Childminder in Slough

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY361403 Inspection date 01/02/2011 Inspector Glenda Pownall

p.1

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.

p.1

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

p.2

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.3

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.3

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.

p.3

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

p.3

Description of the childminding

The childminder registered in 2007. She lives with her husband and three children, who are aged six, four and two years, in Slough, Berkshire. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor of the house for childminding, with sleeping facilities for young children on the first floor. There is an enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder makes use of local facilities such as parks, the library and toddler groups.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She may care for a maximum of three children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than one may be in the early years age group. She is currently minding four children part time in this age group.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder knows children well and as a result, they generally have their individual needs well met and are confident in her care. The partnerships the childminder fosters with parents are a particular strength of her setting. There is a breach of requirements with regard to the fire safety equipment. Observation, assessment and planning systems, hand washing procedures and self-evaluation are areas for development. However, the childminder has made some improvements since registration. She demonstrates the capacity to develop her practice in order to improve outcomes for children.

p.4

further?

To meet the specific requirements of the EYFS, the registered person must:

p.4

further?

 ensure the fire detection and control equipment in place is sufficient and in working order, with particular regard to the number of smoke alarms and the installation of the fire blanket (Suitable premises, environment and equipment). 15/02/2011

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 review the risk assessment to make certain it covers anything with which a child may come into contact, with particular regard to electric sockets and the trampoline  provide each child with clean water to wash their hands and consider This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 providing individual towels for children to dry their hands on to minimise the risk of cross-infection  undertake and analyse observations to help plan 'what next' for individual children across all areas of learning and involve parents as part of the ongoing observation and assessment process  develop a process of ongoing self-evaluation to indentify strengths and priorities for development that will improve the quality of the provision for all children.

p.4

the early years provision

The childminder maintains most records effectively and all required parental consents to support the care of children are in place. The childminder has a sound knowledge of child protection procedures. Although not recorded, she does know where to find the local contact numbers to make a referral if required. The childminder undertakes and records a risk assessment of her home. She has a range of safety features and procedures in place but these do not fully promote the safety of children. The risk assessment does not include everything with which children may come into contact. For example, not all electric sockets have been assessed and neither has the suitability of the trampoline for the age range of the children. An emergency evacuation procedure is in place but the fire safety equipment is not assessed to ensure it is able to operate effectively in the event of fire. For example, the fire blanket is not in working order as it is not installed

p.5

the early years provision

appropriately and the childminder has not assessed if the one smoke alarm is sufficient for the premises.

p.5

the early years provision

Children celebrate festivals and undertake a variety of outings in the local community. This develops awareness of the diverse society in which they live. The childminder provides parents with copies of her policies and procedures. This ensures parents are aware of the service the childminder provides. Parents find the childminder very welcoming and are happy with the progress children make in her care. The childminder keeps parents well informed about children's routines and activities. She speaks to parents each day and sends emails at the end of the week that include photographs and video clips of children's activities. Parents appreciate these updates, which support continuity of care for children. The childminder communicates with staff at the school children attend to support children's well- being.

p.5

the early years provision

There is not a rigorous self-evaluation process in place with clearly defined plans for further improvement. However, the childminder listens to what parents say to reflect on the service she provides. She considered areas for development in preparation for the inspection visit. These include improving the planning of activities and attending training to refresh her knowledge of the areas of learning in order to support children's progress. There is an adequate range of resources to support the learning and development of the current children cared for. The organisation of the resources enables children to make some decisions about what they wish to play with. Children help with the household recycling. This introduces This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 environmental awareness.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children appear happy and secure in the childminder's care. They readily approach the childminder indicating trusting relationships. Children begin to think about their own safety as the childminder gives them gentle reminders at their level of understanding. Young children behave very well. They willingly cooperate and share toys with other children. They develop awareness of agreed ways to behave such as saying 'ta' when they receive something. Young children display a positive attitude to learning. They choose some resources for themselves and are willing to try different activities.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder makes daily observations of children and records these in their learning records. The written observations cover almost all areas of learning. However, few observations are analysed or identify next steps in learning and parents have not been encouraged to contribute what children do at home to these records. Although the system to plan activities to support children?s progress is in the early stages of development, there is sufficient challenge in the activities provided to interest children.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Overall, the support and activities that the childminder provides enables children to develop the skills they need to progress in their learning. Young children?s language and communication skills are developing well as the childminder speaks clearly to them and responds positively to the words and sounds they make. Young children enjoy looking at books for pleasure. They turn the pages for the childminder and show interest in what they see. For example, they point to the star and 'smell' the flowers in the book. Children develop awareness of simple technology as they switch buttons on and off on the play mat to hear different sounds.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children have regular opportunities to play outside in the fresh air. They visit parks, kick footballs in the field and play in the garden. This enables them to develop their physical skills. The childminder does not rush young children when they are washing their hands. They have time to splash in the water making it a fun routine. However, some children wash their hands in the dirty water left by the previous child and they all dry their hands on a communal towel. This does not increase children's awareness of effective personal hygiene routines that promote good health by minimising the risk of cross-infection. Parents provide all food for their children; this ensures that children eat according to parents wishes. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

p.6

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

The key inspection judgements and what they mean

p.7

Annex A: record of inspection judgements

Grade 1 is Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptiona lly 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.7

children in the Early Years Foundation Stage?

The capacity of the provision to maintain continuous improvement

p.7

Early Years Foundation Stage

The effectiveness of leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement The effectiveness with which the setting deploys resources 3 The effectiveness with which the setting promotes equality and diversity The effectiveness of safeguarding 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s self-evaluation, including the steps taken to promote improvement The effectiveness of partnerships 3 The effectiveness of the setting’s engagement with parents and carers

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 3

p.7

Stage

The extent to which children achieve and enjoy their learning 3 The extent to which children feel safe 2 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 3 The extent to which children make a positive contribution 2 The extent to which children develop skills for the future 3

p.7

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

p.7

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8

Annex B: the Childcare Register

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

p.8