Childminder in West Berkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique reference number EY414480 Inspection date 17/08/2012 Inspector Susan May

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 2010. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and two years in Mortimer Common, Berkshire. All of the premises is used for minding. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is registered on the Early Years Register and both the compulsory and voluntary parts of the Childcare Register and may care for a maximum of four children under eight years at any one time. The childminder is currently minding two children in the early years age group.

p.4

Description of the childminding

The childminder is prepared to take and collect children from local 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

Children enjoy spending time with the childminder and her family. They are confident with a strong sense of belonging, as the childminder recognises each child's unique qualities. Children make good progress in most areas of their learning. Good relationships are in place with parents and others involved in the children's care. The childminder reflects on her practice and is proactive in developing her knowledge to make improvements that will be of benefit to the children.

p.4

further?

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

p.4

further?

 support and promote children's independence and practical skills, by allowing children sufficient time to explore, develop and practice new and existing skills.

p.4

the early years provision

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder follows effective policies and procedures to help protect the children. Children are supervised at all times and never left unattended with persons not vetted. Comprehensive risk assessments mean the childminder identifies and addresses possible hazards and regular fire drills practiced with the children help keep them safe. Parents receive accurate information on all the childminder's policies and procedures to ensure they have clear expectations of her practice. All children's documentation is in place, securely stored and includes required parental consents. Parents may discuss their children with the childminder at any time and confidentiality is observed. This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 Children move freely around the bright and welcoming environment, playing with a good range of age-appropriate equipment that promotes learning. Inclusion is

p.4

the early years provision

given high priority and each child is valued and their family circumstances and background respected. This helps foster self-esteem and encourages children's sense of belonging. Parents express their satisfaction about the service provided as they record how much their children enjoy the warm, loving and stimulating environment that is provided for them. A two-way flow of information between parents and childminder through a daily diary and verbal discussions help ensure consistency in children's welfare and development. Good links with others involved in the children's care, for example; as they move on to school, help provide continuity in children's care and learning.

p.5

the early years provision

The childminder receives information from the local authority on training courses and regularly meets up with other childminders to share information. She demonstrates commitment to improving her practice as since registration she has obtained a recognised childcare qualification. By reflecting on her practice and increasing her knowledge and skills the childminder helps ensure she enhances the quality of the care and learning opportunities available for children.

p.5

and outcomes for children

Children are happy in the childminder's company and move around confidently in the warm child-friendly environment. Children begin to develop independence as they choose what they wish to play with selecting from the well-maintained age appropriate equipment accessible to them. However, on occasion they are not given sufficient opportunity to try things for themselves to explore, develop and practice new and existing skills. For example, when children put on their painting aprons, the childminder is quick to do it for them, rather than allowing them to try for themselves. Initial discussions with parents provide the childminder with starting points. As a consequence the childminder has a good understanding of the children's stage of development and next steps. Ongoing observations and assessments are shared with parents and carers with discussions taking place on a regular basis in order to help inform future planning. This along with photographs

p.5

and outcomes for children

and evidence of children's work helps provides a clear record of their development and progress.

p.5

and outcomes for children

The childminder has a good knowledge of the early learning goals and expresses commitment to developing practice to enable children to thrive in the setting. The childminder supports children's language and thought processes as she asks open- ended questions and listens carefully to their responses. Children have ample opportunity to see the written word through labelling and posters. Young children mark make in the crazy foam, while older children copy letters and recite the alphabet. Children have good access to books, enjoy listening to stories and have regular opportunities for singing sessions. Children develop problem-solving skills as they have access to construction toys, play with puzzles and count and identify colours as they play. Evidence of children's artwork displays the range of media to This inspection was carried out under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 which they have access. Children begin to complete simple experiments as they

p.5

and outcomes for children

mix the red and yellow paint and delightedly tell the childminder that they have made orange.

p.6

and outcomes for children

Children develop a sense of belonging as the childminder knows each child well; is fully aware of each child's family context and circumstance, their home life and parental preferences. Routines are met in line with parental wishes and the daily needs of the children themselves, for example, they have the opportunity to rest or complete quiet activities throughout the day. Children socialise with other children in the childminders home, have access to resources that demonstrate similarities and differences and learn to value each other as individuals. This is supported by the childminders attitude and the good role model she provides in promoting positive images of gender, culture and disability. Children begin to find out about the local community and the natural world through outings and events of interest to them. For example, they regularly use the garden and local facilities for fresh air and exercise, visit shops in the area and talk about the weather as they look for

p.6

and outcomes for children

The childminder has clear expectations of behaviour and provides a very good base on which children can develop social skills, begin to learn how to care of themselves, others and the world around them. For example, older children help younger children as they carry their drinks to the table for them. Children are praised for their efforts and express pleasure as the childminder tells them they have done well. Children are polite and say 'please' and 'thank you' spontaneously. Children follow good hygiene procedures such as washing their hands before eating. Children enjoy healthy snacks and meals and choose what they would like in their sandwich at lunchtime. All food is stored appropriately to ensure it remains fresh. Drinks are always available. Children sit together at snack and mealtimes, and enjoy a social occasion that provides them with a sound basis for future good eating habits. 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