Childminder in Bracknell Forest

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY246073 Inspection date 08 December 2005 Inspector Glenda Pownall

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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 registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and child, who is aged 6 years, in Bracknell, Berkshire. The childminder uses the whole of the house for childminding. The childminder may care for a maximum of five children at any one time. She is currently minding one child under 5 years on a part-time basis and two children after school. The childminder uses local facilities such as parks, the library and toddler groups.

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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. The childminder meets the dietary needs of children because she works closely with parents. This ensures that she has a thorough knowledge of the children’s individual needs and parents’ wishes with regard to providing food. The children learn about healthy living through access to drinks that are available at all times and healthy meals and snacks. A child, for example, enjoys helping herself from a plate containing prepared fresh apple, grapes, and orange throughout the morning. This supports a balanced diet and develops the children’s independence skills. The children learn to follow good personal hygiene practices through good daily routines and consistent guidance from the childminder. They wash their hands after visiting the toilet and playing outside. The childminder describes how children access a range of physical activities that contribute towards a healthy lifestyle. They regularly

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Helping children to be healthy

visit local parks, for example, and an indoor play centre. They also play on the communal green at the front of the house and, when possible, walk to and from school.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The childminder provides a stimulating child-friendly setting for children. She displays their artwork and useful information for parents in the hall. This provides a welcoming environment for children and parents. The children access a very good variety of resources that are interesting and suitable for their stage of development. Regular visual checks of toys ensure that there are no broken parts that could harm a child. There are effective procedures and written policies in place to keep the children safe. The childminder tests the smoke alarms each week, for example, to ensure that they are in working order, and hazardous materials in the kitchen are stored out of the children’s reach. However, items are left on both of the staircases. This does not promote the children’s safety. The childminder has a good understanding of the procedures to follow if concerned that a child is being abused. This safeguards the

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. The childminder offers a wide range of activities to promote the children’s learning. A child enjoys being a shopkeeper, for example, using an excellent variety of good quality resources, such as an electronic cash till and realistic play food. The childminder acts as a customer, later swapping roles at the child’s request. The activity then develops into a picnic for the dolls.

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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 The childminder is actively involved in children’s play and uses good questioning techniques to encourage the children to think for themselves. When writing food on the shop’s board, for example, the childminder asks the children to tell her the first letter of the word "egg". She also asks them how many stamps they have. The child responds positively, sounding out the correct letter and counting to five. The children select activities for themselves, thus developing independence skills. They relate very well to the childminder. They show good trusting relationships by readily approaching her and chatting happily with her.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. The childminder has an excellent understanding of how to maintain effective links with parents. She shares written policies with them, which provide detailed information about the setting and keeps them informed of the activities the children participate in and of their daily routine. Parents state they are happy with the care that the children receive. They particularly like the stimulating environment and the childminder's reliability and flexibility. The children benefit from this positive interaction between their main carers. The childminder has a positive attitude towards diversity. The children become aware of their own culture, and that of others, through a very good range of resources and activities. The childminder treats all children with equal concern according to their individual needs. The children benefit from a lot of praise and encouragement, which fosters an ideal of self-worth. The childminder acts as a good role model to the

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Helping children make a positive contribution

children. She is patient and explains to the children why they cannot do something such as, putting the craft activity in the oven. The children listen to the childminder, follow her instructions and behave very well.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This makes certain she meets the children's needs. The information about the children is relevant and helps promote their welfare. However, the childminder does not maintain confidentiality in all records. Regular discussions with parents and the sharing of all relevant information ensure continuity of care for the children. The childminder attends training whenever she can. This ensures that she is able to provide appropriate care for the children she looks after. The children receive good support in their play from the childminder, who clearly knows them well. They access an interesting range of resources and are happy, confident and settled in the childminding environment. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides care.

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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

The last inspection report recommended the childminder to evaluate the position of the furniture on the first floor landing. The childminder has removed the furniture to ensure that the children remain safe.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since 1 April 2004. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The 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 items stored on the stairs do not pose a hazard to children's safety • maintain confidentiality in all documentation.

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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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