Childminder in Reading

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

Unique Reference Number EY246847 Inspection date 04 August 2005 Inspector Claudia Padfield

p.1

Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

p.1

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

p.1

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.

p.2

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.

p.2

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.2

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.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder lives with her husband and young child in a house, situated in West Reading. This is close to local amenities, parks and schools with access to regular bus routes to Reading town centre. Minded children have access to the ground floor with toilet facilities located within this area. Upstairs is used for sleeps only. There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the premises. The childminder has no pets. She is prepared to take and collect children from local schools, nurseries and pre-schools.

p.2

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 The childminder speaks fluent Hindi, and Punjabi. She attended a Pre-registration course and has a suitable first aid certificate. She registered in December 2002 and commenced minding in May 2003.

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder supports the children well in their daily health routines; this enables the children to develop a good understanding of why these are completed. Children happily wipe their faces and hands after eating snacks. The childminder values each child’s efforts and offers praise and encouragement to the children. Children eat the meals provided by the parents in a sociable and safe setting. Children sit at the table in a high chair or on booster seats using appropriate utensils. They enjoy social interactions and eat a well balanced diet with access to regular drinks and snacks. The childminder ensures children have a wide range of physical activity each week. The children enjoy visits to the local parks and toddler groups, which offer different activities. The children have favourite music and dance at home to a varied selection; this is supervised by the childminder to ensure children are developmentally

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder considers the children’s safety a high priority, which she reviews at regular intervals. Children have the open space of the ground floor to play with easy access to the selection of toys and equipment. There are good systems in place to protect the children in her care. Children independently select toys and resources they wish to use. These are easily accessible and are suitable for the age of the children attending. Older toys are stored in the cupboard and these are used ensuring all children’s safety needs are met. The childminder minimizes the risks to children through clear emergency evacuation procedures. She has a current first aid certificate and is aware of the child protection procedures should a concern arise.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and play for extended periods of time, enjoying each others company and learning to share. The childminder interacts with the children during

p.3

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 play and provides activities that are developmentally stimulating for all. She uses the Birth to Three Matters framework for ideas and reference to ensure she provides activities that interest the children and provide a suitable level of challenge. The childminder is warm and affectionate making the children feel at home. She has good relationships with the children and enjoys their company. During their play she interacts and consequently children are well supported in their play and make good progress in all areas of development. Outings are planned and undertaken most days including visits to the library and local parks. This gives the children attending a wider social experience and provides a different range of challenges.

p.3

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The children are confident and have good levels of self-esteem. During play, the childminder provides suitable levels of interaction and conversation. Children are valued as individuals and have opportunities to make choices during their play. The childminder ensures her toys and books represent a varied range of cultures and life experiences. Children enjoy regular trips to develop a sense of place and learn about where they live. Children respond and behave well according to the childminders guidance and support. She uses praise and encouragement effectively, with consistent boundaries so children understand house expectations. They play alongside each other enjoying the company and learning to share. The childminder has warm relationships with parents and considers their wishes whilst caring for their children. She spends time at the end of the day verbally updating the parents of the activities and achievements. This ensures the children

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

are well settled and treated as part of the family.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are settled and very much at home, they benefit from a well organised space to play and enjoy good levels of interaction with the childminder. She knows the children well and they are confident in her care. The childminder maintains her records in a business like manner but needs to ensure confidentiality is observed when parents sign forms. The childminder shares information with the parents to keep them updated of children's activities and achievements. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children who attend.

p.4

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 The childminder has made good progress on the areas for improvements, She has implemented accurate registers which are completed on a regular basis. These show the children's times of arrival and departure. She has also extended her range of toys for children over three years of age and plans a range of activities to cover all areas of development.

p.4

THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

p.5

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.

p.5

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 confidentiality is observed when parents sign the accident and incident books.

p.5

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

p.5

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

p.5