Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY340001 Unique Reference Number 21 February 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 2006. She lives with her partner and two children aged four and two years in Cippenham, near Slough. The whole of the ground floor and children’s bedrooms in the childminder's home are available for childminding. There is a 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 one child on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the local library and 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 play in a clean, tidy environment, which is a comfortable temperature for children to play and rest. Children have the freedom of movement to play safely with the toys upstairs and downstairs. Children develop good personal hygiene routines and self-care skills. For example, they wash their hands before eating and after using the toilet. The childminder promotes their independence well by providing suitable equipment and an appropriate level of support, for example, a step helps children reach the taps and the towel is at child level.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children go on walks with the childminder and visit the park to promote their physical development. The children receive warmth and affection from the childminder, which supports their emotional well-being and enables them to feel safe and secure. Appropriate documentation is in place to record accidents and medication to safeguard children's well-being. However, there is no parental consent to seek emergency medical treatment.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive nutritious snacks and meals that help them understand foods that are good for them. The childminder stores food appropriately in the refrigerator. The childminder’s good liaison with parents ensures her understanding of the children’s individual routine and contributes to her knowledge to meet children’s needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from playing in a warm and well organised environment. They are safe and secure in the welcoming home where the childminder has effectively minimised the areas of risk; they can move around freely in the spacious living area and in the children’s bedroom. The home is comfortable and child orientated. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures for example, a stair gate and safe storage of dangerous substances. However, there is a gap in the garden fence. The childminder supervises the children well, keeping them in hearing distance or sight at all times, ensuring they keep out of harm’s way.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children independently select from a varied range of toys and resources, which are easily accessible. The childminder ensures toys and equipment are safe for children to use at all times, through regular checking and maintenance. She is clear about how to evacuate children from her home in an emergency. However, the childminder and children have yet to practise the procedure to ensure their quick exit in an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of child protection issues and knows how to proceed should concerns arise about a child in her care. This supports children’s well-being.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. A warm and caring relationship between the childminder and children is evident which promotes children’s confidence and feeling of security in the setting. Children are happy to attend and on arrival immediately relax into the routine. They change into dressing up clothes, instigate games and play co-operatively. The childminder encourages conversation and extends children’s play, helping them to play together, take turns and share. Children gain confidence and self-esteem as the childminder offers appropriate and sufficient attention and praise. The childminder provides activities, which children can achieve, for example, art and craft activities and 'cooking' with the kitchen. Children show an interest in the varied activities on offer that allow for active and quiet play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children are fully included in the homely environment by the childminder and good relationships are evident. Children display a sense of belonging and receive comfort and support from the childminder. They have access to toys that promote positive images, such as books and play figures; children are involved in decision making when choosing activities. They are beginning to learn about the local community during walks and outings.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children enjoy each other's company and behave well. They benefit from praise, encouragement and simple house rules, consistently applied by the childminder to provide a framework for positive behaviour. The childminder supports children in sharing and turn taking, helping children understand right from wrong.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

To meet children’s individual needs the childminder co-operates with parents. Appropriate paperwork is in place to ensure children’s personal information is up to date to promote their welfare and development. A daily verbal exchange of information on activities and personal care ensures continuity of care for children between home and childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and at ease in the setting; they receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to organise and pursue their own games. The childminder maintains appropriate ratios to support children’s care, learning and play.

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Organisation

The childminder has a selection of policies and procedures to underpin the care of children, which she shares with parents. Information kept about children is confidential, relevant and helps promote their welfare to ensure appropriate care is given. 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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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 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): • obtain parental consent to seek emergency medical advice and treatment • practise the emergency evacuation procedure with children to ensure a quick exit from the premises

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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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