Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY319564 Unique Reference Number 22 November 2006 Inspection date Sandra Laura Bates 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 2005. She is registered to care for four children at any one time and is currently minding two children, both of whom attend on a part time basis. The childminder lives with her husband and their two children under five years in a terraced house in Bracknell. The house is situated on a residential service road adjacent to a busy main road. The property is close to a variety of local amenities. The minding is generally confined to the ground floor of the home with access to the first floor for washing and toileting facilities and periods of sleep. There is a securely enclosed rear garden for outdoor play. The childminder makes regular use of groups and other play venues including nature areas and leisure facilities.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a qualified Nursery Nurse and is a member of the National Child Minding 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 are cared for in clean and hygienic surroundings. They learn to manage their own personal hygiene needs and understand why this is important. Children use their own individual towels after washing their hands before a meal or after using the toilet for instance. They say that they need to do this to wash any germs off. The childminder promotes the children's understanding of health and hygiene through discussion in everyday routines. Children have lots of opportunities to develop their physical skills and wellbeing through vigorous play both at home and at outings to various venues such as the swimming pool and activity centre, with parents permission.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children sit together to enjoy the freshly prepared home cooked meals that the childminder provides. They are offered a variety of healthy, nutritious options that include fresh vegetables and fruits. Children choose their own cutlery and drinking cups from a selection of multi-coloured options. Mealtimes are a sociable time and most children tuck in happily. The childminder encourages the children to try new tastes and textures but does not make an issue of it if they are a little resistant. She congratulates children enthusiastically when they decide to try something new.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play and rest in a safe and secure environment. The childminder identifies all potential hazards and take appropriate steps to reduce risks to children. She keeps a written risk assessment record that is regularly up dated. Children's welfare is protected in a variety of situations such as at collection, on outings and in the event of an incident at the nearby secure hospital. Children begin to learn about the procedure to take in the event of an emergency such as a fire. The childminder discusses this with the children, sometimes linking the discussion to the observed passing of a fire engine for instance. There are appropriate appliances in place to conform with fire prevention recommendations.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use resources that are in good condition, safe and suitable for the age range of children minded. These are stored so that children can make independent choices. The childminder sorts the play materials into topic boxes that can be easily and safely pulled out from a purpose provided unit. This ensures that children only access those materials that are suitable for their stage of development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a secure understanding of child protection issues. She is confident in her ability to recognise any signs or symptoms of abuse, and knows the steps to take if she had any concerns about a child's welfare. She is clear about her responsibility to make parents aware of her role in this respect, and understands the need for confidentiality in all aspects of her service.

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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 good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They are sociable, articulate individuals and relate very well to each other and to any adults present. Children play together co-operatively, such as during a game of Tumbling Monkeys, and all take their turns. The childminder ensures that even the youngest children are involved by sitting them at the table where they can enjoy watching the excitement of the game while playing with their own toys. All the children thoroughly enjoy the game. The childminder uses such play very effectively to introduce children to concepts such as numbers; colours and top or bottom.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use the resources with interest and imagination, for instance they find magnetic drawing boards and use them to reflect the use of a lap-top computer alongside the inspector. They make independent choices from a wide and varied range of materials provided for them. Children are active and enthusiastic as they play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children gather round the childminder to hear a story. The childminder reads with enthusiasm and expression, ensuring that children listen attentively and enjoy the experience.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children benefit from a well planned range of activities and outings that vary their day. The childminder keeps a record of interesting and useful play opportunities and materials to help her ensure that children have a broad range of experiences.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive care that recognises and supports their individual needs and preferences. Children begin to develop an understanding of the wider world as they play with resources and participate in activities that reflect positive images of a wide range of social diversity, including people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well. They show respect and consideration for each other, for instance they know that it is important to take items with very small parts to the table to play, so as to protect the baby from reaching them. They wait patiently to take their turn during a game. Children understand the everyday routines, and the ground rules set by the childminder are fair and achievable. Children are praised when they do something well or helpful. The childminder diffuses any potential disagreements calmly and quietly by reasoning with the children. Children generally respond promptly and positively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder makes good relationships with parents. She provides them with a comprehensive range of initial information and ensures that parents clearly understand her policies and conditions. On-going information about how the children have spent their day is shared regularly both verbally and through a written daily diary, particularly for younger babies.

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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. The childminder organises the space and resources well so that children can move around freely and use the various area of the home in a versatile way. She has the qualifications and experience to support the children's needs appropriately. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to pursue their own interests and games, whilst observing everyday routines such as meal times.

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Organisation

The childminder maintains effective records and all the regulatory documentation is in place. A full and comprehensive range of further supporting documentation provides clear under-pinning information about the service, although this lacks current detail in one minor respect relating to the complaints policy. Children benefit from the continuity of care achieved by regular exchanges of information with parents.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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.

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Complaints since the last inspection

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): • up date the complaints policy to ensure that it reflects the correct contact details for the regulating authority.

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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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