Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY316469 Unique Reference Number 08 November 2006 Inspection date Margaret Moffat 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 was registered in 2005. She lives with her husband and three children aged 14, nine and three in South Reading. The whole ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with toilet and sleeping facilities available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five, one part-time and one full-time, and one child over five before school. The childminder drives to the local nursery and pre-schools to take and collect the children. She takes the children to the local park. The family have a dog.

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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 play in a clean environment where they learn the importance of good hygiene practices. They know that washing their hands before eating helps prevent the spread of germs. Children enjoy a worthwhile range of activities, which helps promote their good health. The childminder ensures they have plenty of fresh air and the opportunity to play on large apparatus in the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes effective steps to promote children's health. She ensures parents sign appropriate documentation, which ensures they are fully aware of any accidents or medication their children receive. She holds a first aid certificate and this means the children receive appropriate care if there is an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a range of healthy snacks including bread and fruit encouraging them to develop healthy eating practices. The childminder asks the children what they would like in their sandwiches, encouraging them to make choices and provide them with a varied selection of fillings. The childminder liaises closely with parents with regard to individual dietary needs and adheres to their wishes for example, when weaning babies.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children have easy and safe access to toys and resources that are stimulating and suitable for their stage of development. Children benefit from the range of safety measures the childminder has in place, for example socket covers and stair gates to prevent access upstairs or to the kitchen. The childminder has a written fire evacuation policy, which she shares with parents. However, the fire blanket is still in its packaging and not stored according to manufacturer's instructions, thus compromising children's safety in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children learn to keep themselves safe as they become aware of the rules within the home. For example, the childminder encourages the older children to play at the table with games and activities with small pieces, to prevent the younger children having access to them. They learn about road safety and the importance of staying within sight of the childminder when on outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues to safeguard children’s welfare. She recognises signs of abuse, holds documentation to support her, and is aware of whom to inform if she has a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well in the childminder's home. They are confident and make themselves at home when they arrive from nursery. They help themselves to the range of toys and activities

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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 that are appropriate to their age and stage of development. The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children making them feel comfortable and valued. She develops good relationships with them and they receive good support in their play. For example, when playing the ‘monkey game’ the childminder discusses the rules with the children. She gives them the opportunity to try out the game manually before switching on the timer. The childminder gently reminds the children to share and take turns whilst playing together. Children show an interest in what they do, have fun and enjoy themselves as they ask to play the game several times. The childminder spends time talking and playing with younger children, consequently they are thriving and making good progress in their development. Children have opportunities for free

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

play, quiet times and structured activities such as arts and crafts. This helps children to feel happy and settled.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated with kindness and respect, helping them to feel good about themselves. Children begin to learn about the wider world through visits into the local community and playing with toys and resources in the home.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a written behaviour policy, which she shares with parents. She talks about ways of dealing with children’s behaviour that is appropriate to the children’s age and stage of development. Children respond well to the praise and encouragement they receive from the childminder. They are well behaved and polite.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works in partnership with parents to meet their children's individual needs. She gathers and records appropriate information when they first start. Effective communication through daily diaries and verbal feedback ensures continuity of care for the children. Although the childminder is aware of the procedures to follow if she has a complaint, she does not provide parents with the contact details for the regulator. Parents report they are happy with the care and support their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Information kept about the children is relevant and helps promote their care and welfare. A good two-way flow of communication ensures continuity of care. The childminder displays her registration certificate for parents to see and shares her policies and procedures with them. The complaints procedure requires updating to include details of the regulator.

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Organisation

The childminder offers children a good level of support and this helps them to feel settled and at ease in her care. Areas of the home are well organised with ample space for children to move around and play comfortably. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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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Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration 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): • improve fire safety procedures by ensuring fire blanket is fitted in accordance with manufacturers instructions • provide parents with contact details for Ofsted.

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The quality and standards of the care

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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