Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY270073 Unique Reference Number 01 September 2006 Inspection date Mandy Gannon 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 2003. She lives with her husband and three children aged 11, 10 and eight in a house in Finchampstead. The property is close to local schools and amenities and there is a park nearby.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding five children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder's husband works occasionally as an assistant to the childminder and has written permission from parents to be in sole charge of minded children during times such as school runs and during inclement weather.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor of the property and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The family have a dog as a pet.

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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 is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends the local carer and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder ensures that children have a balanced nutritious diet whilst in her care and provides fruit, bread sticks, healthy snacks and meals. Meal and snack times are social occasions; children sit at the table with the childminder. Children are encouraged to drink water and the childminder reminds children to drink regularly.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate and enjoy physical play both indoors and outdoors. They visit parks, woodlands and have regular access to an enclosed garden with a range of activities including a trampoline, slide and ride on toys. Children dance enthusiastically to music. This encourages and develops children's positive attitude to exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities that promote good health and this is developed through topics and themes. For example, they looked at teeth which incorporated a visit to the dentist with the childminder's own children, and borrowed books from the library. They learn about the importance of good personal hygiene and why they need to wash their hands after visiting the toilet or before eating. Children stay healthy as the childminder has appropriate policies and procedures in place to promote good health. Due to circumstances beyond her control, the childminder's first aid certificate has expired, although she has taken steps to rectify and is allocated on a course in the near future.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children enjoy their play in a safe environment where the childminder has identified and minimised risks; for example, she has divided playrooms for older and younger children ensuring that toys and resources are appropriate for the age group. Space within the house is well organised, allowing children to move around safely and freely with independence. Children can easily access the toys and resources, which are regularly checked for broken parts that could cause harm. The childminder provides a warm, welcoming, friendly home where children feel safe and secure.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse. She is aware of the procedures and contact details in order to fulfil her role in the protection of children. She has a comprehensive understanding of all safety-related issues and has in place all necessary policies and procedures to ensure children's safety is paramount. For example, she operates a password system should others be collecting minded children, all of which are individual to the child. All these measures contribute to the safety and welfare of the children in her care.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have independent access to an excellent range of toys and activities suitable for their age and stage of development. Children extend their knowledge and understanding through planned topics and themes, which the childminder initiates, adapts and is led by the children, following their interests and ideas. Children eagerly participate in craft activities, for example, a child wants to make a collage duck and enthusiastically sits at the table next to childminder's daughter. She confidently applies glue and watches with delight as more glue trickles onto the paper. The childminder observes and together they identify the patterns the glue is making. Eventually the child decides to add some collage pieces; the childminder supports and encourages subsequently promoting the child's commitment and concentration.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has very good relationships with the children; she enjoys their company and knows them well. Children are confident and at ease in the setting, their individual needs are valued. The childminder spends a lot of time talking and playing with them; as a result, children are effectively supported in their play and therefore are making sound progress in all areas of their development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have a wide range of opportunities for activities outside the home as they regularly visit parks, woodlands and feed the ducks. They attend a toddler group where they have they opportunity to socialise with a wider group of children increasing their confidence and social skills. The childminder is dedicated to provide very good support to children in their play. She provides an exciting, interesting environment where children can thrive, gain new experiences and embrace challenges.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and treated with respect helping them to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunity issues. She develops a positive attitude and increases children's understanding of diversity through resources and topics, this helps develop children's awareness of their own and other cultures.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children help tidy up, are well behaved and enthusiastically participate in activities. Children respond well to the childminder, her assistant and children as they offer praise and encouragement.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder builds strong professional relationships with parents. The childminder meets children's individual needs well by ensuring she thoroughly discusses their needs with parents. The childminder forms good relationships with the children; as a result they are happy, settled and thriving.

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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

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She has a clear understanding of child development and provides a suitable range of interesting activities. She enthusiastically plans activities and relates them to appropriate themes. The childminder is motivated and keeps up to date with current changes, which relate to her business. She attends short training courses and uses the internet to access information.

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Organisation

Children are very settled and benefit from a well-organised environment. They have age-based areas where children can access toys and resources independently. Children are valued, supported and encouraged to gain independence and make choices.

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Organisation

Documentation is accurate and maintained with relevant permission from parents obtained. Clear written policies and information are available and shared with parents. Parents are involved and informed of their child's achievements through daily discussions, diaries and emails containing photographs of their children participating in activities.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children Act inspection, the childminder was asked to develop knowledge and understanding of child protection including procedures and to ensure attendance and incident records are maintained. The childminder has obtained the booklet 'what to do if you're concerned a child is being abused?', she is clear about procedures to follow and has obtained local contact details. She has updated her knowledge and understanding of child abuse and is aware of signs and symptoms that may cause concern. All documentation is maintained with relevant information in place.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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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):

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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 • ensure that a 1st aid certificate is in place and maintained

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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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