Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY217997 Unique Reference Number 15 March 2007 Inspection date Elizabeth Juon 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 satisfactory. 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 2001. She lives with her husband and two children aged seven and 12 years, in Slough, Berkshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's home is available for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder's registration is to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and she is currently minding five children who attend on a full and part time basis. The childminder goes to the local school to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the park.

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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 satisfactory. Children are cared for in a clean home where they are beginning to learn the importance of simple good health and hygiene practices through the daily routine. Appropriate procedures are in place to reduce the risk of cross infection including wearing disposable gloves when changing a nappy. The childminder holds a valid first aid certificate and is able to provide suitable care if a child has an accident. The procedures for recording an accident or the administration of medicine are correct to safeguard children’s welfare.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from a range of activities that contribute to their good health. There are regular opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities in the garden and park to promote children's physical development.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works with parents to meet children’s dietary needs. Some parents choose to provide a packed lunch for children, which is stored in the refrigerator to keep fresh. The childminder provides a nutritious meal in the evening and occasional snacks of fruit and sometimes a biscuit. This promotes children’s understanding of a balanced diet.

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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 well-organised, child-friendly environment. This allows them to move around freely and play safely. The childminder has identified potential hazards and take steps to minimise these. She supervises children closely and safety equipment stays in place at all times such as, the stairgates. The childminder has thought about a fire evacuation procedure but does not practise this with the children to ensure they can leave the house swiftly in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have easy access to a varied range of toys and resources; promoting children’s independent choice. The furniture and play equipment is clean and in good condition to keep children from harm.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s welfare is protected through the childminder’s understanding of her role and responsibility in child protection. She has current information on the procedures to follow should she have concerns about children in her care, contributing to the safety and welfare of children.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder who interacts with them in a caring way, helping them to feel secure. The childminder knows the children well and is aware of their individual needs and routines. Children are provided with an interesting range of play experiences to maintain their interest and promote their all round development. The childminder spends

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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 time at child level playing and encouraging conversation and learning, such as repeating the names of colours to aid children’s recognition of colour. Children can use their imagination and creativity in pretend play and art and craft activities. A child had a great deal of fun learning to balance and ride on a new scooter, with the childminder's support. Regular visits to toddler groups and the local park extend children’s experiences; help develop their social skills and an awareness of the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats children with respect to help them feel good about themselves. To meet children’s individual needs the childminder obtains information from parents about the child’s likes and dislikes; getting to know the children well. There is a selection of toys and activities to promote positive images and children's understanding of the wider world. The childminder has an effective settling-in procedure for children starting in her care, which supports children’s wellbeing and promotes their sense of security.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children generally behave well within the childminder’s framework for appropriate behaviour, including tidying toys away and sitting at the table for meals. The childminder discusses behaviour management with parents to have a consistent approach for children between home and childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has recently improved the written information available to parents to be current and up to date. The daily exchange of verbal and written information between parents and childminder helps to provide continuity of care to the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children’s wellbeing is supported as the childminder organises her time appropriately, taking into account their routines and needs. The lay out of the ground floor maximises space to enable children to play, move freely and rest in comfort and safety. Resources are organised to encourage self-selection to promote children’s independent choice.

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Organisation

Children will gain from the childminder’s recent commitment to update her knowledge and skills through training such as first aid and child protection. The childminder has made a significant effort to improve and review all the required documentation, consequently improving her knowledge of the National Standards, which benefits the children in her care. At present appropriate adult: child ratios are maintained to safeguard children. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last Care inspection the childminder was asked to improve her knowledge and understanding of the requirements set out in regulations; implement a child protection procedure complying with those of the Local Safeguarding Children Board; obtain written permission from parents before administering medication to children.

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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 The childminder has made significant improvements to the written policies and procedures that underpin her working practice which has improved her knowledge of the National Standards, benefiting the children in her care. However, the childminder is still unclear about her conditions of registration and must be clear about the number of children she may care for at any one time. There is a comprehensive child protection procedure with current information and a new medication record book and parental permission to administer medicine. These improvements safeguard children's wellbeing.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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 satisfactory. 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): • practise the evacuation drill with children to ensure they can leave the premises quickly in an emergency • improve awareness and understanding of the conditions of registration and be clear how many children can be cared for at any one time.

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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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