The Elms School

Inspection report for early years provision

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117003 Unique Reference Number 16 January 2007 Inspection date Marie Thompson 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 was registered in 1991. She lives with her husband and two children aged 20 and 16 years old in Reading. The whole of the downstairs of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The are currently seven children on roll. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder takes children to the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family do not have any pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA)

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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 enjoy a clean and well maintained home. The childminder ensures the house is cleaned thoroughly at the end of the day and at weekends to ensure it is suitable for the children to play in and to minimise the spread of germs. The children learn the importance of good hygiene and personal care. They are routinely encouraged to wash their hands before meals and after playing outside. The childminder wipes younger children's hands and faces with wet wipes and the older children are proficient in using the bathroom upstairs. However, the older children all use the same bar of soap and towel which does not prevent the spread of germs or cross infections.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from physical activities as the childminder walks children home from school. They have regular opportunities to develop their physical skills and get fresh air as the childminder takes them to Albert Park which has lots of climbing and balance apparatus set on wood chip which develops their gross motor skills. They walk to the river to feed the ducks or around the local area. The childminder takes the children to the 'Swamp' soft play area when the weather is bad so that they can 'let off steam', run and climb in a safe environment. This helps to promote their physical development and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Through discussion and agreement with parents, some children bring their own packed lunches, which are appropriately stored or the childminder provides meals for them. The meals the childminder provides are freshly prepared each day and are nutritionally balanced in content. The childminder makes sure that she has considered all the children's likes, dislikes and allergies when offering them food. Children have regular drinks throughout the day, especially in warm weather, which ensure children do not become dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder takes positive steps if a child is ill to prevent the spread of infection, by contacting the parents immediately. The childminder has undertaken a relevant first aid course.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children play in an environment, where the childminder identifies risks and minimises hazards. This allows them to move around safely, freely and independently. The childminder gives priority to helping children understand how to keep themselves safe and to maintaining children's safety inside and outside the home. However, the fire evacuation procedure does not contain details of a safe assembly point away from the premises in the event of a fire. Children are now able to use the garden as the childminder has cleared it ready for use, however, the bolt and latch in place on the back gate are not sufficient to prevent a child from opening the gate.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have reasonably easy access to toys and resources that are suitable for children's stage of development, which meet safety standards. Some toys and resources are stored on high level shelves and therefore children need to ask the childminder when they want to play with something from the top shelve so that she can reach it for them. This does not inhibit their

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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 choice of toys because the childminder will pass them the toys of their choice. Regular checks ensure there are no broken parts that could harm a child. When they are out walking, the childminder encourages children to be aware of the dangers when crossing the road. She ensures that all the children hold hands and learn about road safety, stopping and looking both ways at the curb, listening for cars and using pedestrian crossings or islands whenever possible.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a reasonably good understanding of child protection issues which safeguards and promotes children's welfare. The childminder is aware of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are at ease with the childminder, confident and settle well, as the childminder is able to offer one to one care. They learn to become independent and gain good self-esteem through making choices in a positive environment. Children have the choice about whether they wish to be active or to relax and the older children particularly enjoy sitting in the living room playing on the PS2.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn through the wide variety of activities, which the childminder offers, for example, they enjoy playing with the train and pirate castle set. Children are starting to learn their shapes, colours and numbers so the childminder plans activities around this area of learning or helps them to develop through everyday activities such as going to the supermarket or the bank. The childminder encourages children to take part in the shopping trip by giving them the shopping list to hold and encouraging them to look for the food to put in the trolley. When they visit the bank the children learn about putting money in and taking it out and waiting in line to go to the counter. The childminder uses the dinosaurs, large floor puzzles and building bricks for colour recognition, counting and shapes. This range of activities help to support children's language, mathematical thinking and imagination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children develop well because the childminder has a caring attitude and is aware of the need to provide activities that are stimulating, challenging and fun. The childminder offers positive words of encouragement and praise for all the children's endeavours. There is a good range of resources available, which are appropriate to their ages and stages of development. Children have free choice of play and self select some activities they wish to do. Therefore, children feel secure in their environment and valued as a family member.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and respected as individuals. The childminder has a good understanding about the needs of the children in her care. Time spent with the children encourages independence; confidence and making them feel secure within their environment. This creates a welcoming home from home environment where children feel a sense of belonging. Children have the opportunity to learn about different aspects of other cultures, as some of the children in the childminder's care originate from different cultural backgrounds. The childminder values

