Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY343289 Unique Reference Number 24 May 2007 Inspection date Joanne Graham Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 2006. She lives with her family in Maidenhead. The whole ground floor of the childminder’s house is used for childminding, with toilet and sleeping provision available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time and is currently minding two children on a part time basis. The childminder takes children to the local park and other facilities in the area.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play in a clean environment and learn about the importance of good hygiene procedures through sensitive support and guidance. The childminder is a good role model and always washes her hands before preparing food. Children are sufficiently nourished and enjoy healthy, freshly prepared snacks and meals. The childminder is aware of their likes and preferences and caters for these accordingly. Children develop good social skills during snack and meal times

p.2

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 as the childminder sits with them at the table and they engage in conversation about their day and interests. The children benefit from good hygiene procedures such as having their own coloured cup and plate and their own packet of tissues. Children are beginning to recognise their own personal and bodily needs. They access drinks when they are thirsty and use the bathroom when required.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

Children receive suitable care if they have an accident because the childminder holds a relevant first aid certificate and the first aid box is easily accessible. Accidents, incidents and medication administered are accurately recorded, with sufficient detail including parental signatures. Children increase their physical development as they access toys, activities and equipment to increase their large motor skills. For example, large equipment in the park and at Cheeky Charlie’s, riding bicycles in the setting and running around in the garden.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children access a wide range of age appropriate toys and equipment which meet their developmental needs. The childminder ensures these have no broken pieces and are purchased from reputable suppliers. Children play in a safe environment where the childminder has assessed and reduced most risks. However, the landing window has a wide opening and no safety catch and the older children access the upstairs bathroom independently. Children benefit from good safety measures, such as the fire blanket wall mounted in the kitchen, medication and dangerous fluids stored out of reach, front door chain and additional bolt on gate. This helps to keep children safe and out of harm’s way. There is sufficient space for children to move and play comfortably and they flow between the rooms freely.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe on outings as the childminder reinforces road safety and takes relevant contact details and resources to meet their needs, such as a first aid kit and a mobile telephone. The childminder uses age appropriate car restraints, obtains prior parental consent to allow the children to travel in the car and all car documentation is up to date. This supports children’s welfare. Children are protected because the childminder understands her role with child protection and is able to put appropriate procedures into practice when necessary. Relevant documentation and local contact numbers support the childminder. This safeguards the children’s wellbeing.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident to join in activities and do so with enthusiasm. They are happy and play comfortably in the company of the other children or together in co-operation. They self select toys and equipment, and are confident to request additional and specific activities. For example, the creative activities. Children are happy, settled and secure in the child-friendly and welcoming environment. They settle to activities well and particularly enjoy designing a door hanger on the computer and creating pictures using glitter glue. The childminder responds appropriately to the children’s individual needs and supports them as required, enabling them to take an active and full part in all the activities.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children acquire new knowledge and skills, increasing their language, maths and creative development well. They talk about their day at nursery, they recreate patterns on the computer and access creative media to make their own pictures. The children respond positively to the childminder as she is interested in what they say and do and welcome her into their play.

p.3

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 are building up good relationships with one another and the childminder. They play in co-operation and enjoy each others company.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are cared for by the childminder who works well with parents to meet their individual needs. Children benefit as the childminder keeps accurately records containing sufficient detail of their routines, allergies and personal information and makes sure this information is updated regularly. The childminder values and respects the children’s differences and treats them all with equal concern. She has a positive attitude to inclusion. This helps children to feel accepted and cherished. Children feel a sense of belonging as the childminder spends time with them, listens and values their ideas and views and is aware of their family context. Children become aware of the wider society and foster an understanding of diversity through going on outings and accessing resources, such as dressing- up clothes, puzzles, books, dolls, and small world figures.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Children learn to respond to appropriate expectations of behaviour. Their behaviour is good and at times satisfactory. The childminder sensitively reminds children of her expectations when their behaviour becomes more of a challenge and they react positively to this interaction. The childminder builds up good relationships with parents. She keeps them informed of their child’s day and achievements through daily verbal exchanges. This promotes continuity of care. The complaints policy contains some out of date information and is not readily available to parents.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has high regard for the children’s welfare and is aware of her role and duties. She organises the routine to accommodate the children’s needs, ensuring there is sufficient time to play, eat, rest and visit places of interest. The childminder maintains ratios at all times and ensures children are not left unattended with persons not vetted. This safeguards their welfare. All mandatory documentation is in place, well maintained and stored securely. These are used well to meet children’s needs and the childminder ensures she maintains confidentiality when completing paperwork. Written and verbal policies and procedures work in practice to promote children’s health, safety, and ability to make a positive contribution within the setting. Parents receive copies of all written policies in their starter packs. The certificate of registration is displayed during operational hours. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children

p.4

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.

p.4

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

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 all potential hazards are assessed and systems in place to reduce any risks • make sure contact details of the regulator are correct and easily accessible to parents.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5