Common Road Middle School

Inspection report for early years provision

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108288 Unique Reference Number 16 July 2007 Inspection date Michelle Julie Gutcher 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 2002. She lives with her family in a house in Maidenhead. She is registered to care for six children under the age of eight years at any one time. Currently there are three children on roll. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The house is within walking distance of local schools, pre- schools, shops and parks. The family have cats and a dog. She is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from a clean and well maintained environment. They learn about personal hygiene through daily routines. The childminder ensures that nappies are disposed of hygienically and that the changing mat and children's toys are cleaned to prevent cross-infection. Children wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating and after handling the family pets. The childminder currently does not hold a valid first aid certificate, however, is booked onto a training course. Parents give written permission for the childminder to seek emergency treatment

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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 by medical professionals, however, they have not given permission for the childminder to administer pain relief in an emergency. The childminder informs parents of accidents concerning their children, although, no formal record is currently kept.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children accompany the childminder in walking the family dog. They enjoy daily outings to local parks, where they benefit from the fresh air. They have use of the garden with suitable equipment to play with including a variety of push along toys, tunnels and see saws. Young babies benefit from going swimming regularly with the childminder. These measures help to promote their good health and their understanding of healthy lifestyles.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents currently provide foods for their children. The childminder ensures they have a varied well balanced diet and foods are prepared and served attractively. The childminder consults with parents regarding dietary needs and preferences, ensuring all individual needs are met. They have regular access to drinks throughout the day.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from being cared for in a home that is clean and comfortable. The childminder has made good use of the space available, which means that children are able to play and move around with ease. The family dog remains in the dining room and this area is restricted to the children. Young babies are able to crawl around the home and this develops their physical skills. Toys are accessible on the floor to the children and this ensures variety. The childminder regularly checks the toys to ensure they are in a clean and suitable condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has equipment in place to generally ensure children are safe, for example, safety gates are in position across the foot of the stairs and the kitchen doorway. This prevents the children accessing these areas. Smoke alarms are in site and tested regularly. A fire blanket is available, however, is stored in the boiler cupboard. It is not easy to access or use in the event of a fire.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has procedures and documents in place to ensure that children's welfare is generally promoted and protected. She has an understanding of the possible signs and symptoms of child abuse and the reporting procedure to follow. Parents are informed of any incidents that take place whilst their children are in the childminder's care, however, a log of accidents is not maintained.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Children are settled and happy in the childminder's care. They enjoy a selection of toys that are appropriate to their stage of development. The childminder offers support to young children to ensure they receive enjoyment. Young children confidently grab hold to the handles of the push along activity toys. They push the toys in front of them and are learning to take steps forward. Young children sit on the floor with the childminder as they look for the different coloured buttons to push on the activity centres. They smile as they hear the different noises and watch eagerly as the lights flash on and off. They turn their heads as they hear the childminder calling their names. Children enjoy holding onto the rattles and laugh as they shake them in the air. They smile as they are held closely in the arms of the childminder and hear her singing along to the music playing in the background. They benefit from the cuddles, become

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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 progress in a stimulating and caring environment. The childminder is warm, gentle and affectionate towards them making them feel valued. She knows the children well and responds to their individual needs effectively. She talks to them and spends time playing with them. This helps children to make progress in their development. Children are able to make choices and decisions about play by for example, helping themselves to toys left on the floor in front of them.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder treats the children with affection and pays attention to helping them feel confident and cared for. Children feel good about themselves and learn to show respect for others. They learn about diversity by playing with resources and through casual conversation with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's individual care needs are discussed with parents. Their activities and experiences during the day are shared verbally with parents each day. This helps to promote partnership with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder uses effective and positive strategies when dealing with children's behaviour. The parents and childminder agree strategies to deal with behaviour verbally. Children are well-behaved and feel safe and secure. They respond positively to constant praise and encouragement.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are relaxed and settled in the childminder's care. They benefit from organised play space and resources that are accessible to allow children to select independently. Regular informal discussions with parents ensure continuity of care for the children. Most policies and procedures are shared with parents. However, they have not been fully informed of the complaints procedure or of the non collected child policy. The childminder discusses accidents that occur in her care with parents, however, there is no formal record maintained. Parents have not given permission to administer pain relief in an emergency.

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Organisation

All legally required documentation which contributes to children's health, safety and welfare is in place. There is a fire blanket available, however, this is not sited appropriately. The childminder provides a child friendly environment with fun experiences for children that encourages their development and enjoyment.

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Organisation

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 previous inspection there were two recommendations and one action raised and these related to resources, documentation and training. All of the issues have been addressed. The childminder has extended the toys to reflect items that portray positive images of diversity. Resources include different skin tone dolls and books. The childminder has obtained a copy of the National Standards and guidance and she demonstrates that she has a sound knowledge and understanding of the content. The childminder has not completed an appropriate first aid

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Improvements 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 course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children, however, is booked to complete in September 2007.

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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 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): • formalise the recording of accidents including existing injuries • ensure parents are made aware of the updated contact details in the complaints policy and of the non collected child policy • ensure parents have given permission to administer pain relief in an emergency • ensure fire blanket is appropriately sited

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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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