Figueira, Renata Ewa

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY417176 Inspection date 21/04/2011 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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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. She lives with her husband and two young children in Horton, Slough in the County of Berkshire. All of the premises is available for childminding, and there is a fully enclosed garden. The family have a dog and fish as pets.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children, of whom not more than one may be in the early years age group. She is registered on the Early Years Register, compulsory and voluntary part of the Childcare Register and currently has one early years child on roll. The childminder walks and drives to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local parks and children's activities.

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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 enjoy age appropriate activities in the home, garden and the local community enabling them to develop their knowledge and skills well. Sensitive care is taken to ensure that the individual needs of children are understood and met appropriately enabling them to benefit from the time in the childminder's care. The childminder has considered her service and identified short courses she wishes to undertake to improve her knowledge and understanding of young children, indicating this good quality service will continue to develop.

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further?

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

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further?

 undertake more in-depth self-evaluation identifying strengths and priorities for development that will further improve the quality of the provision for all children  improve opportunities for children to have independent access to age appropriate books.

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the early years provision

The childminder has a clear and confident awareness of child protection issues. She is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse and the action she would take if concerned. Parents are made aware of her role in safeguarding children through her comprehensive policies. Her certificate of registration, insurance and first aid are all displayed clearly in the entrance to the setting enabling parents to feel reassured of her abilities. The children are always in her care and careful This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 supervision ensures their safety at all times. The premises are very clean and well maintained providing an attractive environment for the children's care. The outdoor environment is organised well to make use of the space, sunshine and shade. Comprehensive risk assessments cover all aspects of the setting and the childminder is vigilant to children's developing abilities adapting as required to

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the early years provision

ensure their safety at all times. Smoke detectors and the fridge temperature are checked regularly and a log is maintained of visitors to the premises. Stair gates are in place in the kitchen and on the stairs to help promote the young children's safety. Good quality age appropriate toys are easily accessible to the children enabling them to use them independently.

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the early years provision

Parents' written comments about the service indicate they are very happy. They feel the introduction to the setting was handled very well and the childminder remains very sensitive to each child's individual needs. Parents comment on the many beneficial experiences children have in her care and are very happy with the information the childminder collates about the child's development and activities. The childminder ensures parents are fully aware of her service through the comprehensive policies she provides and the face to face conversations she has with them daily. She recognises how important it is for them to see that their child is happy and settled in the setting. The childminder uses many of the local facilities for young children in the community including the Sure Start Centre, parks and library sessions. She understands the importance of developing good links with other settings children may attend and has clear ideas how to implement this.

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the early years provision

Very good care is taken to gather detailed information from parents about children's abilities, routines, likes, dislikes, health and cultural needs enabling the childminder to respond to them appropriately. She acknowledges the individuality of each child and enables them to make their own choices throughout the day whilst still providing the security of familiar routines such as mealtimes. Outings in the local community, books and small world resources enable the children to learn to accept and respect people's differences.

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the early years provision

The childminder accurately identifies some of the strengths of her service, has sought the opinions of others and has some awareness of how she would like to develop her knowledge and skills further. However, further more in-depth reflection will help identify strengths and priorities for development that will further improve the quality of provision for all children.

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and outcomes for children

Children develop an awareness of safe behaviours through gentle reminders, and close supervision as they try new skills. For example, with supervision they bounce on the bouncy castle and sing 'the little bunny' song, building self-confidence, coordination and language skills. They have easy access to mark making materials outdoors where they use a large chalkboard. Whilst good quality fact and fiction books are available and the childminder does read to the children they do not have easy access to the books for independent use. This prevents children This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 independently selecting and using them to develop awareness of the written word as they reflect on familiar pictures or look at new pictures in the books. Children confidently explore the sand using their fingers and tools as they empty and fill containers, increasing awareness of size, shape and capacity.

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and outcomes for children

They develop physical skills very well as they use the tools, kick and throw balls and also try to use the dustpan and brush. Their awareness of the natural world is encouraged as they learn to treat the pet dog respectfully and enjoy daily opportunities play outdoors where they can develop their senses in the natural light and fresh air. Regular opportunities to use musical instruments, and sing action songs increase their language skills and creativity. Records indicate children also enjoy many opportunities for creative play using paint, dough and collage materials. Outings with other local childminders and their children, and visits to local toddler groups provide good opportunities for the children to develop their social skills as they meet different adults and children. Children are encouraged through the childminder's good example to use good manners such as 'please' and 'thank you' and to share and be kind to each other as they play.

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and outcomes for children

Children enjoy good quality, healthy, nutritious, home cooked food each day. A four weekly menu is planned by the childminder and she shares information daily with parents ensuring they are well informed of the food children have eaten. Drinks of water are readily available as the childminder recognises the importance of children having regular drinks of water particularly in warm weather. The daily outings and outdoor play opportunities ensure children have ample good quality opportunities to play and develop their enjoyment of physical activities in the fresh air. Outdoor physical activities help to promote a sense of well being. Good care is taken to encourage children to learn to consider their own safety as they play. They help to ensure the floor space is kept clear to prevent tripping and the childminder encourages them to use the tools safely in the sand to prevent them from 'flicking' the sand. Gentle explanations help the children to learn about

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and outcomes for children

dangers and safe behaviours. A simple effective fire evacuation procedure is in place ensuring the children can be evacuated from the premises quickly in an emergency. 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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