Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY342230 Unique Reference Number 08 May 2007 Inspection date Hazel Farrant 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 one child aged three-years-old in Bracknell, Berkshire. The whole of the ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of three children and is currently caring for three children, of which two are aged under five-years -old. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group and takes children to the library and the local parks. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

They have one cat, a hamster, fish and snails as family pets.

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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 good. Children play in a clean and well-maintained environment where they are beginning to learn the importance of good personal hygiene. Effective daily routines for nappy changing help prevent the spread of infection. For example the childminder sanitises the changing mat after every use and disposes of the nappy outside; all children have individual towels. However, children’s hands are not consistently washed prior to meal times; they also share the same party blowers and recorders with each other. Therefore, children are not fully protected from cross contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

Parents give prior written consent to administer medication; this ensures children receive the correct dosage according to their needs. All required documentation is accurately maintained. Children benefit from healthy, balanced meals provided for them by the childminder. Some parents prefer to supply their child’s own food, which is appropriately stored. All dietary and medical needs are discussed with parents and recorded on children's record forms. Children are offered drinks regularly so they do not become dehydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Young children are encouraged to develop their physical skills. A range of activities such as shape sorters, threading discs and cotton reels are readily available, this helps them to develop their hand eye co-ordination. Sit and ride toys are available for when children are ready to make their next steps in development.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in safe and secure surroundings. The home is warm and welcoming and provides comfortable facilities with ample space for play and rest. The childminder has a clear understanding of how to keep her home and the children safe. This is documented in a policy shared with parents. Most potential hazards have been identified and steps taken to reduce the risks to children. A safety gate is placed across the bottom of the stairs to restrict access to young children to the first floor level. However, older children access the upstairs bathroom independently; some toiletries are within their reach, which could compromise their safety.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children use resources that are clean, well maintained and suitable for their developmental needs. The childminder sets out a range of materials every day from a stored selection which is rotated regularly. Children also have opportunities to self-select toys from low-level drawer units in the lounge area.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is protected due to the childminder's clear and comprehensive understanding of her role in respect of child protection issues. She knows the forms that abuse may take and the steps to take if she has concerns. She ensures that parents are well informed about her responsibilities with regard to their children's welfare. For example, existing injuries are discussed and recorded appropriately.

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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 good. Children engage in a good range of activities which contribute to their development. They happily play both independently and alongside others. For example, they play musical instruments on their own and with the childminder. They play with plastic animals and learn about them with reference books that are easily accessible. They receive very good support and encouragement from the childminder to develop their knowledge and skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder takes a constant interest in the children and skilfully uses questions and conversation to further develop their knowledge and to make them think. For example, when children play outside they talk about the aeroplanes flying in the sky and the mini-beasts they find in the grass. Children are able to develop in all skill areas whilst in the childminder's care. They take part in various craft activities, such as painting with aqua pens, gluing using a variety of mediums and have free access to a range of books to develop their literacy skills. Children enjoy their time at the childminders and relax within the home environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children benefit because the childminder works in partnership with parents to make sure she is aware of everything she needs to know to meet their individual needs, which ensures continuity of care. There is a daily exchange of information with parents and a daily sheet is also completed for young children. These measures mean that parents are fully consulted and can feel involved in their children's day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are treated as individuals and are of equal concern. The childminder makes a point of actively involving all children. For example, whilst playing in the garden all children are encouraged to play with the slide ensuring younger children are appropriately supervised. Children have access to some play materials that reflect positive images of different aspects of diversity. They have opportunities to become familiar with their local community through regular outings to the park and the library. Displays of artwork in the kitchen and planting seeds in the garden help children to feel a sense of belonging and pride in their environment.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has secure understanding of how to care for children with learning difficulties or disabilities. She has good knowledge of child development and understands the need to work closely with parents to provide appropriate and effective care for children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children develop understanding of acceptable ways to behave with the support and guidance of the childminder as she recognises that children are learning to deal with a range of emotions and feelings. She encourages turn-taking, good manners and an awareness of what is right and wrong. Children benefit from the childminder's calm approach to behaviour management. She remains patient in all her dealings with children and her good use of praise and encouragement effectively fosters their self-esteem and confidence.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder makes good use of the available space and organises the children's routine well by planning activities, outings, rest and quiet times within her daily programme. This helps children to feel secure and confident in the childminder’s care.

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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 All the required documentation needed to support the running of the childminder's business is in place, including all required written parental consents. The certificate of registration is displayed within the hallway, where it is easily seen by parents so they know the conditions of registration. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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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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 good hygiene practices are followed consistently • further promote safety by ensuring toiletries in the bathroom are made inaccessible to children.

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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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