Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY283805 Unique Reference Number 11 July 2007 Inspection date Tracy Bartholomew 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 2004. She lives with her husband and two children aged one and four years in Newbury, Berkshire. The whole of 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 attends toddler groups, goes for walks, and visits to the park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for four children at any one time and is currently minding one child who attends on a part time basis.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are protected from infection and know about good hygiene practices. They wash their hands before and after eating, and are learning the importance of continuing this after a nappy change. The childminder has good hygiene procedures in place, which follow current and appropriate environmental health and hygiene guidance which helps to promote the children's

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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 health. The childminder has a current first aid certificate, a suitable first aid kit and a first-class understanding of the way to prevent accidents, which contributes to keeping the children healthy. All documentation is in place to support the children’s health needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children receive a healthy and well balanced diet; they are given home made quiche and salad for lunch, followed by a selection of good quality fresh fruit. The childminder ensures that children have access to drinks at all times and that meal times are social occasions. The children enjoy a range of activities which contribute to their physical development. These include playing daily in the garden where they have access to a variety of ride on toys and bubbles. They also go to a play centre where they run about, climb and jump on equipment as well as visiting the local park.

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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. The childminder is proactive in ensuring the environment is safe and daily risk assess this to ensure all areas of the home are suitable. However, the fire blanket is not fitted to BSEN safety standards. The children move freely within the home and to outside. They use the space appropriately including the bottom step of the conservatory where they sit and discuss the herbs growing. The childminder has documentation such as a fire procedure, a child protection policy and a lost or uncollected child policy, which are shared with the parents. She is vigilant to ensure that the children are well protected at all times, to maintain their safety and wellbeing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children access toys and resources effortlessly from boxes and storage draws within the playroom. They choose from the range of resources and have the freedom to play with their choice. The equipment and toys are checked regularly by the childminder to ensure that they are safe and appropriate for the development of the children. The children are well protected because the childminder has a fine working knowledge of child protection issues, including good procedures to maintain their welfare.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well, are confident and relate well to each other. They select what they would like to do from the range of appropriate toys, which they easily access for themselves. The children are happy and settled in the childminder’s care. The childminder organises the day to suit the routines of the children attending. By doing this she ensures they visit groups in the morning to allow them to have opportunities to socialise with others.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children direct their own play, which is constantly supported by the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They have a positive relationship with the each other, which allows the children to feel relaxed whilst in her care. Children access a wide range of age appropriate play materials. They take part in developmentally active and quiet activities, such as reading books, playing with the tea set, and music and movement. The children respond well to each other and the childminder during play. This encourages the children's social skills and relationship forming, whilst playing in a relaxed environment.

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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 an excellent understanding of the individual needs of the children in her care. She obtains regular information from parents which is updated to enable her to give each child the appropriate individual care. Children access a range of toys and resources that reflect the diversity of society, which includes books and small world toys.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children have a good understanding of acceptable behaviour and know right from wrong. The childminder uses appropriate age and stage strategies for managing their behaviour, using discussion as the main point of explanation, behaviour was good throughout, and children played harmoniously together. The children’s efforts and achievements are praised well by the childminder, which promotes their confidence and self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a first class relationship with the parents. They work together to meet the children’s care and developmental needs. All documentation is in place to support the care and welfare of the children. The childminder has some written policies in place which she shares with parents. Children’s routines and daily progress is shared with parents verbally and in a daily diary, which encourages good continuity of care.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. She makes good use of the available space and organises the children's routine well by planning outings, rest and quiet times which includes free play within their day. This enables the children to feel secure and confident, whilst in her care.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed courses to keep up to date with required expectations, such as, Birth to three matters framework and first aid. She maintains the continuity of care for the children through the effective use of contracts, consents and some written policies and procedures. The childminder ensures that she maintains adult to child ratios at all times and keeps a good register of the children's attendance. Adults living within the home are appropriately vetted and the childminder ensures that confidentiality is maintained at all times.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection, two recommendations were made. These were to extend the range of toys and resources available for children over four years and to ensure prior signed medical consent is obtained for all minded children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has reviewed her paperwork and permissions are in place. She has purchased suitable toys and resources for the older children to ensure that their development is suitably challenged.

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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.

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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 the fire blanket is fitted and conforms to BSEN safety standards.

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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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