Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY216134 Unique Reference Number 16 August 2007 Inspection date Aileen Ewins 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 2002. She lives with her husband and two daughters aged five years and 13 years and a son aged 17 months, in Wokingham, Berkshire. The ground floor of the childminder's house is used for childminding with sleeping and toilet facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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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. The childminder is currently minding one child under five years on a full time basis and one child under one year on a part time basis. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent/toddler group.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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 are encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle. The childminder provides nutritious home cooked meals, for example children enjoy pasta, roasted vegetables and sausages, followed by fresh fruit. At each main meal children have vegetables or salad. Children are encouraged to try new tastes. Occasionally children are offered biscuits as treats but for snacks children eat fresh fruit such as apples or bananas. Children have drinking water throughout the day and are also given fruit juices or barley squash. Birth to three children are cared for well. Babies follow home routines in regard to weaning and parents' wishes are adhered to. Babies are cradled when bottle fed and their bottles are sterilised after use. Children sit together at meal and snack times. The childminder ensures that highchairs are cleaned with an antibacterial spray to stop the spread of germs. A record is kept for each child so parents are aware of how their

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Helping children to be healthy

children have eaten during the day. The childminder is aware of children's individual dietary needs and allergies.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have many opportunities to play outside in the garden which is set up to aid children's enjoyment and care. A canopy protects children from direct sunlight or mild rain. Children also have many opportunities to visit local parks and walk around the countryside looking at the wildlife and flowers. Children therefore have lots of opportunities to take in plenty of fresh air and exercise.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are reminded to wash their hands after coming in from outside play, after the toilet and before meals. Children use liquid soap but do however, share a hand towel when drying their hands. Birth to three children are cared for in that the childminder ensures nappy changing mats are cleaned with an antibacterial spray to stop the risk of cross contamination.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a sick child policy, for example she does not accept children for 24 hours following upset stomachs. The childminder also informs parents if her own children are unwell. The childminder has completed a paediatric first aid course and has first aid resources in her home and car, however, some items are out of date. Children's well being is enhanced as the childminder keeps concise records of any accidents and incidents. The childminder is fully aware to document medication and sign to acknowledge medication given or accidents involving their children.

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Helping children to be healthy

Babies are given personal sheets and blankets for when they are asleep. Babies sleep in the pram or travel cot provided by the childminder. The childminder can provide overnight care and the minded children are given clean sheets, their own beds and personal items. Sleeping children are checked regularly.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are kept safe in welcoming and pleasant surroundings. In the garden children play with sit on cars and bikes, sand pit and swings. Children are supervised well when outside and the garden is secured by fencing. Children are protected by a canopy in the heat or light rain and therefore have more opportunities to be outside. Inside, children can see their work and that of the childminder's children displayed around the room. A dedicated family room provides

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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 lots of space for inside fun. Rooms in the house are light and airy. Toys and resources are cleaned and checked on a regular basis and children sometimes help to clean the toys.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children have access to the whole of the downstairs and use the toilet/bathroom upstairs. If sleeping, children are also upstairs. Children are kept safe within the home as stair gates are fitted to the top and bottom of stairs, cupboards containing sharp instruments or chemicals are secured with child safety locks. Low level glass has a safety film fitted, radiators are centrally thermostatically controlled, socket covers are in place, sheds are locked and windows are locked upstairs but can be opened immediately in case of fire. A fire evacuation procedure is in place and smoke detectors fitted to the hall, landing and nursery. A fire blanket is in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Risk assessments have been carried out to highlight potential hazards and therefore children are further kept safe from harm, for example door slams are in place and a carbon monoxide detector fitted. When on outings, children use appropriate car seats and the childminder's car is legally insured and road worthy. When walking along the pavement children hold the buggy and understand to cross at crossing patrols or pedestrian crossings. Children know to press the button but wait until they are told it is safe to cross.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's well being is valued and the childminder has a good understanding of how to safeguard the children in her care. Guidelines set out by the local authority in respect of child protection are followed.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children happily play in the garden, sheltered areas outside, the playroom and dining room. The childminder's home is airy, light and welcoming to children. Children are confident with the childminder and happy to approach her in discussion or to ask for help or attention. The childminder provides a calm and happy atmosphere for the children and treats minded children and her own individually. She caters for their individual needs and listens to what they say, which in turn makes children feel valued. Children happily and independently help themselves to resources and toys. Children have a comprehensive range of toys both inside and out, which include dolls and dolls house, bricks and construction, puzzles and jigsaws, a vast range of board games, cars and trains, shape sorters, rattles and soft play for younger children and a very large selection of books for all ages. Children also experience visits to toddler groups,

