any way.

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Royal Exchange Buildings St Ann's Square Manchester M2 7LA

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.ofsted.gov.uk 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.

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Introduction

Please see our website for more information about each childcare provider. We publish inspection reports, conditions of registration and details of complaints we receive where we or the provider take action to meet the requirements of registration. 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 2009. She is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder lives with her husband and six children aged 17 months, three, eight, nine, 11 and 14 years. The family lives in Newbury in Berkshire. The whole of the house is registered for childminding and is readily accessible. There is an enclosed garden for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children under eight years and of these two may be in the early years age range at any one time. The childminder has two children in the early years age range on roll and one in the compulsory Childcare Register. The family have one pet cat.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are settling well and growing in confidence. They make good progress which is captured in the observation and assessments carried out by the childminder. However these lack systems to ensure all aspects within each area of learning are covered. A comprehensive range of policies and procedures support the day to day delivery of the children's welfare. This has been expertly developed through evaluation of the service as the childminder is committed to providing a high quality service. The childminder works in partnership with the parents to ensure good outcomes for the children in her care.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems to ensure that all six areas of learning are equally covered when planning the range of activities to meet children's needs

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the early years provision

The childminder has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities with regards to safeguarding the children from abuse and neglect. She has comprehensive risk assessments in place to protect the children and minimize potential hazards. Through good role modelling the children are learning about keeping themselves safe. The childminder is vigilant about the security of the children and monitors visitors to the premises through use of a visitors' book.

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the early years provision

Routines enable the children to have space, time and the resources to make choices and receive lots of one to one interaction. Toys are easily accessible and a wide variety enables the children to make independent choices, which promotes This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good levels of self esteem and confidence. The observations and assessments are well organised and parents spend time discussing their child's development and areas of concern. This ensures all families feel truly settled with the care offered to their children. Children enjoy sharing a range of activities and story books to enable them to learn about diversity and the wider world. Quiet times are used effectively to read and enjoy the comfort of sharing stories.

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the early years provision

The childminder understands the importance of good practice. She uses self- evaluation to reflect on her provision, successfully identifying her strengths as well as areas she plans to work on for improvement. As part of this process she proactively attends a wide range of training courses to improve the outcomes for children in her care. The partnership with parents is truly valued and enables the young children to feel safe in her care. Planning is displayed so parents can share the excitement of the learning and time is spent ensuring everybody is up to date. The childminder has sought to work in partnership with other settings the children attend and understands the importance of wider partnerships.

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and outcomes for children

Children confidently access toys and activities as they freely move around. They seek the childminder's company and engage her in their games and enjoy snuggling on her lap to share a story or look at an activity more closely. She provides a gentle and calm atmosphere that children enjoy. Photos demonstrate that activities are flexible and able to respond to exciting events such as recent snow. Older children enjoyed making snow ice cream and took part in a range of snow related activities. The childminder was able to skilfully extend the children's learning through fun experiments that are made real with actual props.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a balance of planned and child-initiated play experiences for each child in her care. She makes regular observations of their achievements and uses their interests to highlight how the plans are relevant and motivating. These are captured in her 'Early Years Foundation Stage look what I can do' books.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing a safe and healthy lifestyle through their daily routines at the childminder's home. This includes the provision of healthy snacks and meals within a sociable environment. Young children have their hands and faces washed when needed and are learning about the importance of blowing their noses. Through meticulous settling in the childminder is knowledgeable about each child in her care, this ensures the children's health and well-being are fully promoted.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder is very organised and has a well documented range of polices that support her day to day duties. These are updated at regular intervals and in response to training she has attended. Children listen to the childminder and are very well behaved. She ensures that they are able to follow personal routines and sleep when required. 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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children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

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and managed?

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 2 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 2 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

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Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

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Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 2 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 2 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 2

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Stage

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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