Childminder in Bracknell Forest

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318408 Inspection date 13 June 2006 Inspector Hazel Farrant

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged five years and three years old in Bracknell, Berkshire. They live in a house within walking distance of local schools, shops and amenities. The whole of the childminders house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is currently caring for one child full-time aged under five years and one child aged over five years for after-school and holiday care.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder drives or walks to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group and also takes children to parks and to the library. They have two cats and a rabbit as family pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes steps to develop children’s understanding and awareness of good health and hygiene. She explains the importance of hand washing; children are encouraged to wash their hands before meals, after handling animals and after playing outside. This enables the children to learn about the importance of preventing cross-infection. Children receive appropriate care if there is an accident because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. However, children's health may be at risk as parental consents are not in place for emergency treatment and parents do not consistently sign the medication record. Children receive a balanced diet, which incorporates aspects of healthy eating. Children's dietary needs are discussed with their parents and information is obtained to ensure that their likes and dislikes, along with parent’s wishes, are respected. Children eat a variety of healthy nutritional meals and healthy snacks are offered

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Helping children to be healthy

such as fresh fruit, yogurts and carrot sticks. Drinks, such as water and juice, are available at all times, to prevent dehydration. Children’s physical development is encouraged through access to a well-resourced safe and secure outside play area. They are also taken to the local park where they can enjoy physical exercise. There is a large selection of toys and equipment for outside play, for example sit and ride toys, slide, play-house, see-saw. Children are developing awareness of a healthy lifestyle, as they partake in physical activities and benefit from a healthy diet.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a well-organised and child-friendly environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. Children are safe and secure. The childminder has identified and minimised risks to children. For example, safety gates are placed on the staircase and across the kitchen door. Children are protected from the lounge display unit because safety covers are fitted to the sharp corners. They have easy and safe access to a good range of age appropriate toys and resources. Young children remain safe when eating their snacks and meals as they sit in booster seats at the dining table and have use of child size table and chairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 Children are protected from the risk of fire because smoke alarms are checked regularly and a fire blanket is fitted appropriately in the kitchen. The outdoor area is safe for children to enjoy fresh air and play with a range of suitable equipment that helps to promote a healthy lifestyle. Effective child protection procedures and recent training promote and safeguard children's welfare while they are in the childminder's care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and very happy in the childminder's care. They enjoy a wide variety of activities and toys that are purposeful and appropriate to their stage of development. Children independently make choices from the easily accessible variety of toys and resources available to them in the dedicated ground floor playroom. This develops their self-confidence and individual interests. The childminder knows the children well and provides activities that meet their individual learning needs. Children enjoy kneading and rolling bread dough during a cookery activity. They use their imagination while in the play house excitedly acting out stories such as ‘The Three Little Pigs’ taking turns in being the wolf at the door. Children try out their skills of football and are learning how to co-ordinate their bodies. They are able to explore natural materials, for example, they play happily making

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

castles in the sand tray. The childminder uses this activity to extend their knowledge of colours, asking them what colour sand they can find in the sand tray. Children are able to choose from a good range of art activities. Young children’s social and creative skills are promoted well because the childminder has sound understanding of child development. The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children making them feel valued and secure. Children's individual needs are met effectively because the childminder balances her time well, offers support, encouragement and initiates play when needed. She constantly talks to them and spends time playing with them, this helps children to make good progress in their development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel good about themselves and have a sense of well-being because the childminder treats them fairly and respects their individuality. They learn about diversity through a range of resources and discussions during everyday play. Children enjoy the company of the childminder. They respond positively to the constant praise and encouragement. The childminder's calm approach towards unwanted behaviour, reminders of boundaries and good manners help children learn about right and wrong in a positive way. Children are well behaved and play well alongside each other because the childminder provides appropriate support to them. Children are learning about natural resources through playing with sand and water.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 They help to tend sunflower seeds and tomato plants they have planted in the garden. Children help to look after small animals, they help feed the pet rabbit by placing carrot sticks in the hutch. The childminder has a friendly and professional approach with parents. She discusses children's needs thoroughly to ensure individual needs are met and continuity of care is offered. Parents receive a full and comprehensive set of policies and procedures. Daily verbal exchange and a contact book inform parents of their child's progress and achievements. These measures help to promote a good partnership with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are happy and settled in a child-friendly, loving environment. They benefit from a well organised home and resources that are easily and safely accessible to them. Children receive appropriate levels of support from the childminder and good relationships are fostered. The childminder has a clear sense of purpose; she devotes her time to providing the children with warm nurturing care in a fun environment. She is keen to attend further training to enhance the service that she provides. Clear policies inform parents of the service offered and provide a sound basis for good practice. The childminder makes good use of the available space and resources to ensure the children have a pleasant and happy time where their development is encouraged. Records are well maintained and include most relevant information. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure parental consent for emergency treatment or advice is in place and medication records are appropriately signed by parents.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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