Childminder in Slough

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY414954 Inspection date 13/04/2011 Inspector Margaret Moffat

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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 2010. He lives with his wife and five children aged 14, 13, nine, five and two years in Slough, Berkshire. Most areas of the downstairs are used for used for childminding, with sleep facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder drives to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. He attends parent/toddler groups and takes children to the local library and parks. The childminder may 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 range. The childminder works with his wife who is also a registered childminder and when working together they may care for a maximum of six children under eight of whom five may be in the early years age range. He is currently minding four children in this age group on a full time basis and one school age child. The

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Description of the childminding

childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and on the compulsory part of the Childcare Register.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is satisfactory.

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The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Children are settled in the childminder' home and are making sound progress in their learning and development. Children have access to a range of toys and activities to support their learning in all areas of development. The childminder works closely with his co-childminder to promote children's learning and development in most areas although the observation and assessment system is an area for improvement. Most hygiene routines are followed appropriately. The childminder is beginning to evaluate his practice and has clear plans for further improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 develop further knowledge and understanding observations and assessment systems in place to assess children's progress through the early learning goals  review hygiene procedures especially at snack times to promote good health and hygiene routines for all the children.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a sound knowledge of the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are safeguarded because the childminder knows the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 procedures to follow if concerned a child is at risk. The childminder ensures the environment is safe and secure for the children. Records of risk assessments are in place for the home, garden and outings. This helps ensure children remain safe at all times. Children are involved in regular fire drills and so they are beginning to be aware of their own safety and steps to take in the event of an emergency. Children also learn about road safety when on outings.

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the early years provision

The childminder works closely with his co childminder in most aspects of children's learning. He is familiar with the areas of learning and how to support children in their play. The co childminder is currently responsible for the observation and assessment system. Although the childminder is involved in writing up the observations he does not yet fully participate in this to assess children's progress through the early learning goals. The childminder has been minding for a short time and is beginning to evaluate the setting and shows an awareness of the strengths and areas for improvement. The childminder has identified improving his knowledge and understanding of observation and assessment as an area for improvement and is currently looking for a course to attend. This shows a commitment to ongoing improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder promotes inclusive practice and is fully aware of the children's individual needs. Children learn about other cultures and special days that are celebrated through discussions and making cards or crafts associated with these and of their own cultures. Children have access to a range of toys and resources to promote positive images of the wider world such as books, dolls and puzzles. Toys and resources appear in good condition and are set up around the rooms for children to access. Children move around the home and outside area comfortably making choices about where they wish to play.

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the early years provision

The childminder develops sound relationships with parents. Through discussions at the beginning and end of the day and the daily diaries they are informed about their children's day in the setting. Parents have access to their children's development files on a regular basis and this helps them see the progress their children are making in the setting. Parents are pleased with the care the childminder provides and particularly like how settled their children are and how they feel part of the family. Some children attend other settings and the childminder is developing links with staff to support children's well-being and progress.

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and outcomes for children

Children are happy and settled in a caring environment. This helps them feel secure to explore and investigate their surroundings. They develop trusting relationships with the childminder and his family and the other children in the setting. Children show kindness towards each other and older children offer younger children cuddles when they are upset. Children develop an understanding of right and wrong as they discuss the setting rules each day at circle time. Children benefit from the praise and encouragement they receive from the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder which helps promote their confidence and self-esteem.

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and outcomes for children

There are appropriate hygiene routines in place which help prevent the risk of cross infection. For example, older children have their own towels on hooks in the toilet and the childminder wipes children's runny noses and disposes of the tissues immediately. Older children are aware to wash their hands at appropriate times such as before snacks and after visiting the toilet. However, younger children's hands are not wiped before snack time to help them gain an understanding of good hygiene routines. Meals are currently provided by parents and the childminder ensures these are stored appropriately and prepared in line with parent's wishes. The childminder is aware of children's allergies and particular dietary needs. Children have daily opportunities to play outdoors in the fresh air and this helps develop their understanding of healthy living. They play ball games in the garden with the childminder and the childminder assists the younger

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and outcomes for children

children as they play on wheeled toys or try to climb on the equipment to have a turn. Children also visit the local park where they play on large play equipment which develops their physical skills.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder shows an interest in children what children do when not with the childminder. He talks to them about home life and asks questions about what they have been doing to encourage their conversation and thinking skills. Children tell the childminder how they went to the garage with their parents and the childminder asks if they enjoyed this as he knows children have an interest in cars. Children play with the cars and garage and sort them into different types. As others join in they race the cars along the floor and talk about them going faster and faster. Children use their imagination as they play with the doll's house and the people, putting them in different rooms in the house and making up their own scenarios as if they are talking. Young children develop independence as they select toys that interest them from the available resources. They try and put shapes in the shape sorter and use the hammer to bang these in and the

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and outcomes for children

childminder encourages them in the task. The childminder responds to their sounds and gestures as they hold up items and he informs them of their names and colours, helping to develop their language skills. The childminder assists younger children who are learning to walk as he holds their hands and guides them round the room stopping where they wish. Children have fun as they empty all the toys out of the box and puts them back in again. The childminder develops children's counting skills as he introduces this during activities such as ball games and as they place items back in the toy boxes. Children have access to electronic toys which helps them gain an understanding of how things work as they push the buttons so they make a noise or something pops up. Children develop suitable skills for the future through the range of activities they are involved in and developing independence in dealing with their own care needs such a feeding

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and outcomes for children

themselves and dressing themselves when going out to play. 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 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

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Stage

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

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Stage

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

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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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