Childminder in West Berkshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510212 Inspection date 10 October 2005 Inspector Sheila Collins

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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 13 years. She lives with her husband and their 3 children aged 18, 16 and 12 years in Burghfield Common, which is a village south west of Reading. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding, with the children using the upstairs for sleeping and the bathroom only. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding six children, of whom three are school aged. The childminder takes children to and collects from the local schools and pre-schools. Local amenities

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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 are nearby and the childminder takes the children to the local park and toddler clubs. The family pets include two dogs, two cats and a guinea pig. The childminder is a member of the West Berkshire Approved Childminding Network.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. The childminder follows the children’s own routines, which ensures continuity of care for the children. The childminder has a good understanding of each child's individual needs, which promotes their well-being. The children learn about good health and hygiene though the every day routine. They wash their hands before snacks, meals, cooking, messy play and after stroking the pets or going to the toilet. The childminder has good practice in place when changing nappies, which minimises the spread of infection. Parents' requests with regard to their children's dietary needs are adhered to and these are fully discussed when a new minding agreement begins. The children have good balanced nutritious meals and prepare their own sandwiches or rolls for tea. They are learning about healthy eating and have compiled a food wheel, which is displayed. The childminder knows the children’s individual health needs and all relevant

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Helping children to be healthy

documentation is in place, which ensures that she meets each child's individual needs. The childminder has good procedures in place to prevent the spread of infection and holds a current first aid certificate, which also contributes to keeping the children healthy. The supporting documentation is in place, although not all parents sign to confirm the administration of medication and one accident report is not completed properly. The childminder organises outings daily to promote the children's physical development, for example walking to school. The children have good opportunities for play both indoors and outdoors which helps them develop their physical skills. The childminder takes them to places such as the local park and soft play areas, where there is more space for them to run, jump and enjoy themselves.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children move around the rooms safely and freely. They use the space appropriately and are aware of the areas where they can and cannot play. Children are usually safe because the childminder is proactive in spotting any potential hazards and takes action to minimise risks. However, there are items in the bathroom within reach of the children. Children are supervised in the garden, to keep them safe from identified hazards.

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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 Children access toys easily from boxes that are stored in the living room. The positioning of the shelving unit behind the table, makes it slightly difficult for the children to get at, however the childminder is on hand to help access items. The children are able to direct their own play and the childminder monitors the selection of resources to ensure that they are suitable and safe for the children's age and stage of development. The childminder promotes the children's welfare through a good working knowledge of child protection issues and procedures.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children relate very well to the childminder. They are developing their confidence and self-esteem through praise and encouragement of their efforts and achievements from the childminder. Children confidently select their own toys and resources with support from the childminder when needed. They enjoy involving the childminder in their play, which she takes part in exceedingly well. Children have opportunities to direct their own play and take part in planned and group activities. They have an excellent variety of activities, which contribute to their development in all areas. For example, the planning and putting together of a project on autumn, healthy eating and craft activities. The childminder ensures that the younger children socialise with others as they go to toddler clubs, meet with friends and go on outings to places such as the library and farm park. Children attend out of

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

school pursuits, such as ballet and swimming, as the childminder is happy to take them to these activities. All children's individual needs are met exceptionally well. The childminder has attended the Birth to three matters training and is implementing this in her practice and when planning activities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children know the rules for acceptable behaviour and the childminder talks with the children so that they are aware of why any unwanted behaviour is unacceptable. The children are happy and settled, have a good relationship with the childminder and generally behave well. The childminder ensures that the children access a range of age and stage appropriate resources, which allows for their individual development, ability and interests. By working in partnership with the parents, the childminder ensures that she meets the children's individual needs. Discussions take place daily with the parents and the children tell their parents what they have done during their time with the childminder. She maintains daily diaries for younger children to ensure all parties are well informed. Parents are aware of the policies in place, which underpin the childminder's

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 good practice and promote good outcomes for the children.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is meeting the needs of the children for whom she provides care. The children benefit from the well-organised environment. The childminder has all documentation available, which includes a daily record of the children's attendance. Continuity of care for each child is assured through the effective use of contracts and detailed information that is shared between the childminder and parents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection one recommendation was made. This related to ensuring that all records relating to childminding activities are kept together and are easily accessible for both parents and inspectors. The childminder has all records contained in a portable filing system.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. 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): • ensure that parents countersign medication records, when the dosage has been given • make sure that hazardous items in the bathroom are out of reach of the children

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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 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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