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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 this and encourages children to bring in pictures of their families; they have borrowed books from the library about the countries the children's relatives come from, which enables the children to talk about and discuss similarities and differences. They have cooked foods from Barbados and they used a Caribbean cook book to make some food to try. The children have made and tasted African soup. The children benefit from some activities which promote and celebrate cultural festivals. The children learn about Islam and Eid in great detail as the childminder's husband is Muslim which increases their knowledge and understanding of another religion.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children’s behaviour is good because the childminder has a positive approach to behaviour management. She uses praise and encouragement, focusing on good behaviour. By using a consistent approach this ensures children have a clear understanding of the boundaries set. Children have a good understanding about being kind to one another, being polite and using good manners, which promotes their self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

During the school holidays the childminder extends the activities offered to accommodate children who are with her for a longer period of time which include cooking, painting, making and doing. For example, children have enjoyed making Easter Bunnies and baskets and Christmas decorations. Children enjoy exploring the community by taking walks to the river to feed the ducks. The childminder recognises the need for regular physical exercise and fresh air. They have learnt about a bygone era when they visited Reading Museum to look at 'toys from the past'. These activities encourage an awareness of the world around them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good knowledge and understanding of caring for a child with special educational needs or disabilities and would endeavour to offer appropriate care by liaising with other professionals.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Parents develop good open relationships with the childminder who encourages discussion on all aspects of their child’s care and progress on a regular basis.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children benefit from a well organised home. They receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident within their environment. The day is planned reasonably well taking into consideration children's routines such as free-play, outings, quiet time and meals. The childminder's knowledge and involvement with the children contributes to their health, safety, enjoyment, achievements and ability to take part in the activities offered. Information and records are appropriately kept which include a daily record of attendance which details children's times of arrival and departure, however, it is not consistently signed by the parents or the childminder. The childminder has some basic polices in place however, the complaints procedure does not contain the address and contact number of the regulator, Ofsted and a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request is not in place.

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Organisation

The childminder ensures that parents receive verbal feedback each day about their child and details of her policies and procedures. Documentation is securely stored and regularly updated. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to attend an appropriate first aid course and to ensure a fire blanket is provided and secured appropriately in the kitchen. The childminder was asked to improve her documentation by ensuring all persons aged 16 years and over living in the home have clearance checks, to complete and keep up-to-date an accurate daily attendance record and to obtain written parental consents for smoking whilst minding. She was also asked to ensure all the children are stimulated and their developmental needs are met through a variety of regular activities.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has attended an appropriate first aid course and a fire blanket is provided and securely fitted in the kitchen. The childminder has improved her documentation by ensuring all persons aged 16 years and over living in the home have clearance checks, she has an accurate daily attendance record and the childminder is aware of the amendments to the National Standards which state that she cannot smoke whilst childminding and adheres to them. The childminder has increased her range of activities to meet children's developmental needs.

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Improvements since the last inspection

These measures contribute to ensuring children's continued health, safety and 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.

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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 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): • provide separate soap and towels for children to use • make sure an additional bolt is fitted to the back gate to ensure children's safety • ensure the fire evacuation procedure contains details of a safe assembly point away from the premises in the event of a fire • make sure the daily record of attendance is signed by the parents and the childminder

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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 • provide a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. • make sure the complaints record contains the address and contact number of the regulator, Ofsted.

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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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