Childminder in Wokingham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY420414 Inspection date 20/07/2011 Inspector Aileen Finan

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 2011. She lives with her husband and three children, aged 14, nine and two years, in Earley, Reading, Berkshire. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor of the house for childminding with sleeping and toilet facilities available 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. The family has two cats, some fish and two frogs.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time, of whom no more than two may be in the early years age range. Currently, there is one child on roll in the early years age group.The childminder is happy to support children for whom English is an additional language and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. She is happy to take and collect children from local schools/pre-schools.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

Overall the quality of the provision is good.

p.4

The overall effectiveness of the early years provision

The childminder has effective arrangements in place to provide a safe and happy environment for the children she cares for. There are strong links with parents, which helps to enhance the outcomes for children. The childminder has evaluated her provision well and is able to recognise the strengths of her provision and act upon minor weaknesses, which includes extending learning plans and intentions to build upon children's understanding of their wider community.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 enhance the opportunities for children to learn more about their wider world and local community, and find out more about past and present events in their own lives.

p.4

the early years provision

Children are safeguarded well while in the care of the childminder. Arrangements to keep children safe are robust. For example, there are effective systems in place to record accidents, incidents and medication. The childminder is aware of her responsibilities to act upon any concerns she may have about a child. Risk assessments are completed and updated to identify any dangers and eliminate risks within the home and garden and when out and about. Arrangements for This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 interagency working are effective. The childminder meets with parents before children commence in her care. Policies and procedures are discussed in full and parents sign to acknowledge these. They, therefore, understand the procedures in place to keep their children healthy and safe. Parents are also made aware of the role of Ofsted as the regulator. The childminder maintains a folder to update any

p.4

the early years provision

changes in requirements and regulations and tips for safe play, safe sleep, observations and assessments. She has completed her paediatric first aid training. Registers are completed appropriately.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder's home is kept clean and safe. Toys and resources are of a very high quality and are used well and cared for. All toys and resources are age and developmentally appropriate for the children currently being looked after. The childminder plans her week so that children have a wide range of activities to enjoy but takes account of their routines such as sleep times and meal/snack times when going on outings. The childminder has maintained a book of ongoing improvements and has a clear vision for her future which includes converting part of her home to a dedicated play room, further training and extending her resources. Children's needs and backgrounds are well understood. As a result equality and diversity is actively promoted. Planning for activities includes children's current interests and takes into account the additional needs for children for whom English is an additional language. Partnerships with parents are well

p.5

the early years provision

established and parents voice positive feedback. Communication between the childminder and parents is strong and, therefore, promotes children's achievements and well-being. Partnerships with others such as Early Years advisors and speech and language professionals are equally effective and help to ensure a continuity of care.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are very happy and settled and form warm bonds with the childminder and her family. Children's routines and starting points are discussed with parents prior to starting in the childminder's care. Initial observations are made to assess children's stage of development for all six areas of learning. Therefore, the childminder has a good understanding of children's needs, which consequently enhances their outcomes. Delightful development books are in place with photographs and observations on children's play made and linked to the Early Years Foundation Stage areas of learning. The childminder uses her experience and understanding of the framework to skilfully link these observations to children's next steps and current interests to plan for future activities.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children take part in a range of play which they thoroughly enjoy, for example, singing and musical sessions, visits to toddler groups and the local Children's Centre, visits to parks and nature reserves and trips to the library. Children also have fun indoors and out in the garden. During summer periods, children enjoy free-flow play indoors and out seamlessly. Outside, children enjoy the tunnels and the playhouse. They cook at the toy kitchen and push babies around in their buggies. Children excitedly use the large trampoline and are reminded by the This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 childminder to be safe by bouncing in the middle as she attentively watches over them. Therefore, there are many opportunities to take part in physical play. Indoors, children enjoy books, dressing up and giggle together as they dance and play musical instruments. While all areas of learning are encompassed in the

p.5

and outcomes for children

childminder's daily plans, opportunities for children to learn more about their community and past/present events in their own lives are less structured. However, for example, a planned trip to the fire station is eagerly awaited.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children play well together and show respect to each other from an early age. They are already curious and eager to learn as they are stimulated with communication from the childminder who enthusiastically supports their play. Children feel secure and safe and well organised routines help to keep them settled. The childminder has good hygiene routines which children show good awareness of. They love eating their snacks of crackers and selection of fruits outdoors and pass one another their drinks when playing in the garden. Meals are nutritious and balanced, which helps children to make choices about what constitutes a healthy lifestyle. Effective systems are in place for nappy changing and children's sleep routines. Children behave well and are very happy, which in turn helps them to develop confidence and self-esteem. They are happy to cuddle up to the childminder and ask her for help when they need it. Children have

p.6

and outcomes for children

started to understand about turn-taking and sharing, which consequently helps to build their relationships and friendships. 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 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

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 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

p.7

Stage

The quality of the provision in the Early Years Foundation Stage 2

p.7

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

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