Walles, Louise Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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159080 Unique Reference Number 28 February 2008 Inspection date Christine Coram Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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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

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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.

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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 was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband and three children aged 14, 10 and five years in a house in Woodley, Reading. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding children under four during the day, and one child over five during school holidays. The childminder walks or drives to local schools to take and collect children. The childminder attends local parent/toddler groups. The family has two cats. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children's health is taken seriously by the childminder and carefully promoted. For example, the childminder has a valid first aid certificate and procedures in place to maintain her qualification. Clear records are kept to protect children who need medication, although the

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 accident record s do not always contain sufficient detail to demonstrate the steps taken to monitor children, if necessary, following an accident.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's hygiene is promoted effectively through procedures such as hand washing after toileting, using disposable gloves for nappy changing and keeping wet wipes nearby for cleaning up spills. Very clear procedures are in place to protect children from the possible health hazards associated with the family's pet cats.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's nutritional health is promoted very well. The childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating and provides a range of nutritious meals and snacks that appeal to the children. She gently encourages children to eat fruit and vegetables and includes these wherever possible. She is aware of their dietary needs and takes account of parents concerns and preferences.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for on premises that lend themselves well to the childminder and include space for toy storage and different areas where children can play. For example, older children enjoy playing with suitable resources in the playroom, where they can be monitored by the childminder as she provides floor play for the younger children in the living room. They play in safety with age-appropriate toys and equipment. The resources are of good quality and well maintained through clear procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Other safety procedures protect children well. These include clear fire safety and emergency evacuation plans, with which children are familiar. The childminder helps them to understand the issues by borrowing books from the library that promote their understanding of safety in a non-threatening way. The children are kept safe because the childminder is able to make sensible judgements about levels of risk and take effective precautions to reduce them. For example, children do not enter the kitchen unsupervised and sharp knives are stored out of reach of children. They are also protected because the childminder keeps abreast of safeguarding issues through training.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a good range of activities that help them to progress and learn. These include a variety of outings to local open spaces and parks, and creative activities. The childminder is clear about the needs of the children and selects a suitable range of toys for younger children, for example. This ensures that they are safe, stimulated, and can choose from a range of age-appropriate toys.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children play happily in the childminder's home. They show excitement and pleasure at the toys available and respond to the childminder. They demonstrate enjoyment at her interaction with them. The childminder encourages and talks to the children, extending their experiences by asking simple questions and initiating games. Younger children learn to conduct conversation even when they have few words, as the childminder responds to their attempts to communicate with joy and laughter.

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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

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children receive the individual care and attention because the childminder has a sensitive appreciation of their circumstances and needs. She provides flexible arrangements so that she can support the families. Children develop a sense of their place in a diverse community through the resources that depict people from all walks of life. Children with specific requirements are well supported and the childminder has a positives attitude and commitment towards the care of all children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from positive and effective behaviour management because the childminder has a range of methods to help them to learn right from wrong. For example, she encourages sharing through repeated explanations and fosters respect and kindness towards others. Good behaviour is encouraged through plenty of praise and attention.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good relationships fostered by the childminder with their parents. For example, she completes daily diaries for the children, but does not use these as a substitute for regular conversations that help to build trust and understanding. Testimonials from parents are clear in their praise. These demonstrate that they are very satisfied with the care she offers.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children benefit from the childminder's commitment to improving her understanding and practice. She has attended a number of short courses and recently completed a level three qualification in childcare. She has procedures in place to ensure that children are only in the care of people who have been vetted. For example, no one working in the home, such as a gas fitter is allowed to be alone with a child.

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Organisation

The childcare is relaxed and well organised and space and resources are used effectively. An up-to-date record of attendance gives clear information about which children have been in her care. All the required documentation is in place. It is clear and comprehensive, although the recording of accidents is less detailed. It is confidentially stored and records of past children are retained.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection, the childminder agreed to continue to extend the range of resources and toys that reflect positive images of people with disabilities. This has been achieved through the purchase of various resources that help children to develop an understanding of special needs. She borrows further resources from the library and toy library.

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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.

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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.

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Complaints 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

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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): • develop the accident records to include more detail of times and further observations, when necessary

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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

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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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