Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY225601 Unique Reference Number 14 August 2006 Inspection date Elizabeth Juon 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 registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and twins aged seven years in Cippenham near Slough. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is available for childminding with one bedroom for rest. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder's registration is to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and she is currently minding four children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and has a current first aid certificate.

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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 are well cared for in a clean home and learn about good hygiene and personal care, such as washing their hands before eating. Children stay healthy because the childminder follows current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidelines for cleaning and food storage. However, the childminder does not wear gloves when changing nappies to prevent the spread of infection. Children’s health benefits from the childminder’s good routine for playing, eating and resting.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy activities that promote their physical development. They visit the park, attend toddler groups and use the childminder’s large garden, playing on the outdoor equipment. Children develop a good sense of space and move confidently around all areas of the childminder’s home. They can access a range of tools and equipment to develop fine motor skills, for example, when using playdough. The childminder follows children's daily routines to include times for active and quiet play. Children rest and sleep according to their needs and are shown affection by the childminder to support their emotional well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have their health and dietary needs met because the childminder works well with parents to ensure children are well nourished. Parents provide meals for their children that the childminder stores appropriately in the refrigerator to safeguard children’s health.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are safe and secure in the welcoming home where the childminder has minimised the areas of risk; they can move around freely. The garden is an asset and children benefit from outdoor play in fresh air. The home is comfortable and child oriented.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select from a varied range of toys and resources, which are easily accessible. The childminder ensures toys and equipment are safe for children to use at all times, through regular checking and maintenance.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are becoming aware of their own safety; the childminder sets clear boundaries and children learn about road safety through discussions with the childminder and on outings within the local community. Older children describe what to do in an emergency. However, children do not practise the evacuation drill with the childminder. The childminder uses appropriate procedures to protect children on outings and to keep them safe, such as having the correct restraints in the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has up to date information on child protection issues to ensure she follows correct procedures to protect 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 good. Children are happy, comfortable and settle well in the childminder's home. She responds warmly to the children, praising and encouraging their achievements, promoting children’s confidence and feeling of security. Children have good opportunities to form relationships and socialise with other children through regular gatherings with other local childminders. The children show interest and enthusiasm in the activities offered and learn new skills. A varied selection of stimulating toys provides balance and challenge for the children. Children experience a balance of active and quiet activities that effectively promote developmental opportunities throughout the day. They enjoy first hand learning experiences by going out in to the local area, for example, to the library music time. Children play happily and are self-assured in the childminder's company. She encourages conversation enabling children to develop their language skills. Children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

experience a balance of active and quiet activities that effectively promote developmental opportunities throughout the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children making them feel comfortable and valued. She develops good relationships with the children; she enjoys their company and knows them well. Children are valued as individuals and treated with respect, helping them to feel secure and good about themselves. The childminder has an understanding of equal opportunity issues; this helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. They develop an understanding of the world around them through activities such as, outings in the community. Children have access to toys that promote positive images, such as dolls and puzzles. Children are involved in decision making when choosing activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children receive encouraging praise and recognition for their positive behaviour and their efforts, which develops their self-esteem. Children respond easily to the childminder’s requests. They learn valuable social skills such as sharing and listening to each other. The childminder is a good role model and children respond well to her stable routines.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the friendly relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder’s daily feedback to parents helps to provide consistent care between childminder and home. Appropriate paperwork is in place to ensure children’s personal information is up to date. A written diary of daily activities and personal care informs parents and gives them the opportunity to make relevant comments about the care of their children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are at home and at ease in the setting. The childminder’s organisation of routine and the environment enhances the care of children and promotes their health and safety. The day is well-planned allowing children time for quiet and active play. The childminder has effective

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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 policies and procedures in place, which ensure she promotes the welfare, care, and learning of the children at all times.

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Organisation

Information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. A good two-way flow of information between the childminder and parents ensures continuity to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. The childminder maintains appropriate ratios to support children’s care, learning and play.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Children's Act inspection the childminder was asked to improve activities for young children, provide resources to promote positive images of cultures and disability, install a second smoke alarm, provide a complaints procedure and obtain parental consent for emergency medical treatment and travelling in a vehicle.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has a full range of age and developmentally appropriate toys and activities for all children. Children have easy access to a range of resources that promote positive images of all people. Fire safety has improved with the installation of smoke alarms on all levels of the home. Parental consents are in place, safeguarding children's well being.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • improve the nappy changing routine to protect children from cross infection • practise the emergency evacuation with children

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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 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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