Childminder in Windsor and Maidenhead

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY292158 Inspection date 15 August 2005 Inspector Joanne Graham

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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 August 2004. She lives with her husband and two school aged children in a house in the All Saint's area of Maidenhead. This is within walking distance of local schools, town centre and parks. The whole of the ground floor of the property is used for childminding, with only the sleeping facilities upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden for outside play. The childminder may provide care for 5 children at any one time and is currently minding 3 children part-time. The family has no pets.

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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 The childminder holds a level 2 childcare qualification.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. From an early age, children learn the importance of good personal hygiene through effective daily routines. For example, they hold their hands out for the childminder to wipe them before and after eating and older children wash their own hands in the bathroom. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate. This means she can give appropriate care if there is an accident. She obtains prior parental permission to administer medication to make sure the child receives the correct medication. However, she does not record when she has administered this. Children enjoy varied and nutritious meals and snacks, which ensure they remain healthy. Children’s independence is encouraged successfully as the childminder cuts the finger foods into small bite-sized pieces for the younger children. They can access their drinks at all times and the younger children indicate through gestures and sounds when they

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Helping children to be healthy

are thirsty. Children engage in a good range of physical activities that help keep them healthy. For example, bouncing on the trampet, throwing balls, pushing walkers and playing on large apparatus when they visit the park. This helps to further develop their existing skills and encourage new ones. The childminder makes good use of the Birth to three matters framework, ensuring the participation of younger children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, secure and safe indoor and outdoor environment, where the childminder identifies and minimises risks. The children are beginning to develop an understanding of staying safe. They do not go through areas where there are stair gates, wear straps in the highchair and buggy and only enter the garden with the childminder. They benefit from playing in a spacious well-organised environment. This allows them to move around and play safely. They have easy and safe access to a good range of toys and resources appropriate for their age. Children are safe from persons not vetted through constant supervision in every situation. The childminder is aware of local Area Child Protection Committee procedures and has guidance with contact numbers accessible. She promotes the children’s welfare effectively. For example, she tests and records the smoke detectors monthly, keeps her first aid training up to date and takes a small first aid

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

box with her on outings. Children’s needs are safe guarded by having most correct documentation.

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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

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and feel comfortable and happy. They are beginning to form relationships within the family and with other children through visits to the local parks and groups. They engage in activities well, practice and achieve new skills and talents and reinforce existing skills. They enjoy the variety of toys and equipment available and self-select confidently. They welcome the childminder’s intervention into their play. The childminder supports and develops learning effectively. For example, she supervises one child as he develops his skills to bounce on the trampet. She provides stimulating and exciting toys and activities and encourages children to participate. She is aware of children’s preferences, such as the teapot and garage, and ensures there is a sufficient selection available to support the children's learning and development. She uses the Birth to three framework to adapt activities to include

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

all the children’s needs. Children’s learning moves forward and they engage with interest in activities through effective questioning and encouragement by the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children engage in suitable activities, have sufficient time to rest, play, receive cuddles, support and affection from the childminder. Children feel a sense of belonging. They are happy, relaxed and secure to participate in activities. They access a good selection of age appropriate and stimulating activities and are confident to approach the childminder to participate in their play and for comfort. Children receive good care, meeting their individual needs well. The childminder works effectively with parents to ensure she follows routines and fully involves the children in the life of the setting. She completes written diaries, if parents want this, as well as having daily verbal discussions about their child’s achievements and day. Children work harmoniously with others, beginning to understand about sharing. They are aware of the boundaries and respond positively to praise and

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Helping children make a positive contribution

encouragement. Children receive sufficient and appropriate support to help build their self-esteem and move their learning forward. They are confident to make choices and decisions. Children become aware of the wider society through visits to local places of interest, meeting friends and accessing some equipment depicting positive images. However, these resources are limited.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are well protected and cared for by the childminder who has a good

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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 knowledge and understanding of child development. They receive sufficient care and attention from the childminder, contributing to them feeling settled and secure. Written policies and procedures guide the childminder in her daily practice. This ensures she meets children's needs and she shares all relevant information with parents. A good two-way flow of information ensures continuity of care. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to investigate and pursue their own games. She has a high regard for children’s welfare. She provides a calm, welcoming and spacious environment for children to explore freely and she does not leave children unsupervised with persons not vetted. This contributes to children’s health, safety, enjoyment, achievement and

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Organisation

ability to take an active part in the setting. All legally required documentation that contributes to children’s health, safety and well-being are in place; however, there are areas for improvement. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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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): • device and implement method to record medication administered to minded children and for parents to sign. • improve resources to promote positive images which introduce children to the wider world.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and

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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 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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