Childminder in Wokingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique reference number EY433236 Inspection date 22/03/2012 Inspector Aileen Finan

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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. She lives with her partner and two children aged two and twelve years of age in Charvil, Berkshire. The childminder uses the whole of her house for childminding, but children mainly play downstairs. There is an enclosed rear garden for outside play. The childminder makes use of local facilities such as parks and toddler groups and she can take and collect children from local schools. The family has a pet dog.

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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 five children under eight years; of these two may be in the early years age range at any one time. Currently, the childminder has two children in the early years age group on roll, cared for on a part-time basis.

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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 demonstrates a strong capacity for her continuous improvement. She has a good understanding of how children learn and develop and uses this to effectively assess children's progress. There are well-established partnerships with parents and children participate in a range of activities that support most aspects of their learning well. Consequently, they make secure progress in their development. The childminder has set in place rigorous policies, procedures and risk assessments which help keep children safe. Children are happy and settled and overall understand the routines to support their safety, health and care.

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further?

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

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further?

 enhance children's creative skills to explore a variety of texture and materials extend children's awareness of their own hygiene routines by encouraging them to independently wash hands prior to eating/snacks.

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the early years provision

Effective written risk assessments help to keep children safe within the home and are complemented by pictorial assessments for the garden and outings. These assessments help children to understand their own safety as well as identifying any hazards to the childminder so she can act upon them. The childminder is aware of how to safeguard the children she cares for. She understands her responsibilities This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 should she have a concern about a child in her care and has effective systems in place to work with the appropriate child care agencies. Children's records are maintained confidentially. Parents are made aware of the robust and clear policies and therefore have a good knowledge of the procedures which help to keep their children safe and protect their well-being.

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the early years provision

The childminder is enthusiastic and motivated in her care for the children. She offers a welcoming and inclusive environment and understands children's individual backgrounds, needs and routines well. Her regular observations on children's development are informative and accurate. Consequently, the childminder is able to securely identify any gaps in children's learning and plan for their next steps and future activities. The childminder deploys her time well and is warm and caring. Good quality resources, which are used effectively, contribute to children's progress. A resources book enables children who are less well able to communicate verbally to choose favourite toys. Most activities are easily accessible and children are confident to make their choices.

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the early years provision

In reflecting on her practice to date the childminder is able to confidently acknowledge her strengths and therefore, shows a good capacity for her ongoing development. She has well targeted plans for her future practice. There are currently no children attending who are supported by other agencies or providers. Highly positive relationships with parents provide clear and accessible channels for communication. Effective discussions with parents mean they are kept up-to-date with timely information about their children's progress and welfare.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder has a warm relationship with the children she cares for. Children have regular daily opportunities for fresh air and exercise. They are provided with a wide and varied range of resources outdoors as well as opportunities to visit the local park and wider community. The childminder proactively takes learning activities from indoors to the outdoors to extend children's learning. Many opportunities are made to count, talk about colours and help children be inquisitive. For example, they talk about watering the plants to help them grow and children eagerly wait their turn to fill the bucket or water the plants.

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and outcomes for children

The childminder provides a range of balanced and nutritious meals. Children are becoming aware of the importance of their own hygiene routines. For example, when reading a story they talk about brushing their hair and the importance of brushing their teeth, but opportunities are missed to help children understand the need to wash hands prior to their snack. However, overall, children's health, physical and dietary needs are being met well, and children are content and settled.

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and outcomes for children

Children feel safe. They clearly demonstrate a strong sense of belonging. They learn about their own safety from an early age and are reminded for example, to take care when moving down the step into the garden. Children's behaviour is This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 good and the childminder encourages children to be respectful to her and her home. They talk about sharing and taking turns. Children happily help to tidy up after planned activities. Consequently, from an early age they demonstrate their awareness of responsibility.

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and outcomes for children

Children have fun. They read books together and snuggle up close, with each child choosing their favourite story. Children confidently construct with blocks and complete puzzles independently. They pop on aprons and sit down at child sized table and chairs for an art and craft activity, which they enjoy. However, the activity is adult-led and the childminder misses opportunities for children to demonstrate their own imaginative skills and be creative. Nevertheless, children are proud of their achievements. Music time is enjoyed by all. The childminder provides a box of instruments which children take pride in playing as they sing songs together.

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and outcomes for children

Observation records provide the childminder with an informative account of children's progress and development. These observations are complemented with photographs and enable the childminder to identify children's next steps for the individual children. The observations are shared with parents who are, therefore, aware of their children's achievements. A delightful display of photographs with children taking part in activities further provides opportunities for children to recall favourite past times and for parents to be aware of what their children enjoy on a day-to-day basis. 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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