Childminder in Slough

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY342830 Inspection date 29/09/2010 Inspector Christine Bonnett

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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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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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her partner and three children aged 13, seven and three years in Langley, Berkshire. The ground floor of the house is mainly used for childminding, There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding two children in this age group. She is registered on the Early Years Register, and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local parent and toddler groups and is a member of a local childminder support group. The family has two cats

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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 make good progress in their learning and development because the childminder has a thorough knowledge of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, and how to apply them effectively in her practice. Children are valued and respected as unique individuals and have their needs met with care and kindness. The effective relationships the childminder makes with parents contributes towards the well-being of the children. The childminder understands the benefits to herself and the children of continuously reviewing and developing her practice.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop systems to assess observations, in order to clearly identify the next step in the child's learning journey and to monitor progress  develop the risk assessments in order to identify all potential hazards to children, and how they are managed effectively

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the early years provision

The childminder has a secure understanding of her duties in relation to safeguarding children. She knows the indicators of child abuse and the procedure to follow to report concerns. In addition, she has attended a child protection training course to consolidate her understanding in this area. The childminder also ensures that all adults living in the home are checked for their suitability to be with This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 minded children. She vigilantly monitors young children sleeping upstairs by using a baby monitor and carrying out visual checks every 10 to 15 minutes. All obvious safety hazards are managed effectively to further protect children from harm. However, the risk assessments do not include how every potential hazard has been managed. All other records that are required to be maintained for the safe and efficient management of the provision are in place, and contribute towards the

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the early years provision

The childminder is fully committed to continuously enhancing her existing good practice. She understands that this has a positive impact upon her own professional development, and improves outcomes for children. She reflects upon her work and identifies areas to develop. For example, she is working towards improving her assessment skills in order to be able to clearly identify the next step in each child?s learning journey. The childminder also attends courses, such as 'Early language development' and 'Be good and play nicely', and applies her learning in her practice. The recommendations made at the last inspection have been completed and have resulted in the children having routine access to a range of play materials that reflect diversity within society. This enables them to learn about the world around them.

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the early years provision

Children have ample space in which to play in the clean and comfortable home. A good variety of appropriate play materials are set out appealingly in the lounge for the children to enjoy. Older children are able to exercise their independence by selecting items of their choice from storage in the hall. The play materials are also clean and in good condition to support the sustainability of the provision.

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the early years provision

The childminder values the good relationships she establishes with parents, and regards good communication between them as very important for the children's welfare. She shows parents her personal portfolio at the start of an arrangement. This contains her policies and procedures, along with details about her qualifications and experience in child care. This ensures that parents are aware of the service that they and their child will receive. The childminder also gathers a wealth of information from parents about their child before the arrangement begins in order for her to provide appropriate and consistent care. A daily diary is used to record the events of the day and shown to parents to keep them in touch with how their child has spent their time. Verbal feedback is also given each day. As part of the inspection process, parents were asked to contribute their views on the quality of the provision. A typical comment stated that the childminder was a

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the early years provision

very positive influence on the care and development of their child. The childminder understands the importance of establishing effective partnerships with all other agencies involved with the care and education of the children to ensure they receive the support they need.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn as they play because the childminder has a good understanding of the six areas of learning, and how to include them all in the experiences she This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 provides. Detailed observations are carried out as the children play, and the childminder is developing her assessment skills in order to link her findings to the areas of learning to show clearly the progress each child makes. The childminder ensures she supports children's development in all areas. For example, she supplied a baby walker and other appropriate equipment to provide a little extra support to help a child take their first steps. The childminder has a good range of books at home that are suitable for all ages of children. The younger ones enjoy sitting on the floor with the childminder while she encourages then to feel the different textures in the board books. They also visit the library to have fun in the

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and outcomes for children

music session as they play the instruments. Several pre-school groups are visited each week to promote children's social and emotional development as they mix with others and benefit from a broader range of play experiences. The extensive range of programmable toys, such as activity centres, enable children to begin to develop the skills required to operate information and communication technology in the future

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and outcomes for children

Through the daily routine, children learn appropriate hygiene practices, which prevent the spread of germs and promote their health, such as washing hands before eating. The childminder also has a good hygiene routine as she changes children's nappies. Although the parents supply their child's main meals, the childminder promotes healthy eating by providing fresh fruit at snack time, bananas being a particular favourite. Children experience fresh air and exercise on a daily basis. They increase their physical skills as they run, swing and slide in the local park. They also visit Black Park to play in the open air and gain knowledge of the natural world as they look at the trees and squirrels. Children are learning to keep themselves safe as they are shown how to cross roads safely and practise fire drills. The childminder holds a valid first aid qualification to enable her to respond appropriately should a child have an accident.

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and outcomes for children

Children are developing a sense of right and wrong as they learn to share, take turns and accept the boundaries set by the childminder, such as not jumping on furniture. Knowing the boundaries helps children to feel secure and promotes good self esteem. Children also benefit from the affection the childminder gives them. They show that they feel safe as they snuggle into her having just woken up, and smile and laugh as they give and receive plenty of eye contact. Consequently the children feel valued and demonstrate that they are happy in the childminder's care. 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 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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