Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY331973 Unique Reference Number 22 February 2007 Inspection date Lynne Elizabeth Lewington 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 2006. She lives with her husband and one child in Wokingham, Berkshire. The house is within walking distance of local facilities including pre-school, primary school, shops and park and is near a main road and rail links. The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor for childminding, with one upstairs bedroom for rest. Toilet facilities are available on the ground floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. She takes children to the local library and park. The childminder may care for five children under eight years. Currently there are three children on roll. The family have no pets.

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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. The childminder promotes the children's good health and well being through her positive practice. Children experience good opportunities to develop their physical skills as they play in this pleasant clean environment. They have space to develop early walking and balancing skills in the playroom. The indoor and outdoor activities provide various opportunities for physical skills to develop. For example, using a paint brush and water the child develops her fine skills as she dips the brush in the water and then uses it on her magic painting paper. Outdoors the children enjoy fresh air and the freedom to run in the park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides the children with healthy snacks of fruit and regular drinks to prevent dehydration. She prepares good quality food for the children recognising the importance of providing a varied diet, including fruit and vegetables. For example, children enjoy carrot and coriander soup and wholemeal bread for lunch. Discussion with parents enables the childminder to understand any special dietary needs or requirements.

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Helping children to be healthy

Sensible hygiene routines promote the children's good health. Children learn to use tissues to wipe their noses and dispose of them appropriately. They are encouraged to wash and dry their hands before food and after toileting. The childminder recognises the importance of ensuring young children's toys are cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of germs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder promotes children's safety and well being through her understanding of child protection and the safety measures she has in place around her home. She is aware of signs and symptoms of child abuse and the action she would take concerning a child in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risks around the premises and on outings are minimised by the childminders keen safety awareness. Suitable safety measures are in place throughout the premises and on outings children are encouraged to develop an awareness of safe behaviour. For example, children learn to hold hands and stop look and listen when they cross roads. Sleeping children are checked regularly in addition to the use of a monitor. Any hazards are managed well by the childminders knowledgeable risk assessment and her close supervision.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to a safe cosy environment for their play and rest with good quality toys and resources. Access to a downstairs toilet enables the children to develop their personal independence easily.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and contented in the childminders care; her time is devoted to them. She sits on the floor, talks, listens and makes good eye contact with the children. They have

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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 good opportunities to develop their skills as they use familiar toys. For example, children enjoy the play kitchen, cups and play food. They balance food on the plates and pass the childminder cups. Older children enjoy cooking activities and have access to a selection of games. Games encourage children's abilities to share, take turns and learn to win and lose gracefully.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder acknowledges the young children's attempts to talk and responds appropriately, smiling and encouraging them. The clear daily routine includes times of activity and rest enabling the children to be refreshed and able to enjoy their activities. They have good opportunities to meet other children at the park and toddler group developing their social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children undertake activities relevant to the time of year. At Christmas they decorated mini Christmas puddings and gingerbread men, they plant seeds in spring and make cards. This helps the children to gain an awareness of traditions and the time of year. Books are available for children's use; however the young children cannot access any books independently.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder demonstrates a good knowledge and sound understanding of equal opportunities issues and has a positive attitude to diversity enabling children to develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. She has a good awareness of the need to encourage children's understanding of others. She encourages children to play with toys irrespective of their gender and they have good opportunities to develop their social skills as they mix with other children and adults including elderly people. However, few resources reflecting our diverse society are available.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a professional but friendly relationship with parents. She provides a warm welcome and takes time to share information about the child's day. She seeks information from parents in order to provide appropriate care to the children and meet any additional needs they may have. Building positive relationships with parents enables good quality care to be offered which meets each child's individual need. However, the complaints policy does not show up to date complaints information if parents wished to complain to the regulator.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder demonstrates a good understanding of the relationship between behaviour and development. Praise and encouragement are used consistently to promote desirable behaviour. Manners are encouraged through the good role model the childminder provides. A clear behaviour policy is available for parents enabling them to understand and support the childminder in her role.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her day to meet the children's needs well. Space and resources are used effectively enabling the children to be cared for in a safe, warm and pleasant environment where they can feel secure and confident. The childminder talks and plays with the children warmly, providing developmentally appropriate toys and activities for their entertainment. Positive behaviour is encouraged consistently, diversity and learning difficulties/disabilities

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 are taken into account and partnership with parents is very important to the professional service which is offered. Documentation is all clearly maintained and contains all the relevant information to enable good care to be taken of the children.

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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. 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): • enable children to access books independently • update complaints policy to contain current Ofsted address and information • improve resources reflecting our diverse community.

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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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