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

walks to the park and visits out into the countryside.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is resourceful and imaginative in respect of art and craft. Children flourish and delight in working with their craft books which contain pictures and paintings, animals, birthday cake designs, washing lines and kites. A young child experiments with various materials and talks with interest about glitter and beads, shapes and tissue paper. The children enjoy watching children's programmes on television for ideas of craft work. Children also enjoy making meals out of play dough and can see their models and paintings displayed around the childminder's home, alongside work completed by the childminder's own children. Children also learn about the environment as they see the childminder recycling various resources for use later in craft work. Children of all ages join in and are confident to experiment with new textures for instance.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have strong attention spans and are eager to play games with the childminder. Children's board games are adapted to enable children of all age groups and abilities to join in, for example when using dice children use colours rather than numbers. The childminder also uses games and puzzles to extend children's knowledge and vocabulary. Whilst playing animal lotto, a child

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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 confidently calls out that she has three zebras, two tigers and a leopard. The childminder also uses games to help children to learn numbers and shapes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are encouraged to try new activities and be independent. Children are treated with respect both by the childminder and each other. All children are treated equally which helps them to feel valued. The childminder is a good role model who interacts well with the children and is experienced and enthusiastic. Children play with toys regardless of gender and mix well with each other and the childminder's children. Children have been introduced to and have some regard for the diverse world in which we live in, they have been learning about other cultures and festivals and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is aware that all children are individual and remains confidential in her approach. The childminder has completed a course which helps her to better accommodate children with diverse needs but understands the need to work within parents' wishes.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. Children are praised when they have done something particularly nice or kind. The childminder deals with poor behaviour through sitting with children and explaining why something is not good to say or do. If poor behaviour persists children are given time out to reflect.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children go home at the end of the day with a written report for their parents to read, which gives details of feeding and nappy changes, how children have played and their temperament, trips out and activities for instance cooking or special games. The childminder has a solid relationship with the parents and keeps letters from past parents thanking her for help in caring for their child.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children enjoy their time spent with the childminder who is consistent and motivated in her practice. The atmosphere at the childminder's home is welcoming to the children who are happy and settled. The childminder has attended paediatric first aid training and has a strong understanding to safeguard the children in her care. The childminder makes good use of the space available both inside her home and outside in the garden. Children's needs are attended to enthusiastically.

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Organisation

All necessary and legally required paperwork is in place and the childminder understands the need to document medication and accident reports. Information for parents in respect of children's accidents are document thoroughly and give precise information, however, parents are not made aware of the procedure to take should they ever need to make a complaint. The childminder also keeps accurate registers and has practised a fire evacuation plan. Parents are given an extensive written report daily which gives them a good understanding of their child's well-being. Permission slips in regard to outings and transportation, medication and photographs are retained on file.

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Organisation

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 childminder was asked to address the following recommendations: To obtain written consent for outings on foot and by car, photographs and the application of sun creams if appropriate. The childminder has addressed this and has on file, for each child, permission slips detailing each consent. Children therefore are kept safe as parents are aware of the procedures to be followed in respect of their child's care and sign to that effect. The second recommendation was to receive parental written consent for emergency treatment and application of medication. The childminder has addressed this recommendation and written consent for emergency treatment is held on each child's file. The childminder also helps to ensure the children's safety in that she ensures that parents sign to give permission for her to administer medication. Children's welfare is therefore protected through this good practice.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet 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 complaint 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 first aid box is checked regularly for out of date stock • ensure children follow a healthy routine in respect of hand washing, in particular with regard to hand drying • provide parents opportunities to be aware of the procedure to follow should they wish to make a complaint.

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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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