Childminder in West Berkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY318381 Inspection date 23 August 2006 Inspector Gillian Little

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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 was registered in 2005. She lives in Thatcham with her two children aged five and one. The whole house is available for childminding. The childminder attends the local children's centre and takes children to the park. She is registered to care for four children under eight years at any one time and is currently minding three children all of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder supports children who have English as an additional language. She is a member of the National Childminding Association and holds a Health and Social

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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 Care qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children’s risk of infection is minimal as the premises and equipment are clean, and there are hygienic procedures in place for nappy changing and keeping children clean. For example, the childminder wipes down high chairs after use and helps children to wipe their hands and faces. Children enjoy and benefit from physical activity as they take part in regular outings such as visits to the local children’s centre, swimming pool and indoor adventure centre. Young children are able to rest and sleep according to their individual routines. Children receive a healthy diet and have regular meals and snack times. They enjoy meals cooked by the childminder such as vegetable pie, beef casserole and shepherd’s pie. The childminder ensures that children who stay with her all day receive five portions of fruit and vegetables during their time with her. Young children learn to become independent, for example, by using a fork to feed themselves.

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Helping children to be healthy

Drinks are available for children throughout the day. Some procedures are in place to ensure that children receive appropriate care in the event of an accident or illness. For example, the childminder is aware of how to seek help and advice. However, the childminder does not hold a first aid certificate and does not have written permission from parents to seek medical advice or treatment. This risks delaying emergency treatment for a child.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are able to play comfortably in a suitable environment, which has the appropriate facilities and space for their needs. For example, the living room is available for play and has comfortable sofas, a table, chairs, and a variety of toys. Children are able to explore their surroundings safely as the childminder supervises them closely at all times. Children’s risk of injury is minimal as the childminder assesses risks appropriately and takes suitable precautions to prevent accidents. For example, stair gates are in place, the front door is secure and young children are strapped into booster seats when eating. Some fire prevention equipment is in place to help to keep children safe, such as a fire blanket and ground floor smoke alarm. However, the smoke alarm on the first floor is not in working order, which increases the risk to children.

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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 stay safe when away from the premises as the childminder has appropriate procedures in place, such as strapping children into buggies, carrying a mobile phone and ensuring that playground gates are closed. Children are able to play with an appropriate range of safe toys and resources, which the childminder regularly cleans and checks for damage. Children’s risk of harm from others is minimised as the childminder has a satisfactory understanding of her role in child protection. However, she does not have written guidelines to follow and this risks delaying appropriate action if she suspects abuse is taking place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children show interest in what they do and are able to develop a range of skills, as there is a suitable range of activities available. For example, children enjoy playing with bricks, posting shapes and playing shops. Their regular outings to local children’s groups extend their activities to include water play, dressing up and outdoor play. Children receive appropriate support from the childminder as she is kind and caring and spends time playing with and talking to the children. Children are happy, settled and develop appropriate relationships with the childminder. They play comfortably alongside each other, which helps to create a settled and calm environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children have equal access to appropriate toys and equipment and the childminder treats all children with equal concern. For example, all children receive a biscuit after eating their lunch. The childminder knows children well and is able to meet their individual needs such as appropriately supporting children who speak English as an additional language. Children become aware of wider society as the childminder has a few appropriate resources, such as dolls reflecting different cultural backgrounds. Children are able to play a productive part in the setting as they learn to share and are able to make their own choices about toys they would like to play with. Children learn about responsible behaviour as the childminder uses appropriate methods such as discussion and explanation, and has a positive and consistent attitude. Children benefit from appropriate continuity between the home and the setting as the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

childminder develops professional relationships with parents. For example, she ensures parents have sufficient information about her provision and keeps them informed of their children’s time with her. She is aware of how to deal with complaints but does not have a copy of the new regulations, which relate to this.

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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 satisfactory. Children are able to make satisfactory progress as the childminder has an appropriate sense of purpose and uses time and resources well. For example, she organises lunchtime so that children can eat at a time which suits their individual routine. The childminder has appropriate skills, experience and qualifications to support children in her care and she develops her knowledge through continued training. She maintains the adult to child ratio at all times to ensure that she can supervise children appropriately. Documentation, policies and procedures are well-organised and work appropriately in practice. The childminder does not have a copy of the Birth to three matters framework although she does ensure that she cares for young children appropriately. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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 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 to seek emergency medical advice or treatment • ensure that smoke alarms are maintained in working order

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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 • obtain and become familiar with child protection guidelines • extend the range of resources/activities reflecting diversity • obtain and become familiar with the Addendum to the National Standards (October 2005) • obtain a first aid certificate • obtain and become familiar with the Birth to three matters framework.

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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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