Childminder in Wokingham

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY434084 Inspection date 15/02/2012 Inspector Lynne Lewington

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 is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register. She lives with her husband and three children in Lower Earley, Berkshire. The childminder makes use of local facilities, such as parks and toddler groups. The childminder can take and collect them from local schools. The family has a cat and some chickens. Currently there are three early years children on roll.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder uses the whole of the house for childminding. An enclosed rear garden is available for outside play. Her registration permits her to care for three children under eight years and of these; two may be in the early years age range.

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 provides a calm, happy, welcoming and homely environment. She recognises the uniqueness of each child and provides an inclusive service where each child is respected, valued and included. Children progress well in most areas as the childminder provides a range of fun activities, experiences and resources relevant to their ages and abilities. Children's health and safety is promoted exceptionally well. The childminder is committed to continuous development. She evaluates her practice and can identify both her strengths and areas for improvement.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 create an environment rich in print where children can learn about words; for example, using names and labels.

p.4

the early years provision

Excellent care is taken to promote the safety and security of the children Comprehensive risk assessments are in place for the setting and outings and the childminder is proactive in risk assessing new venues they attend. Fire drills are undertaken regularly ensuring the premises can be evacuated swiftly in an emergency. A clear safeguarding policy enables parents to understand the childminders role in safeguarding children and reporting concerns she may have.

p.4

the early years provision

The premises and equipment are spotlessly clean and well maintained. Good use is made of the available space enabling children to have access to a large floor space This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 and table top play. Due to the layout of the play space older children can independently move freely between the indoors and outdoors and still be supervised closely. The high quality resources which are attractively displayed enable children to make choices in their play, increasing independence and interest.

p.4

the early years provision

Good care is taken to recognise the individuality of each child. The childminder develops excellent dialogues with parents when the children join her setting. This enables needs to be understood and met effectively. Children learn about different cultures through activities and outings where they meet other adults and children. This helps them to learn to accept and respect others.

p.5

the early years provision

Excellent partnerships develop with parents through good communication, both face to face and through the high quality diaries and development records which parents are invited to comment and add to. Comprehensive information is available for parents about the service offered and their views are sought through questionnaires. All parents comment very favourably of the service offered. For example, one parent commented that the childminder was 'very professional, flexible and often helpful beyond the call of duty'. The parent also described the childminder as 'approachable and easy to talk to'. Effective partnerships are developing with other settings children attend as the childminder has made links with them. She shares and seeks information relevant to the individuals in her care enabling all involved to work together to promote positive outcomes.

p.5

the early years provision

In the short time the childminder has been registered she has developed her service well and undertaken a clear self-evaluation of her service so far. Her self- evaluation accurately reflects the provision and clearly indicates her enthusiasm and commitment to continuous development. She has attended workshops relevant to her work and has identified specific aspects she wishes to improve. This will further increase the quality of both the provision offered and her knowledge and skills.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy freshly prepared high quality nutritious food each day. Care is taken to ensure the daily menu is varied and contains protein, vegetables and fruit. Drinks are available to children throughout the day including milk. Physical activity is encouraged enabling children to develop their coordination and balance. The arrangement of the furniture enables very young children to pull themselves to standing and safely explore the environment reaching and stretching for interesting items. A trampoline with secure safety nets is well used. Activities in the garden in the fresh air encourage children to develop their senses and increase a sense of well-being. Children demonstrate an awareness of the importance of good hygiene routines to prevent the spread of germs.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children demonstrate a high level of confidence and security in the setting, they interact and communicate well with each other and the childminder. High quality This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 adult interaction and the familiar routines enable young children to feel confident and secure. Children are developing their awareness of safe behaviours through the carefully managed risks they take with supervision. For example, using a knife to spread and cut their own sandwiches.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder is a positive roll model to the children. She is calm and attentive setting consistent boundaries and expectations of behaviour. Good manners and kindness to each other is encouraged through praise and example. Games and mealtimes provide good opportunities for children to share, take turns and learn to be tolerant and respectful to each other.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children enjoy a broad variety of activities both in the home and in the local community. The daily routine provides opportunities for planned activities and also free choice. Children develop language skills as they sing action songs and are encouraged to respond to open questions. Attractive fact and fiction books are easily accessible and the childminder reads to them regularly. However, there is a lack of opportunities for children to see the written word or their names in the setting. They have opportunities to make marks with crayons and water markers developing early writing skills. Awareness of shape, size and position is encouraged with the use of shape sorters, puzzles and construction toys. They count as they play and in songs. Creative development is encouraged through art activities, dough play and imaginative play both in the setting and at a childminders support group. Children feed and collect eggs from the chickens increasing awareness of

p.6

and outcomes for children

the natural world. They use interactive toys developing their awareness and ability to use simple technology.

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder observes the children and identifies their interests and abilities well. She links her observations to the areas of learning and uses this to plan appropriate experiences and learning opportunities for the children. Parents input is valued and they are encouraged to share their valuable knowledge of their children's interests and abilities. In this way the childminder and parents work together well promoting development. 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 1 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 1 The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles 1 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