Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY284820 Unique Reference Number 24 November 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 2004. She lives with her two children aged three and six years in Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is available for childminding with one bedroom for rest and toilet facilities upstairs. 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 attending on a part and full-time basis. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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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 cared for in a pleasant and tidy home and have the freedom of movement and space to play with the toys. The childminder keeps most areas the children use hygienically clean to prevent the spread of infection and has high standards of cleanliness when changing nappies. However, the cleanliness of the toilet and pet food bowls would benefit from more robust cleaning. Children are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene and the need to wash their hands before eating food or cover their mouth as they cough. The childminder’s correct use of accident and medication records safeguards children’s well being. She holds a first aid certificate and can take appropriate action to care for children in the event of an accident. Children move confidently around all areas of the childminder’s home, for example negotiating steps. The children go on walks with the childminder and visit the park to

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Helping children to be healthy

promote their physical development. The childminder follows children's daily routines to include times for active and quiet play.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive nutritious snacks and meals that help them understand foods that are good for them to make healthy choices. The childminder stores food appropriately in the refrigerator to ensure food remains fresh for children. Children have regular access to drinks throughout the day. The childminder’s good liaison with parents ensures her understanding of the children’s individual routine and contributes to her knowledge to meet children’s needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The children are safe, secure and move around freely in the welcoming home where the childminder has minimised the areas of risk. Children have easy access to a varied range of age appropriate toys and equipment. This enables children to choose toys and instigate play. Children’s artwork is appreciated and put on display, promoting their self-esteem. Regular visual checks of toys and resources ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. Children are able to rest and sleep in comfort and safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from a good range of safety measures, including stair gates. The children are kept safe on outings by the childminder’s close supervision and the use of a buggy. Children are beginning to learn to keep themselves safe for example; the evacuation procedure is clear and practised to ensure children can leave the premises in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

To promote children’s well-being the childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection issues. She gives top priority to children’s welfare and parents are aware of her responsibility to the children. The childminder is fully aware of the signs and symptoms to look out for and the procedures to follow if she has any concerns about a child 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 are happy, comfortable and flourishing in the childminder’s home. They talk happily to the childminder and each other and show a good deal of confidence; they welcome the childminder’s intervention into their play. Children enjoy a good variety of activities that are appropriate to their ages. They are able to choose toys and resources for themselves, promoting independence. The interesting and worthwhile range of activities on offer encourages children’s learning and fun. All the children can participate and achieve, they particularly enjoy looking at books and whisking ingredients in the cooking session. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as pretend play. The childminder supports their development well and moves their learning forward through effective questioning and by being attentive to their needs and interests.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is warm and affectionate making children feel comfortable and valued. She has very good relationships with the children; she enjoys their company and knows them well. The childminder spends a lot of time talking and playing with them consequently, children are well supported and making good progress in all areas of development. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through praise, attention and encouragement given by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals helping them to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a sound understanding of equal opportunities issues, and has a positive attitude towards diversity, this helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through occasional outings and resources. Children show a sense of belonging, fostered through displays of their work and daily involvement in selecting toys and resources. Children behave well, responding positively to praise and encouragement. They are familiar with the routines and beginning to understand the simple boundaries for good behaviour. The childminder uses appropriate strategies to promote positive behaviour that are consistent and take into account children’s level of understanding. Children are beginning to respect the needs of others and develop

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Helping children make a positive contribution

An excellent partnership with parents contributes significantly to children’s wellbeing in the setting. Children benefit from the friendly but professional relationships between the childminder and their parents. The childminder actively seeks parents’ views about their children’s needs and interests on a regular basis throughout their time in her care. Appropriate paperwork is in place to ensure children’s personal information is up to date. However, the contact details of the regulator are out of date. She ensures that all parents know how their children are progressing and developing through verbal exchanges. These steps ensure effective continuity of care for the children.

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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. Children are comfortable and at ease in the setting; 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 games. The childminder maintains appropriate ratios to support children’s care, learning and play. The childminder attends training whenever she can. This ensures she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after.

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Organisation

To meet children’s needs written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. Parents and children benefit from the clear documentation and records, effectively used to ensure parental involvement in decisions about their children’s care. 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 Care inspection it was recommended the childminder obtain parental permission before administering medication and to record children's attendance accurately.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These recommendations are fully implemented and documentation is in place to safeguard children's wellbeing.

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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. 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

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • provide current contact information for Ofsted in the complaints procedure • improve the hygiene standards in the toilet and the kitchen, particularly the cleanliness of the pet food bowls.

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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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