Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY321157 Unique Reference Number 21 June 2007 Inspection date Sheila Collins 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 was registered in 2006. She lives with her husband and two children aged three and two years in Calcot, near Reading in Berkshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with the children having access to the upstairs to use the bathroom and sleeping facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five on a part time basis. The childminder takes children to and collects children from local schools and pre-schools. The childminder takes children on outings, for example to the local park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The children learn about personal hygiene through their daily routine. The childminder makes sure that the children wash their hands properly after going to the toilet, messy play and before meals.

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Helping children to be healthy

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 promotes the good health of the children and responds appropriately when they are ill. She has accident and medication records in place, and written permission from parents to seek emergency medical advice or treatment. She has a current first aid certificate. The childminder has knowledge of the children's medical and dietary needs. The children enjoy healthy snacks and meals and access drinks easily when they are thirsty. The childminder offers the baby drinks at regular intervals, especially when waking up after a sleep. Children's individual routines for feeding and sleeping are in place, which ensures continuity from home.

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Helping children to be healthy

The children enjoy exercise and the childminder successfully ensures that they have a good range of activities, both indoors and out, to help them develop their physical skills.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder makes sure that the children are safe both within and outside the home. She carries out risk assessments and is aware of potential hazards which she minimises so that the children are in a safe environment. The childminder has equipment suitable for the age and stage of the children attending, which includes items such a high chair and safety barriers across the top and bottom of the stairs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder checks the equipment and toys frequently to ensure that they are safe for the children to use. The children choose from a good range of toys and equipment which they independently access from the storage in the lounge and the under stairs cupboard. The childminder also rotates the toys, so that the children get a variety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good working knowledge of child protection issues. She has a clear understanding of the procedures to follow if she has concerns about a child, which ensures their welfare is safe guarded.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The childminder is aware of the individual children's developmental needs and ensures they receive appropriate support. The children get on well together and play alongside each other, involving the childminder and the baby in their play. They enjoy having stories read to them and craft activities such as drawing and colouring. The childminder encourages the baby to reach for appropriate toys. She involves the baby in activities, either by sitting on a level with her or positioning the high chair so that the baby can see what is going on. All the children receive lots of praise and encouragement from the childminder, for their efforts and achievements, which promotes their self-esteem and confidence.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children take part in a variety of activities, both indoors and out. The childminder plans each day according to the needs of the children attending and their own routines but is flexible to allow the children to direct their own play. The children make choices about what they would like to do, for example, going on pretend picnics, playing with the train set and musical instruments. The children enjoy outings during the week especially visits to the park.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has appropriate information recorded about the children, knows the children's individual needs and has ongoing dialogue with the parents to ensure consistency of care. The childminder knows the routes of referral if she has concerns about a child in her care. The childminder ensures that the children have access to a range of age and stage appropriate resources and takes into consideration the children's abilities and interests when planning activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder promotes good behaviour with the children by using a positive approach. Behaviour is managed appropriately for the age and stage of the children. Any unwanted behaviour is dealt with firmly but fairly with clear explanations given as to why it is not appropriate. However the childminder does not record incidents, for example if a child bites another. The childminder uses praise and encouragement of the children's efforts and achievements to promote their self-confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a good partnership with the parents. She exchanges information through daily discussions about what the children have done and their achievements. She also has contracts, children's details and written policies in place, which she shares with parents.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The areas of the house used for childminding are organised appropriately, with the available space well utilised.

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Organisation

The childminder has all the required documentation in place to make sure that she is able to meet the individual needs of the children in her care. She has comprehensive written policies and procedures which she shares with the parents. The registration certificate is displayed, so parents are aware of the conditions of registration.

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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.

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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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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

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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): • ensure that any incidents are appropriately recorded

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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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