Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY278400 Unique Reference Number 04 February 2008 Inspection date Hazel Farrant Inspector

p.1

Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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

p.2

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.

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2004. She lives with her partner and two children aged five and one year old in the Martins Heron area of Bracknell in Berkshire. They live in a house within walking distance of local schools, shops and amenities. The whole of the house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for a maximum of four, currently there are no children on roll.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder drives or walks to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group. The childminder also takes children to parks and to the library.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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

p.2

Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder demonstrated a sound knowledge of how to promote the good health of children in a positive way, for example, she does this through regular cleaning routines and encouraging children's personal hygiene skills. All work surfaces are cleaned before and after food preparation and foods are stored correctly. Children are given adequate instruction in hand washing practices, there is a poster displayed in the cloakroom to remind them. The childminder has satisfactory knowledge and understanding of first aid treatment and what to do in an emergency to safeguard children's health interests; for example, medication is administered with full cooperation from parents and the childminder has obtained the necessary permission. The childminder holds a current first aid certificate.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder promotes children's general health by adhering to their individual dietary requirements. The childminder shows a clear understanding of the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and discussed how she provides children with plenty of fresh and nutritious food. Through discussion, the childminder demonstrates how children enjoy a wide range of activities, which contributes to their good health. They participate in a variety of outings to enhance their physical development. Children use the large equipment in the park and regular use of the garden also provides children with frequent opportunities for physical play in the fresh air.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Evidence suggests that effective use of all available space ensures children are comfortable and have room to move around independently. Children have access to a fully enclosed outdoor play area, which is secure.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through observations and discussions, it was evident that toys are stored in a manner to encourage children to have easy access. The childminder has taken suitable steps to ensure risks in and outside her home have been minimised, so that children can play safely. However, the fire blanket needs to be fitted in the kitchen in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions. The childminder introduces road safety when out with the children and provides appropriate restraints in the car. This ensures children's safety when on outings and walks. Children learn about their own safety through discussion with the childminder and by practising the emergency evacuation plan.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded as the childminder understands her roles and responsibilities with regard to child protection. The childminder has recently attended safeguarding children training and has up to date government guidelines of what to do if she is concerned about a child's welfare.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. Evidence suggests that children are settled and move confidently around the setting. The childminder demonstrated how she encourages children to interact with her and each other. This enables them to build meaningful relationships and develop positive self-esteem. Children spend their time purposefully and enjoy the various activities provided, especially arts and

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 crafts. The childminder demonstrated how she provides children with encouragement and support during their activities.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children enjoy physical activities which contribute to their good health. Regular outdoor activities are offered, for example, playing in the garden, outings to the park, picnics and walks in the nearby woodlands.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Observation of resources and equipment suggests they are organised and used well. The organisation gives children opportunity for easy access to exciting and stimulating activities. The childminder talks about the provision of activities that offer appropriate levels of challenge, suitable to children's ages and stages of development. For example, the childminder provides a variety of role-play toys such as a play kitchen and accessories, dressing up clothes and small world toys. The childminder has a range of resources for babies and young children to encourage their next stage of development.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is satisfactory. Children learn about the community and are encouraged to join local events and other celebrations with the use of books and resources.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder encourages children to behave well by giving them clear guidance, praise and encouragement. This helps children to understand right from wrong through achievable boundaries and help them learn to develop a positive attitude towards others.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

Evidence seen suggests that children are very well cared for and the partnership with parents is effective. The childminder maintains regular communication with parents to exchange information about the provision and what their children have been doing. The childminder has a secure understanding of the regulations as set out in the 2005 amendments to the National Standards.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder remains suitably qualified to work with young children. Evidence suggests the childminder is organised. She has effective procedures for passing on any information to parents through daily verbal communication. Documentation, to ensure the welfare and care of the children, is stored securely and made available for inspection.

p.4

Organisation

Discussions show the childminder uses effective, informal planning to ensure activities are flexible to stimulate and interest the children. Daily routines are in place, which can be re-arranged to meet the changing needs of the children cared for.

p.4

Organisation

Discussion with the childminder indicates that children feel at home and at ease in the setting, and that they are confident to initiate and extend their play. The provider has a clear understanding of informing Ofsted of any significant changes or events promptly. Overall, the evidence suggests the provision would meet the needs of the children for whom it provides.

p.4

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

p.4

Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to seek parental consent for emergency medical advice or treatment, this is now in place.

p.5

Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection 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.

p.5

Complaints 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.

p.5

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 satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding. At the time of the inspection there were no children on roll. Ofsted judges that the provider remains suitable to provide care.

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 the fire blanket is fitted in accordance to the manufacturer's instructions.

p.5

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

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