Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY344298 Unique Reference Number 23 July 2007 Inspection date Jenny Scarlett 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 satisfactory. 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 2006. She lives with her husband and three children aged under eight years. The family live in Lower Earley, near Reading. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding. 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 three children at any one time and is currently minding one child under the age of five years. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends the local parent and toddler group. The family has two cats. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. (NCMA)

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder has a sound awareness of health and hygiene issues. Spills are mopped quickly using baby wipes and tissues are available for children. Children each have their own cup for drinking and this is monitored by the childminder to ensure children do not use the wrong one.

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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 These measures prevent the spread of infection. Children's health is promoted effectively. The childminder has appropriate accident and medication records and written permission for emergency medical treatment. These records are recorded where appropriate. However, the childminder does not encourage the parents to countersign the medication record when medication has been administered. This does not promote the children's well being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy a range of activities that contribute to their physical growth and development. They are regularly taken to activity groups such as toddlers and play in the garden. The daily garden play provides opportunities for children to use equipment such as small chunky slides, bats and balls, a trampette as well as sit and ride toys. Parents provide meals for the children. Dietary requirements are discussed with parents and respected. Drinks are available for children which ensures they are hydrated.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children are cared for in a generally safe and secure family home. Toys and resources are readily available for the children and attract their attention when they arrive. The childminder offers a selection of toys and resources that are safe and provide appropriate challenges for the age and development stage of the children she cares for. These include real items from around the home such as plastic corks which the children find intriguing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Potential hazards have been identified, as a result, the childminder takes steps to minimise dangers to the children. For example, a stair gate is positioned at the foot of the stairs to prevent young children attempting to climb them. Adequate procedures are in place to ensure children are safe on outings. The childminder has a nominated emergency back up person in case of emergencies. Contact details for the minded children and their immediate families are stored on the mobile phone. However, there are no formal written procedures for recording children's emergency details when taking them out in the community.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound understanding of safeguarding children. She knows the common signs and symptoms of abuse and the procedures to follow in the event of concerns. This helps to protect children from harm.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy, settled and secure in the care of the childminder. They develop good relationships with her and the family. The children enjoy their time with the childminder. They follow an appropriate routine as she arranges interesting days that take account of their care needs. These include cooking activities, taking the children to story time at the library and craft time. These help develop their physical and social skills. The childminder provides space for the younger children to select and choose activities. They are able to access the resources easily, promoting their choice and independence. For example, children pull the musical activities out from under the stairs and shake them backwards and forwards to make a noise. Children walk into the kitchen to pick up a ball and roll it around. They explore putting the dog on the top of the crane and putting the cork in and out of containers.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder spends time interacting with the children. The younger children develop confidence in making their own needs known as they can be sure of a reassuring response. The childminder responds positively to a toddler's sounds and gestures. This is particularly evident

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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 when children are startled that they have green ink on their fingers after exploring with the pen. Children’s needs are supported well and they develop a strong sense of belonging in secure and familiar surroundings. They look to the childminder for comfort and reassurance when they become upset, and receive cuddles and soothing gentle words. Children benefit from routines which are consistent with their experiences at home. They enjoy exploring toys which are colourful, tactile and make sounds, thus promoting their sensory development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder promotes herself as a good role model. She is kind and caring with the children encouraging them in their efforts and praising their achievements. Children develop a positive view of society as they play with some resources that reflect cultural diversity, for example small world people and books. Children are respected as individuals. The childminder has sound knowledge of the children's particular needs and preferences through communication with parents.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children play well. The childminder encourages her own children to play with the minded children. She encourages children to tidy up when it's drink or snack time, and offers praise and encouragement which helps build their self esteem. Children show a sense of belonging and receive comfort and support from the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the relationship the childminder has built with the parents to meet their health, dietary and care needs effectively. The childminder cares for children according to the parents' individual wishes. Appropriate paperwork is in place to ensure personal information is up to date to promote children's welfare and development. A daily verbal exchange of information relating to activities and personal care ensures continuity of care for children between home and the childminder.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are settled and at ease in the setting. They receive good support to help them feel secure and confident. Routines which are familiar and consistent with children's life at home ensure that they feel secure. Space is suitably organised and used appropriately for the children's activities. The childminder plans a sufficient and varied range of activities to interest the children and, as a result, they make good progress in their development.

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Organisation

The childminder is keen to develop her professional practise and children benefit as she has attended additional training since registration. First aid training is kept up to date, to enable the childminder to administer treatment to minor injuries if necessary. The childminder has a sound understanding of the National Standards for Childminding. Most records and documentation are maintained with the exception of the administration of medical records and emergency procedures when children are out and about in the community. Children are closely supervised at all times to keep them safe. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements 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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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.

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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 satisfactory. 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 emergency details for the children are accessible on outings • ensure parents sign the medicine records to acknowledge entries.

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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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