Childminder in Wokingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY418373 Inspection date 11/05/2011 Inspector Susan May

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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 registered in 2010. She lives with her partner and three-year-old son in Lower Earley, Berkshire. All of the childminder's home is used for minding. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The family have a pet cat. 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 five children under eight years at any one time. The childminder is currently caring for three children in the early years age group. She also cares for older children and takes and collects children from local schools.

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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

The childminder clearly enjoys children's company; they evidently feel settled and secure in her home, developing a warm and caring relationship with her. She helps them progress appropriately in their learning and development offering an inclusive setting overall, where all children are welcomed. Children's safety is a priority and she implements effective systems to keep them safe at all times. Policies and procedures, children's documentation and most parental consents are in place. The childminder reflects on her practice appropriately, identifying strengths and some areas for development. She has a sound understanding of the early learning goals and steps towards them. The childminder shows determination to improve her practice for the benefit of the children, through further training to develop her knowledge. As a result, she demonstrates a satisfactory capacity to maintain continuous improvement.

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further?

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

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further?

 further develop knowledge and understanding of children's development to help plan and provide experiences to promote their progression towards the early learning goals  improve the way information is shared with parents, with particular regard to the way observations are carried out and agreeing ways of protecting children from the sun.

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the early years provision

The childminder organises her daily routine in line with parental preferences. Children play in a child friendly environment and the childminder makes suitable This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 use of her home and garden to support children's learning and development. Children have free access to toys and independently select from the good range of age appropriate resources available. The childminder keeps children safe and has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. She has clear procedures in place should she have any concerns about a child in her care. Parents are given copies of her policies and procedures at initial visits. Children's information on dietary requirements and health issues are recorded and consent to seek emergency medical consent is in place. However, she has not sought parental consent from all parents for her to take photographs to inform assessments, and

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the early years provision

apply sunscreen to their child. This means they are not all fully aware of her practices. The childminder has comprehensive risk assessments in place. These assess potential hazards to children and outline action taken to reduce them, risk assessments are reviewed regularly.

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the early years provision

The childminder is satisfactorily developing her practice; for example, she shares her thoughts and ideas with fellow childminders and receives information about training from the local authority. The childminder recognises strengths in her practice and has identified some areas for improvement. She checks that parents are happy with the service she offers. Through discussion she seeks parents' opinions on how the provision might be improved as part of her evaluation process. The childminder demonstrates a sound knowledge of the early learning goals. She recognises that by improving her knowledge of children's development she will be able to plan and provide a wider range of experiences to help them progress. This demonstrates sufficient commitment to continuous improvement.

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the early years provision

The childminder offers an inclusive service that takes into account the uniqueness of each child. She is building good relationships with parents to meet children's needs. Parents benefit from both verbal feedback and a record of their child's development. The childminder demonstrates, through discussion, an understanding of sharing learning with other carers to help ensure continuity and consistency in the children's care, if applicable. Parental feedback is positive. They comment on the enjoyable experiences their children receive in the childminder's care, particularly arts and crafts and cooking.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from a child friendly environment. Examples of children's work are displayed around the home to help foster a sense of belonging. Children's learning is supported by the resources accessible to them, which are appropriate for their ages. Independence is encouraged and children choose what they want to play with. The selection of toys available is rotated regularly, to ensure children experience a variety of learning opportunities. The childminder supports children by spending time with them. She encourages children to respond to her questions and join in conversations with her and each other. She uses good eye contact and speaks clearly, repeating words to help develop younger children's vocabulary.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a sound knowledge of the stage of development children are This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 at. She makes short observations using photographs and simple evaluative statements, which are dated to show a progression in the children's learning. She knows what the children enjoy and their interests, planning accordingly. She asks parents to share information about what children have done at home, to help assess what they need to do next; for example, she encourages children to share to help them understand about caring for each other's feelings and developing social skills. The childminder adopts a calm and relaxed manner with children to which they respond well; as a result, relationships are good.

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and outcomes for children

Children learn about the wider world through visits in the local area to nearby parks, groups and schools. Whenever possible the childminder walks with the children, ensuring they have daily fresh air and exercise. Indoors, children scramble through tunnels, build with age-appropriate building blocks to develop problem-solving skills and access play dough to improve dexterity. Play in the garden offers a range of suitable resources to develop children's physical skills. During warmer weather arts and crafts and other activities take place outside; this includes eating outdoors in the shade. This helps children become sun aware and develop an understanding of looking after themselves and leading a healthy lifestyle. The childminder follows good hygiene routines and teaches children about caring for themselves. She allows young children to wipe their own face using a baby wipe and older children are expected to wash and dry their hands

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and outcomes for children

Children begin to develop skills for the future. They access a wide range of 'response' toys and enjoy pressing buttons and listening to the sounds they make. The childminder gives some praise for children's successes to build their confidence and curiosity. Children behave well. The childminder defuses a situation when younger children want the same toys by using effective distraction techniques. Older children follow simple 'rules' to help establish their understanding of the childminder's expectations and keeping themselves safe; for example, they know they must stay close to the childminder, use pedestrian crossings and be aware of cars as they go out on walks or to and from school. 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 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 2 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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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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