Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY301125 Unique Reference Number 02 August 2006 Inspection date Marie Thompson Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and six years old in Reading, Berkshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The are currently six children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have four gold fish. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA)

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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

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment where they learn to follow good hygiene practices. The childminder uses wipes to clean hands after visiting the toilet or playing in the garden and before eating helps prevent the spread of germs. The childminder does not wear gloves or wipe the changing mat with anti-bacterial spray when changing baby’s nappies, which does not positively control the spread of germs or cross infection.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy healthy snacks and know that fruit is good for them. Children are well nourished and meals cater for individual tastes. The childminder prepares meals each day from consultation with the children, which are varied and nutritionally balanced in content. She encourages them to try new foods that help them establish a healthy eating pattern; children regularly eat Caribbean food and enjoy tasting different varieties of cultural foods. The childminder has undertaken a food hygiene course and ensures that food is carefully prepared. Children receive plenty of drinks, especially in warm weather, which prevents dehydration.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive appropriate first aid, which is recorded and countersigned by parents. Children are only administered medicine that has been authorised by parents. Sick children are sensitively cared for by the childminder and appropriate procedures followed, which reassures and comforts children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy regular physical activities, which help keep them in good health. Outings to the park and KrazyKidz, soft play, provide access to large play equipment, giving children plenty of opportunity to develop physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder builds very strong relationships with the children making them feel secure. The childminder knows the children well and is responsive to their individual needs, which allows them to learn and develop a variety of skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework. She has attended a training course and applies this practically by monitoring and evaluating children's individual development. This enables her to identify and encourage children's individual progress.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a well-organised environment, where the childminder identifies most risks and minimises hazards. This allows them to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety inside and outside the home. Although, large apparatus in the garden is not securely fixed into the ground. There is a written fire evacuation procedure in place and the fire blanket is fitted securely to the wall so that it can be easily accessed in an emergency.

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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 have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for children's stage of development, which meet safety standards. Regular checks ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. Children benefit from well-supervised outdoor play, either in the garden or at the local parks. Clear procedures for outings ensure children's safety at all times. Children learn about the Green Cross Code, when they are out walking, road safety and use pedestrian crossings whenever possible, which allows them to learn some sense of danger and to gain knowledge about how to protect them from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues which safeguards and promotes children's welfare. She has attended a Child Protection training course to substantiate her knowledge. The childminder is able to effectively and efficiently deal with all child protection concerns and there is documented evidence to support this.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and happy in the environment where the childminder sensitively interacts with the children. Children's work is displayed around the playroom which develops their sense of positive self-esteem, achievement and pride in their work. Children are confident and relate very well to the childminder and to other members of the family and enjoy the company within the warm and comfortable environment.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Social interaction with other children through regular attendance at local toddler groups, childminder drop in groups and Friday Club helps to develop relationships with children of a similar age. Children become independent as they choose between a variety of toys and resources, which appeal to all. They have fun playing together and initiating games. Children enjoy cooking activities and helping to prepare their meals for the day.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

A good range of activities supports children's learning and development. Regular outings to local venues, such as the library for Story and Song time, the shops or to the local parks to play or feed the ducks, help to develop an understanding of the world around them. Children enjoy books and stories, which are part of the daily routine. Through playing games, children develop many skills such as, co-ordination, co-operation, sharing and taking turns.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy excursions to the zoo, which allows them to explore and investigate. Painting and music nurture children's creative development. Good support reinforces new language and counting by rote increases children's understanding of numbers and their enjoyment of rhythm, through puzzles and musical toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children feel respected as individuals and made to feel good about themselves through positive encouragement. The childminder talks to them about their home life and things that are important to them. They learn about the world through outings, activities and food that introduce them to a variety of aspects of other cultures. Children have access to a good range of resources that reflect positive images of diversity and their understanding of others. The

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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 childminder cares for children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, therefore the conversations about their cultures is naturally incorporated within the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder meets the children's needs by following normal daily routines as discussed with parents, which helps the children feel secure. They have time to relax as well as be active, which develops the children's independent freedom of choice. Children learn important social skills such as sharing and listening to each other. Children benefit from lots of praise, cuddles and reassurance. They behave very well. Good, calm and sensitive explanation helps children learn right from wrong and teaches self-discipline.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

There are currently no children with special needs within the childminder's care. Although, the childminder has some personal experience and a good understanding of caring for children with special needs. The childminder understands the importance of close liaison with parents and outside agencies to meet all the children's.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has very good relationships with all of the parents, which is friendly and supportive. Parents are fully informed of her practice through the use of the, 'My Day' sheet which is individual to them detailing what they have done and achievements through out the day. The childminder has also devised 'Progress Reports' for parents which covers all areas of learning in relation to Birth to three matters. This ensures the children's continued support and welfare. Parents feel welcome and value the childminder's pleasant and efficient approach to caring for their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The children feel at home and at ease with the well-organised and comfortable environment. This means they are confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning. The childminder has attended several courses to enhance her knowledge and understanding of childcare and to ensure all the children's needs are met.

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Organisation

The childminder effectively uses her policies and procedures to promote the welfare, care and learning of the children. The childminder has all documentation available, which includes a daily record of the children's attendance. Most relevant and mandatory documentation is in place and well maintained to a good standard. There is not a complaints procedure detailing the name and address of the regulator, Ofsted or a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request.

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Organisation

By working in partnership with the parents, the childminder ensures that she meets the children's individual needs. Discussions take place daily with the parents and the children tell their parents what they have done during their time with the childminder. The regular informal discussion with parents ensures continuity of care for the children. Children receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident to develop and expand their learning through play. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

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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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since registration.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • make sure gloves are used when changing nappies and the changing mat is wiped after use • ensure the complaints procedure includes name and address of the regulator, Ofsted • make sure a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request is in place • make sure large apparatus in the garden is securely fixed into the ground

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) 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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