Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY292230 Unique Reference Number 13 August 2007 Inspection date Lynne Elizabeth Lewington 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 works with her mother and sister who are also registered childminders, they work within the same premises at Finchampsted, Berkshire. The property is close to local schools and amenities and there is a park nearby.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children at any one time, or 12 children when working with other childminders on the same premises. There are currently 11 children on roll. Children have access to the ground floor of the property. Sleeping facilities are available on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends the local toddler group and can collect and take children from local schools.

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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. Good care is taken to ensure children develop an awareness of good hygiene as they are encouraged to wash their hands before snack and after toileting. The premises are clean and well maintained providing a pleasant environment for children's play and the naturally light environment promotes a sense of well being. A first aid kit is easily accessed and also taken on outings ensuring accidents can be dealt with promptly. Good care is taken to ensure children are cared for appropriately if they are unwell and good health is promoted through the use of sun cream in hot weather.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder ensures children enjoy good quality healthy food each day. They are offered a substantial breakfast of cereals and toast, followed by a cooked lunch such as spaghetti bolognaise and afternoon tea. The importance of drinks is recognised and children have access to drinks throughout the day in addition to snack time. Ensuring the children are well fed enables them to fully enjoy the activities on offer. Parents of the youngest children are kept well informed regarding children's diet to promote continuity in their diet. Clear information gathered from parents ensures that provision can be made to meet special dietary requirements and allergies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a good range of physical activities everyday. They play ball, climb, run and jump in the garden each day developing large movement co-ordination and balance. Indoors children develop their fine movements as they make pictures with Hama beads or do puzzles. Good care is taken to ensure the baby has opportunities to develop co-ordination.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is promoted effectively through the sensible safety measures that are in place. The childminder and her co-childminders risk assess the environment and take appropriate action, to promote safety. The children are supervised closely at all times ensuring their safety is maintained. Suitable measures are in place to ensure the premises can be evacuated quickly in an emergency and suitable smoke detectors are in place.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder and her co-childminders demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of abuse and the action that they would take if concerns were raised about a child in their care. However, they do not have a statement for parents regarding child protection.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The environment is attractive and well maintained; space is used appropriately to provide an interesting and safe place for play and activity. Children move freely around the playroom and between the garden and playroom enjoying the activities available in both. Good quality toys and equipment support the care and play of the children. They are checked frequently to ensure they remain in good condition.

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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. All children enjoy a variety of activities which enable them to develop positively in all areas of development. For example, older children make Hama bead pictures. The childminder nurtures and cuddles the baby, showing appropriate toys and encouraging vocalisation. Children play cars on the road mat, look at books and talk confidently about what they are doing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enter the setting happily and confidently. They talk to the childminder who listens and responds appropriately. The wide range of toys and resources are attractively displayed and encourage the children to use them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The daily routine helps the children to feel secure and confident in the setting. Outings in the local community to the local park and country park enable the children to develop awareness of the wider world.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Relationships with parents are caring and supportive. Parents are made welcome and the childminder ensures they are kept well informed about their child's day. However, information regarding making complaints does not inform parents of the regulator. Information for parents is available at the entrance to the setting enabling easy access and the registration certificate is clearly displayed to reassure parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children talk happily about their home life and things that are important to them. They learn about the world through outings and activities that introduce them to traditional events. A range of good quality resources supports equal opportunities. Information gathered from parents ensures that children's individual needs are met.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from lots of praise and encouragement. They show good manners and respond to the positive role models set by the childminder and her co-minders. The childminder manages behaviour calmly and patiently. This encourages children to respond effectively to any guidance and praise.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder clearly enjoys her work with the children and they respond positively to her care and attention. She uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to organise and pursue their own games. Space and resources are used very effectively to provide an attractive play environment, where children can develop and play safely both indoors and out. Good awareness of health and safety promotes the children's well being.

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Organisation

Careful consideration and organisation means that the children are cared for by the childminder and her co-childminders each day. This helps to increase the children's sense of security and build positive relationships. All the relevant paperwork is in place to safeguard the children and provide a clear record of the service offered. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the provider was recommended to; improve knowledge and understanding regarding child protection; ensure children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity; review and update documentation and; review safety.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The provider demonstrates a good knowledge and understanding of child protection and the action she would take if concerned about a child in her care. This helps to safeguard children. Children have opportunities to develop their awareness of equal opportunities through the toys and resources including books. The childminder has reviewed safety procedures and has business class car insurance.

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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): • improve policy statements with regard to child protection and complaints

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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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