Roberts, Sarah Emma

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY321026 Inspection date 16 June 2006 Inspector Anne Jeanette Faithfull

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and two children aged two and four years in Lower Earley, Reading. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with provision for children to sleep upstairs. 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 one child, who attends on a part-time basis. The childminder attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local park, shops and library. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 stay healthy because the childminder has effective procedures in place, to ensure good standards of hygiene and to minimise potential for the spread of infection. The childminder acts as a good role model and gives priority to ensuring she meets children's individual needs, particularly in relation to hygiene. She provides children with their own easily recognised beaker and towel. The childminder follows effective procedures to protect the health of children, such as washing her hands after changing nappies and assisting younger children in their personal care. She holds all of the required documentation to accurately record all accidents and administration of medication and has a valid first aid certificate. The childminder provides children with healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. For example, she provides a different fruit choice each week to encourage the young

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Helping children to be healthy

children to try different fruit and to begin to recognise their own likes and dislikes. She discusses children's dietary needs and parental preferences regarding food and drinks with parents. This enables her to meet the needs of the individual children in her care. Snack times are a sociable occasion with the childminder sitting with the young children encouraging their early independence skills, by assisting them when required. Children develop their physical skills through a good range of activities including daily walks, outings to toddler groups, parks and free play in the garden. These contribute to ensuring children have a healthy lifestyle. Children have access to a good range of safe, age and stage appropriate equipment both indoors and outdoors. This enables children to begin to develop both small and large muscle skills and develop confidence in their physical abilities. The childminder considers the individual routines

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Helping children to be healthy

of the children when planning activities and children are able to rest and sleep according to their needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a warm and welcoming home where they feel safe and secure. Space within the home is well organised, allowing children to move around safely, freely and independently. Children have easy access to a wide range of interesting and varied resources both inside and outside that cover all areas of development. The childminder makes regular checks to ensure the resources remain clean, in good condition and age and stage appropriate for children to play safely. Children's safety is maintained inside the home because the childminder has a good understanding of the potential dangers and hazards and removes these from the children. She helps children to begin to become aware of their own safety, by reminding them not to run around as they could hurt themselves and others. The childminder practices her fire evacuation plan with the children on a regular basis.

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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 This helps the children begin to become familiar with the routine in the event of an emergency; however, times, dates and any problems arising are not recorded. Effective procedures are in place to ensure children are safe when on outings. The childminder has a clear understanding of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and the procedures to follow should she have concerns regarding a child in her care. All of the required documentation to record and refer concerns is in place. This ensures children's welfare at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are very confident in their surroundings and are at ease with the childminder and each other. They enjoy an excellent range of activities and resources, which are appropriate to their individual needs and stage of development. The childminder plans a monthly theme for the children, for example, this month is "things to do in the garden". Children have planted strawberry plants, made butterflies pictures and cakes. The childminder uses the theme effectively to promote all areas of development, for example, asking the children to count the birds they have seen in the garden. The childminder regularly undertakes a good variety of outings with the children and these include visiting local toddler groups, outings to parks, library and school runs. This provides children with excellent opportunities to socialise and make friends with a wider group of children. Children respond well to the childminder who is very interested in what they say and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

do. For example, she is constantly talking and interacting all the time with them. She extends their learning by asking them to count the cars they are playing with and asks them about colour recognition. She praises children's efforts and tells them they have done well. This positive encouragement ensures that children feel valued and motivated. The childminder gives considerable support to children in their play providing an environment that allows children to respond with enthusiasm to new challenges.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows each child well, she treats them with respect, meets their needs and values their individuality, this helps them to feel good about themselves. She has a sound understanding of all equal opportunity issues. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings within the local community, for example to the local toddler group and parks. The childminder acknowledges that some children may have learning disabilities and will always work closely with parents to ensure that their needs are fully met. Children respond positively to request from the childminder and are eager to help and please. The childminder is firm with the children, while retaining an element of fun. When teaching right from wrong, she is sensitive to children’s feelings and constantly

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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 turns negative situations into positive experiences. The children respond well to the childminder and are secure and happy in her care. The childminder is very effective in the way she manages any unwanted behaviour helping children to understand the effects this has on others. This positive approach fosters children's social development. Relationships with parents are good; this contributes greatly to children's well-being. The childminder shares with parents information about how their child is progressing through regular verbal communication. This sharing of information supports and enhances children's well-being and learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children benefit from an environment where they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to organise and pursue their own ideas. The childminder has a comprehensive knowledge of Birth to three matters framework and uses this to plan interesting, stimulating and varied range of activities and outings for the children. The childminder has a professional approach to her childminding and has a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place, to promote children's welfare care and learning. Children receive a high level of support and interaction from the childminder. Good relationships are in place between the childminder and parents, this ensures the children feel safe and secure within her home. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Not applicable as first inspection since registration

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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): • further improve the safety of children by formally recording the fire drills

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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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