Childminder in Reading

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY430253 Inspection date 06/02/2012 Inspector Joanne Graham

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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 2011 and is on the Early Years Register, compulsory part of the Childcare Register and the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and three children in Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire. Her husband is registered as an assistant. The downstairs rooms are used for minding and the first floor is used for the provision of overnight care and for when children need to access the bathroom. There is a fully enclosed rear garden area available for outside play.

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Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered to care for two children in the early years age group at any one time when working alone and registered for four children in the early years age group when working with an assistant. She is currently caring for seven early years age children on a part time basis and one older aged child. She is registered to care for five children in total at any one time when working alone and six in total when working with an assistant. The family has no pets.

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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

The childminder ensures children are never left alone with persons not vetted and maintains ratios at all times, safeguarding children's well-being. The childminder has a positive attitude to continuously improve and to sustain existing standards. However, systems to address these identified areas to develop are not fully implemented. Children show suitable levels of self-esteem and security because the childminder values them as individuals and provides a caring environment. Relationships with parents are good and actively increase continuity of care and learning for the children. Children's skills increase due to a varied range of suitable and stimulating activities and experiences.

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further?

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

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further?

 improve the use of the current tracking system to make sure children's achievements are recorded in all areas of learning consistently  increase more strategies of how to develop areas identified to improve in the self-evaluation process  increase systems to develop links with other early years settings children attend to promote continuity of care and learning. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006

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the early years provision

The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of how to implement the procedures for child protection and to ensure the safety and welfare of children. She understands her responsibilities and has up-to-date information and training to support her knowledge. The childminder has a positive attitude to developing her practice and to maintaining her existing standards. She is beginning to address some areas identified to improve practice. However, the processes of how to address these are not always fully planned. The childminder uses her written risk assessment to identify and minimise potential risks and hazards to children, promoting their well-being. For example, she makes sure sleeping children are in view or hearing distance and that young children use straps in the highchair.

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the early years provision

Children's welfare is promoted and their well-being is safeguarded by good organisation and all mandatory documentation is in place. Individual children's files contain all necessary information and parental consent forms, which are signed prior to their child starting. The childminder organises the setting to ensure there is sufficient space for the children to move around and play comfortably. It is friendly, warm and welcoming and contributes to the children feeling safe and secure. The childminder is aware of children's differences, family make-up and home spoken languages. She respects their uniqueness and treats children with equal concern. Children learn about the wider world with trips in the local community and by accessing resources which promote diversity. For example, visiting a garden centre to see the Christmas decorations and using various musical instruments, such as drums and maracas. Children are able to access a good range

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the early years provision

of age appropriate and developmentally suitable toys and equipment, to support their learning needs and engage their interests.

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the early years provision

Parents are very happy with the care provided and letters received as part of the inspection process note that their children enjoy attending. The childminder ensures parents are well informed and involved in the day-to-day care of their child. Daily discussions and written feedback via the online systems keep parents fully updated about the activities their children have participated in and their learning achievements. Children benefit well from this close working relationship. The systems in place to develop relationships with other early years settings children attend and other professionals are in their infancy.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder establishes warm and nurturing relationships with children and cares for them in an inclusive and stimulating environment. She cuddles them and informs new children of the routine, helping them to feel secure and safe. Children benefit from this closeness and develop a confidence to explore the surroundings This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and to choose toys. The childminder makes sure there are sufficient popular toys, to avoid potential conflicts. Children are beginning to learn about sharing through good support and explanation. The childminder's interventions are appropriate to support and engage children well. She encourages children to take risks. She boosts children's confidence for them to 'have a go' and try new experiences, praising their efforts and achievements. Children are making good progress towards the early learning goals; they engage well to a wide selection of activities,

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and outcomes for children

which cover the six areas of learning. Methods to observe children's achievements and plan for future learning are progressing generally well. The childminder does not always use the current tracking system to monitor children's records of development to make sure she consistently notes achievements in all areas of learning.

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and outcomes for children

Children benefit from accessing toys, equipment and activities, which enable them to develop skills for the future. Young children and babies establish their own identities and personalities as they use their voices and gestures to express their needs and how they feel. The childminder responds positively to their communications. For example, when they stand up in the cot to indicate they have had enough rest. Young children investigate things repeatedly, pushing buttons and turning dials, working out that one action has an effect on others. They especially like activating the music and flashing lights in an electronic book. Children move their bodies in the rhythm of the music and shake the musical instruments to accompany the tunes.

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and outcomes for children

Children's welfare needs are supported as the childminder has appropriate documentation in place if children have an accident or become ill whilst at the setting. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and has procedures in place to ensure she can respond appropriately in the event of an emergency. Good hygiene practices help to reduce cross contamination. For example, the childminder wears gloves when changing nappies and makes sure children's noses are wiped. 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 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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