Childminder in West Berkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY291702 Inspection date 04 August 2005 Inspector Sheila Collins

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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 satisfactory. 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 2004. She lives with her partner and her two children aged five and three years. The family live in a house on a residential estate in the Speen area of Newbury. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding three children. The childminder goes to the local school and nursery to take and collect children. She also takes children to the park, local shops and amenities.

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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. ( NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The children have a balanced and healthy diet and are able to access drinks when they would like one. They are beginning to understand about healthy eating and making healthy choices. They follow good hygiene practices and know that they need to wash their hands as part of their personal care routine. The childminder has procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection and holds a current first aid certificate, which also contributes to keeping the children healthy. The childminder knows the individual health needs of the children. Written permission to seek emergency medical advice or attention has not yet been sought which could delay treatment for a child. All other relevant documentation is in place, which helps to ensure that each child's individual needs are met. Children have opportunities for physical play both indoors and outdoors which help them develop their physical skills. They enjoy using the trampoline and fixed

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Helping children to be healthy

apparatus in the garden, and visits to the local park.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The home is clean and well maintained and the children move freely around the rooms. The children know the boundaries and the ground rules, which the childminder has put into place for their safety. The childminder has thought about potential risks for the children and is vigilant to ensure that there is little risk of accidental injury. The childminder supervises the children in the garden, to keep them safe from identified hazards. The children are easily able to access toys for themselves and have a choice from the good range of resources available. The childminder checks resources and ensures that they are in a clean and safe condition. The childminder knows the routes of referral to follow if she has concerns about a child, which also ensures their safety.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children enjoy a wide variety of activities both in and out-doors. They decide for themselves the activities they would like to do and direct their own play, supported by the childminder. The children independently access a range of age and stage appropriate play materials, which the childminder offers. They take part in a range of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 active and quiet activities, planned and unplanned, which allows variety and interest in their day. The childminder plans special activities that all the children can take part in, for example, decorating flowerpots and personalising tee shirts. She consults the children as to whether they wish to do these and the children join in enthusiastically. The childminder praises the children’s efforts and achievements, which promotes their self-esteem. The children interact well with each other and the childminder and enjoy each other’s company.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children know the rules for acceptable behaviour and the childminder talks with the children so that they are aware of why any unwanted behaviour is unacceptable. The children and their parents receive a warm welcome on arrival, which makes them feel valued as individuals. The children access a range of age and stage appropriate resources, which allow for their individual development. When planning activities, the childminder makes sure that all the children are able to take part if they would like to. By working in partnership with the parents, the childminder ensures that she is meeting the children's individual needs. She shares all relevant information with parents and has the paperwork in place to support this. Discussions take place daily with the parents and the children tell their parents what they have done during their time with the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The children are able to move freely between the ground floor rooms and the space available is well organised. Children know the rules for each area, for example, undertaking messy play such as painting, in the kitchen. The childminder has all documentation available, which includes a daily record of the children's attendance. However not all permissions are in place. The childminder ensures continuity of care for each child through the effective use of contracts and detailed information that is shared between the childminder and parents. The childminder is meeting the needs of the children for whom she provides care.

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Improvements since the last inspection

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

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 satisfactory. 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): • obtain written permission from parents for the seeking of emergency medical advice or treatment

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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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