Childminder in Wokingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY331973 Inspection date 15/09/2010 Inspector Lynne Lewington

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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 assesses 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 has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and two children in Winnersh. The children have access to the ground floor of the property for their play and the bedrooms for rest. A secure garden is available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to work with an assistant. When working alone, she may care for a maximum of four children under eight years and one of these may be in the early years age range. Currently, there are two early years children on roll. She 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

The childminder attends local children's activities including toddler groups and parks. She takes and collects children to and from the local school.

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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

Young children enjoy a broad range of age-appropriate activities in a happy, relaxed atmosphere. Children are cared for well although there are some missing omissions in paperwork relating to health and safety. The childminder is enthusiastic and keen to develop her service and continuously develop her knowledge and skills for the benefit of the children she cares for. Improvements have been made since the last inspection to the books available for the children to use, the resources they have access to and to the information available for parents, if they have complaints about the service.

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further?

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

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further?

 undertake regular fire drills to ensure the premises can be evacuated swiftly in an emergency  maintain a record of risk assessments for outings.

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the early years provision

Children are safeguarded by the childminder's awareness of the action she must take if she is concerned for their safety. A clear policy is in place ensuring parents are aware of her role in safeguarding their children. Suitable risk assessments for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 the premises and daily checks are undertaken to ensure the environment is safe and suitable for the children. However, while the childminder considers and takes appropriate steps to manage risks on outings, written risk assessments are not in place. Sensible measures throughout the house ensure the children play in a safe environment with safe, age-appropriate toys and resources. A fire evacuation plan is in place but has not been practised to ensure it can be undertaken swiftly in the event of an emergency.

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the early years provision

Good use is made of the available space, providing the children with a comfortable playroom where they can easily and independently access good quality books and toys. The bedrooms are used for rest where young children can sleep in a cot with fresh, clean bedding. The childminder uses a monitor and checks on sleeping children regularly to ensure they are comfortable and safe. The attractive garden is secure, providing a safe and interesting play space where children can benefit from fresh air and physical activity.

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the early years provision

Comprehensive information gathered from parents helps to ensure the childminder understands the children's needs well and enables her to provide an inclusive environment. She has a good awareness of the need to adapt and meet individual needs. A comprehensive settling in routine enables her to learn about the child and develop a good relationship with them and their parents.

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the early years provision

The childminder informally self evaluates her service and has sought the opinions of parents and children. She reflects on her work and has a clear idea of how she would like to develop her knowledge and skills for the benefit of the children and families she works with. She has attended workshops, updated her first aid and plans to undertake a childcare qualification to increase her knowledge and skills.

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the early years provision

Excellent partnerships with parents are achieved through good communication. Parents have clear, comprehensive information about the service offered. They are made welcome and information about children's development is shared both informally and formally. A notice board provides parents with clear information about insurance, registration and Ofsted and also information about planned activities is displayed. Parents report a very high level of satisfaction with the service offered, commenting on their children's enthusiasm for the childminder and the activities she provides. The childminder recognises the importance of developing positive working relationships with others involved with the children she cares for.

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and outcomes for children

Children experience excellent opportunities to enjoy and achieve and develop skills for the future. They have the freedom to make independent choices in their play. They can access age-appropriate toys, creative materials and books easily in the playroom. Each day the childminder ensures they have opportunities for physical activity, stimulation and quiet activities. This enables the children to feel secure, happy and confident in the setting. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 An activity or outing is planned for each day taking into account children's interests and topical events. For example, the children enjoy a cooking activity making scones. They each have a bowl and utensils and with a little guidance measure the ingredients. They use utensils and their fingers to mix the dough. This provides a rich learning experience where each area of learning is encouraged. Children

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and outcomes for children

increase their awareness of quantity, size and shape as they measure ingredients and later cut out the dough. Communication and language develops as they talk about what they are doing; physical development is encouraged through using the utensils to stir and cut; creative development is encouraged as they decide what to add to the ingredients; and knowledge and understanding of the world increases as they develop their understanding of the changes which happen to the ingredients in the cooker.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder encourages the children's independence well. For example, she patiently waits as they put on their shoes and undertake activities. Meaningful praise and encouragement helps to build their self-esteem and confidence. The childminder reads to the children everyday. Currently, they are reading a series of books which depict events relevant to the children. This helps them to undertsand experiences, prepare for events and identify with the characters in the stories. It also provides opportunities for further discussion and observation.

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and outcomes for children

A comprehensive range of books and toys available to the children reflects our diverse society. The childminder takes the children on many outings in the local community enabling them to meet many adults and children, increasing social skills and acceptance of people's differences.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about safe behaviours through gentle reminders and the simple routines they follow. This is also encouraged through books and activities they undertake. They demonstrate a good awareness of the importance of hand washing and make good use of the individual hand towels and soap. They learn about healthy eating through the good quality snacks and meals the childminder offers. Children are beginning to learn about recycling and help to sort the items.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a calm, relaxed and polite manner and consequently the children behave in a similar way. Good manners are encouraged and the children are encouraged to learn to share and take turns through the games they play together. 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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Early Years Foundation Stage

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 1 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 1

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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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