Childminder in West BerkshireOfsted inspection, 1 Aug 2005

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510253 Inspection date 01 August 2005 Inspector Claudia Padfield

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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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 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 has been registered for over 15 years. She lives with husband and three daughters. The house is situated in a quiet residential area close to local amenities. Minded children have the use of the lounge, dining room, downstairs cloakroom , access to the kitchen and a secure garden to the rear of the property. Upstairs is used for sleeping only. The childminder is registered to care for maximum of six children and currently minds one before and after school and three under five

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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 years of age. The family have a pet cat and the childminder has a current first aid qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contribute to their good health. Each day they have opportunities for outdoor play. This increases the control of their bodies and challenges them to try new skills, such as the climbing equipment at the park. The childminder's good understanding about appropriate types of activities ensure children gain a range of physical skills and opportunities to develop self confidence and esteem. The children are cared for in a warm and caring environment, in which they learn from good role modelling how to complete personal hygiene routines. Children eat in a sociable environment with time to enjoy each others company. The childminder ensures children have regular access to plenty of fluids throughout the day. She stores packed lunches appropriately and presents meals provided by the parents in an attractive manner to encourage the children to eat.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder identifies and minimizes risks for children, whom she supervises at all times. Children are able to move confidently and select toys and equipment of choice. They are encouraged to understand how to stay safe and good levels of support ensure this. The childminder views risk-assessment as a continuous part of her minding practice. She reviews this at regular intervals to accommodate developmental changes in the children. The childminder attends short courses to update her knowledge and ensures the children are protected in her care. Children understand the need to stay safe when out and are happy to be strapped into the buggy and walk wearing reigns. The childminder has a current first aid certificate and is aware of child protection procedures should she have a concern regarding a child in her care. She has also completed a basic food hygiene course to ensure her knowledge is up to date.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. The children settle and play independently, selecting toys and seeking adult interaction as they play. Children relate well to members of the family, warm relationships are evident. The childminder plans her week to provide a range of

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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 activities in and out of the house. This gives good social opportunities for children to mix with a varied age range of friends and experience the wider world. Children have developmentally appropriate activities and outings that they enjoy. The childminder ensures each child can participate at their own level. Spending time playing and engaging the children to further their learning and enjoyment of an activity. These are verbally shared with parents at the end of the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued and considered as individuals by the childminder, who uses praise and encouragement effectively to promote self-esteem and confidence. Children have a range of toys and equipment to cover all areas of development, which they access freely seeking support to complete a task if required. Warm relationships and consistent boundaries enable the children to conform to the childminders expectations. They behave well and adhere to good explanations of right and wrong. Parents receive verbal updates by the childminder who ensures information is passed on at the end of the day.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder organises her space and resources well to meet the needs of the children. She has a good knowledge of child development and uses Birth to Three Matters to aid her planning of activities and outings for the children. Children are confident and secure in the setting, moving freely to access toys of choice. The childminder would benefit from extending her documentation to cover all elements of the care she provides. Overall the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has implemented improvements to all the areas identified in her last inspection. She now keeps daily records of attendance showing the children's times of arrival and departure. She now complete regular checks on the contents of the first aid box to ensure all dressings are within date. She also has all the basic documentation in place to support her practise. We have discussed developing this further to reflect the care she provides.

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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): • improve policies and procedures to reflect care provided

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements 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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