Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY318478 Unique Reference Number 05 February 2007 Inspection date Helen Ann Woods 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 has been registered since 2005 and lives with her husband and two children who are aged over eight years. She lives in a house situated in Datchet in the local authority of Windsor and Maidenhead. The whole of the ground floor and enclosed garden is used for childminding. Currently she has two children on roll attending part time. The home is close to the main line train station, M4 motorway and within walking distance of schools.

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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 very relaxed and happy in the childminder's home. The childminder ensures that children's needs are provided for particularly in relation to hygiene and prevention of cross-infection. Her home is spacious, clean and well maintained. Children learn about good personal hygiene practices as part of their daily routine, such as removing outdoor shoes when entering the home and washing their hands regularly, especially after using the toilet and before eating meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good balance of nutritional food that ensures they eat healthily. Drinks are always available for children to access independently and where parents' wishes, such as no fizzy drinks, are carried out.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have the opportunity to take part in regular outdoor activities in the large garden, and walks to local parks and play areas. The childminder obtains written permission for emergency procedures and holds a current first aid certificate to safeguard children's welfare.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder's close supervision of children maintains their safety. She keeps areas of the home secure and ensures safety equipment is in place to minimise risks, such as safety gates and use of correct car seats. Children adopt safe practise when playing indoors. They do not run, and put toys away when they have finished playing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

There is a suitable range of good quality resources available, which meet the learning needs and interests of the minded children. They are easily accessible which enables children to make their own choices and extend their learning through play.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has all the required procedures and documents in place to ensure children's welfare is safeguarded and promoted, for example the childminder holds a current paediatric first aid certificate. A clear child protection policy safeguards children’s welfare and the childminder shares this with parents. She has a good understanding of all issues and is aware of the appropriate procedures to follow.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children play enthusiastically with a very good range of toys and resources, which promote their learning. They love dressing up, drawing, colouring and completing puzzles. Children develop their vocabulary skills as the childminder asks children questions and encourages them to chat. Children enjoy listening to a range of stories and they have good opportunities to practise their early writing skills when drawing and painting.

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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 Children are using their senses to explore, they enjoy listening to music and singing simple rhymes. Children involve the childminder in their play and they receive lots of warm, individual attention, which enables them to successfully extend their learning and experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

As far as possible the childminder ensures that children follow their established routines, such as sleeping and feeding patterns. Children are therefore happy and relaxed, benefiting from a caring environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are happy and well behaved as the childminder provides consistent boundaries and offers lots of praise and encouragement. Children enjoy close relationships with the childminder and make themselves at home; they select toys independently and help themselves to drinks.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

A range of resources reflecting different cultures, gender and disability enable children to gain a positive image and to learn about the world they live in. The childminder understands the importance of helping them to develop a strong identity and feel good about themselves, their

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is flexible and works together with parents to ensure that disruption to a child's routine is minimised. Children are happy and content because parents share information about their child’s individual needs, interests and experiences with the childminder. Children’s routines, activities and progress are shared with parents daily.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children experience a high level of care and support, which aids their development, because the childminder organises her home and childminding well. The childminder updates her knowledge and children benefit from her experience gained working with children in differing settings over many years. She completes all required records and paperwork accurately and stores them securely. However, concerns are not recorded separately to ensure confidentiality.

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Organisation

The environment is well organised so children feel at home and can move around with confidence. She is warm and affectionate towards the children who are relaxed and happy in her care.

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Organisation

Written policies and procedures are put into practice to ensure children are well cared for. These are shared regularly with parents, keeping them informed about the service and their child’s progress. 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.

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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): • ensure concerns are recorded separately in order to maintain confidentiality.

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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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