Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY339211 Unique Reference Number 09 March 2007 Inspection date Caroline Hearn Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2006. She lives with her partner and children aged one and eight years in Reading, Berkshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding three children part time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder supports children who have English as an additional language.

p.2

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children are not always protected from the spread of infection. The childminder explains clearly to parents that she cannot care for children who are unwell; she sends children home who become ill when in her care. These measures help prevent the spread of infection suitably. However, children share a flannel, the bathroom is not cleaned thoroughly and family pets are not treated sufficiently often for possible infestation, all of which puts children’s health at risk.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children are offered a balanced diet and plenty of fruit and vegetables. The childminder is aware that not all children enjoy fruit and vegetables and has found various different ways to make them appealing to the children. She blends these to make a pasta sauce, for example, or lets the children choose them at the supermarket. The Children enjoy daily outdoor activities such as walks to the park.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children and their families are made to feel welcome. The childminder has a notice board for parents in her lounge with information such as activities planned and menus. Having this information helps the parents to feel involved in their child's day. Children have access to a varied selection of toys which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create a stimulating environment.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children’s safety is promoted suitably overall. The childminder takes appropriate steps to minimise most potential risks. Children play safely in the garden, for example. There are some inconsistencies in this area, however. Indoors, the fire blanket in the kitchen is not readily accessible, which puts children’s safety at risk in the event of a fire. The childminder does not undertake regular reviews of her home’s safety, so possible new risks to children are not identified.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder understands her responsibilities for safeguarding children's welfare and has an appropriate selection of current literature about this.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children take part in a variety of suitable activities both inside and outside the home. The childminder plans these in advance to ensure the children gain the most from them. Activities outside the home include visiting local toddler groups and music sessions. These sessions give the children opportunities to develop their social skills and mix with others of similar age. The childminder has a clear awareness of children’s developmental needs and how to support these. She uses arts and craft activities to introduce concepts such as colours and patterns. Children regularly have stories read to them and opportunities to explore books. These set story times

p.3

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 encourage the children to develop an early interest in reading and books. However, due to language barriers for some children they are not able to join in fully with these sessions.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children form close and trusting relationships with the childminder, readily looking to her for comfort if needed.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Most children receive care appropriate to their individual needs. However, some children do not have their needs fully met due to language barriers. The childminder does not make full use of available translator services to support children using English as an additional language. Children's behaviour is managed in a sensitive age appropriate way. The childminder takes time to talk to the children and help them understand what behaviour is acceptable. Through these discussions children are learning that their actions have consequences.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder welcomes all children, including those with additional needs, although she has no experience of working with minded children in this regard.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Time is set aside each day for discussion with parents. This level of communication allows greater continuity of care between home and the childminder for the minded children. However due to language barriers this is not happening for all children.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder organises her time well for childminding purposes. She manages her time so that all children receive individual attention. Ratios are met. The weekly routine takes into account the patterns of sleep and feeding times of babies to ensure trips out are fitted in around these. She understands her responsibilities for protecting children from persons who have not been police-checked.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder organises her documentation competently, ensuring that parents complete forms that enable her to have information to care for the children appropriately. However, she does not have consent to take children on public transport. The childminder is aware of the need for confidentiality with regard to children's information and she stores records for the stipulated time scales. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

p.4

Complaints since the last inspection

Since registration there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

p.4

Complaints 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 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.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 appropriate procedures are in place and implemented to prevent the spread of infection • ensure regular risk assessments are completed and appropriate action taken to reduce any risks. Also ensure these assessments include fire safety and accessibility of appropriate equipment • ensure equal opportunity is promoted for all children, especially with regard to communication and language • ensure documentation includes consent to transport children on public transport.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5