Cooper, Tracey Diane

Inspection report for early years provision

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506100 Unique Reference Number 26 April 2007 Inspection date Joanne Graham 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 1995. She lives with her husband and three children in Tilehurst, Berkshire. The ground floor 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 childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, one full time and five part time. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parents/carer group. The family has a hamster, one guinea pig, fish and a budgie.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children take part in regular physical activity both inside and outdoors boosting their development well. They access the secure garden, walk to school each morning and access local parks. They use large equipment, such as bikes, rockers and a trampoline in the garden; and swings, slide, basketball nets and climbing frames in the parks. This increases their balancing,

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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 climbing and ball skills. Children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. For example, they have individual towels and flannels which are easily accessible. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate and the first aid box contains suitable equipment. This means children receive appropriate care if there is an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder obtains prior parental permission to administer medication to make sure the child receives the correct medication and parental consent to act in a medical emergency. Accidents, incidents and medication administered is accurately recorded and signed by parents. This supports the children’s welfare. Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks, which ensure they remain healthy. Food provided by parents is stored safely and the childminder is aware of any dietary and religious requirements and the children’s preferences. She considers these well when preparing meals. Children can access their drinks at all times and the childminder follows the baby’s routine as instructed by the parents. The childminder makes good use of the Birth to three matters framework, ensuring the participation of younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment, which is uncluttered. There is sufficient space for them to move around and play comfortably and safely. The childminder highlights potential hazards and reduces risks well. Children benefit from a good range of safety measures, for example a secure and sturdy pond cover, knives, alcohol and medication made inaccessible and a secure outdoor play area. The childminder has good fire safety equipment in place, such as smoke alarms in different areas of the house and a fire blanket in the kitchen. She ensures children have a good understanding of the emergency evacuation procedure by discussing and practising it regularly. Children have easy and safe access to a good range of toys and resources appropriate for their age and stage of development. The childminder supervises the children well and ensures they are in hearing distance or sight

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

at all times. Children’s needs are safeguarded by good documentation.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children stay safe on outings as they are suitably restrained when travelling in the car and the childminder reinforces road safety when the children are walking. She takes emergency contact numbers and a telephone and carries a small first aid kit. She ensures the children wear an identity strap with details of her contact number and she always informs parents of where they are going. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows how to proceed if she has concerns about a child in her care. She makes sure she updates her training and knowledge on a regular basis and has suitable documentation with contact numbers easily accessible. This supports children’s wellbeing

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children are at ease with the childminder; they are settled, happy and confident. They enjoy each other’s company and having fun together. They are beginning to form relationships with the childminder and welcome her into their play. She supports the children to develop skills to participate in card and board games, and the children engage for extended periods when searching for matching pairs. Children develop confidence and self-esteem through constant praise, attention and encouragement given by the childminder. She provides stimulating, exciting and enjoyable activities, which all the children can participate and achieve. For example, she has two packs of the pairs cards to ensure there are sufficient for all children to participate.

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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 Children participate in activities, which they engage at for extended periods, with enthusiasm and enjoyment. For example, they match pictures to initial letters in the alphabet game and develop good pencil control when writing letters and shapes. They enjoy the variety of stimulating, interesting and age-appropriate toys and equipment available and self-select confidently. The childminder ensures there are suitable toys which appeal to the younger children and the baby responds positively to the brightly coloured rattles and chain link. The baby grasps these and is beginning to make movements, which move the toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children acquire new knowledge and skills increasing their language, maths, imaginative and creative development well. The childminder introduces counting into everyday situations, and some of the children are beginning to name some shapes and colours. For example, counting the winning pairs cards and talking about the colours and shapes in the alphabet game. The childminder supports children’s development well and moves their learning forward through effective questioning, being attentive to their needs and interests. The childminder has a comprehensive understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and incorporates this into her practice effectively to support children’s learning and development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive good and appropriate care developing a sense of belonging. They have their own towels and flannels and a specific place to store their outdoor shoes. They are valued, included in the play and have their individual needs met very well. For example, the childminder places a mat for the baby to lie on close to the other children so the baby feels part of the group. The childminder also ensures the baby is occupied and stimulated by accessing suitable toys. The childminder works closely with the parents to ensure she follows the children’s routines and gives written and verbal exchanges of their child’s day, routine and achievements. This promotes continuity of care to the children attending. The childminder has an adequate knowledge of the complaints regulation and the poster to inform parents of the regulator's details is displayed. However, this knowledge is lacking in-depth understanding.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children become aware of the wider society through good support from the childminder. She ensures children visit the local community and places of interest, fostering their understanding of the wider world. Children access some resources, which depict positive images of diversity. However, these are limited in some areas. Children’s behaviour is good. They are aware of the boundaries and the childminder is sensitive in the way she manages behaviour. She promotes positive behaviour well and is a good role model to the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected and cared for by the childminder who has a good knowledge and understanding of child development. She makes sure she attends training to update her knowledge and she has high regard for children’s welfare and wellbeing. Constant supervision ensures children are protected and not left unattended with persons not vetted, keeping them safe. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures she meets children's needs and she shares all relevant information with parents. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to eat and play at their own pace, and still have sufficient time to attend nursery and to sleep.

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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 Record keeping systems are used well to meet children’s needs. All regulatory documentation and details are in place and kept for the required time. Records are stored securely and confidentiality is maintained as the childminder uses individual folders to contain the children's details. Parental written consent supports the childminder in maintaining the children’s safety, welfare and wellbeing. 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 inspection, the childminder had recommendations to improve systems to maintain accurate records and details about the children and to ensure the first aid box contains suitable equipment and resources. She now has introduced using contracts and accurately records children’s attendance times. This maintains children safety and welfare. The first aid box is easily accessible and contains correct resources. The childminder checks supplies regularly to ensure they are suitable to use. This promotes the 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 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): • increase knowledge of complaints procedure and provide additional equipment depicting positive images of disabilities for the children to access regularly.

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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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