Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY299953 Unique Reference Number 30 August 2005 Inspection date Susan Victoria May 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 partner and three children aged seven, nine and eleven years of age, in Windsor, Berkshire. The whole of the ground floor is used for minding. The first floor is used for sleeping only. There is a secure garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for five children and is currently minding four children on a part time basis. The childminder is prepared to take and collect children from pre-schools and schools in the local area.

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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 and develop an increasing understanding about good hygiene practices through clear guidelines from the childminder and effective daily routines to prevent cross-infection. Most appropriate documentation and written procedures are in place to protect children. The childminder effectively shares the information with parents.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day the provision of a varied choice of activities help them develop control of their bodies. For example, they dig in the sand outdoors, demonstrating increasing co-ordination, and happily join in with action songs and rhymes. Regular visits to local parks and amenities further improve children's physical skills. Children are increasingly able to understand how their bodies work through activities and explanations from the childminder, which are appropriate to their age. For example, she provides opportunities for them to sleep or have quiet play activities when they are tired. The younger children join in the activities enthusiastically because the childminder makes good use of the Birth to three matters framework. Her good understanding of the provision of appropriate activities gives children the confidence to try out new skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children begin to understand the benefits of a healthy diet. The childminder offers drinks regularly throughout the day. The childminder takes account of the wishes of parents and the children's choices to provide nutritious snacks that appeal to the children and meet their dietary needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children benefit from playing in a spacious well-organised environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. They have easy and safe access to an extensive range of toys and resources appropriate for their age, which the childminder selects carefully to ensure they are suitable.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The premises are secure and safety procedures are in place to protect children, which the childminder shares with parents. Children enjoy new challenges through play, confidently exploring in a safe environment. Clear fire safety precautions are in place. The childminder completes regular risk assessments to reduce potential hazards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The garden play area is safe for children to enjoy fresh air and play with good quality equipment that is suitable for their ages and needs. The childminder takes the children out daily and helps the children understand about keeping safe through discussion and practice. For example, young children are secure in their buggies when on walks.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder safeguards the children's safety and welfare using relevant documentation and procedures. For example, she holds a current first aid certificate. The childminder has a good understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and knows what action to take if she

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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 has concerns about a child in her care. This ensures she is able to quickly recognise when a child is in danger and act in the child’s best interest.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The children are secure and supremely confident in the childminders home. They settle well and are totally at ease in the setting. The children relax in each other’s company, younger children demonstrate developing social skills, showing increasing care and consideration for each other. They are friendly and curious when interacting with adults. The childminder provides an extensive range of appealing toys, which the children show considerable interest in and clearly enjoy. This promotes their development and learning fully in all areas. Children share books and enjoy quiet times looking at them together with the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder recognises the uniqueness of each child and is sensitive to their individual needs, therefore children make excellent progress because of the superb support they receive. She spends time playing with them and listening to them in order to further their progress. For example, in communication skills, she is highly effective in developing language and extending thinking through questions, actions and dialogue. Children learn about their immediate surroundings and the wider world on regular outings. Children's creative and imaginative development is encouraged through activities such as music and pretend play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats children with respect, helping them to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a sound understanding of all 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 the regular outings and trips the childminder provides. Children learn to accept differences, and there are a good range of resources that reflect positive images and the lifestyles of others.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to the childminder and readily take part in activities; they help to tidy away, and behave well. The childminder manages children's behaviour calmly and patiently. This encourages children to respond effectively to any guidance and praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a friendly but professional relationship with the parents. She discusses the children's needs thoroughly with the parents, ensuring she meets their needs well. The childminder forms strong bonds with the children and values their individuality; as a result, children are developing their own personal independence, secure in the knowledge that the adults in their lives are supportive of them.

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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 benefit from a well-organised environment where the adult support they receive helps them feel secure and confident.

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Organisation

Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures she meets children's needs and shares all relevant information with parents. A good two-way flow of information ensures continuity of care. The information kept about children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. This means the childminder meets the needs of all children who attend.

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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): • request written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment

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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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