Childminder in Wokingham

Inspection report for early years provision

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506122 Unique Reference Number 10 December 2007 Inspection date Anne Jeanette Faithfull 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 1998. She lives with her child aged 11 years in Woosehill, Wokingham, Berkshire. The whole of the childminder's house is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and she is currently minding six children all of whom attend on a part-time basis. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park. The family have a pet cat. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children benefit from regular physical activities helping to promote their physical development for example, they regularly go to a local soft play activity centre, visit local parks and use the trampoline in the garden. Younger children’s balancing skills are further developed as they enjoy riding the rocking horse indoors. Parents provide children’s meals and snacks and the childminder stores these appropriately. The childminder is aware of each child’s likes, dislikes

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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 and dietary needs in case the parents wish on occasions for her to provide a meal for their child. Snack times are a sociable occasion as the children sit together to have their snack and talk to each other and the childminder. Children can access their drink at anytime to ensure they do not become de-hydrated.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are beginning to learn the importance of following good hygiene procedures and are encouraged to follow good hygiene practices for example, the childminder checks the children have washed their hands after using the toilet by asking them if she can smell the soap on their hands. The children find this a fun way of showing her that they have washed their hands. Each child also has their own individual towel for them to use. The childminder has a relevant up to date first aid certificate and has documentation in place to record accidents and medication. However, written parental permission to seek necessary emergency medical advice or treatment for the children is not in place to fully support children’s health needs. Children stay healthy because the childminder implements health and hygiene policies and procedures and has an understanding of their individual health requirements, for example, ensuring a child wears a

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Helping children to be healthy

wristband to help them not to feel unwell while travelling in her car.

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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 very clean and welcoming environment, which is effectively organised so they can move around freely. Children have access to a broad range of interesting resources that covers all areas of development. Toys are stored attractively and in a manner that ensures children are able to make free choices about what they wish to play with. This enables children to develop their independence skills. The childminder is aware of the individual children's preferences and provides toys and activities to suit these, for example, providing children with Lego bricks so they can build towers and different items. The childminder makes regular checks to ensure the resources remain clean, in good condition and age and stage appropriate for children to play safely.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is maintained inside the home because the childminder has a good understanding of the potential dangers and hazards and removes these from children for example, she completes a visual safety check each day. Children move freely and safely around the home and are beginning to understand how to keep themselves safe. The childminder talks to the younger children about fire safety and practises the fire drill with the older children to ensure they are aware of the steps to take in the event of an emergency. Good safety procedures, including arrangements for outings and obtaining written parental consent from parents ensure children are cared for in a safe environment. The childminder ensures children are aware of road safety as they walk to school with her as she reminds them to stop, look and listen. This further reinforces road safety awareness with the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are well-protected and safeguarded from harm because the childminder has a clear understanding of her role with regard to child protection. She is aware of the procedures to follow should she have concerns regarding a child in her care. This ensures children’s welfare at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are confident in their surroundings and are at ease with the childminder and each other. They enjoy a good range of activities, experiences and resources that are appropriate

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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 to their individual needs and stage of development. The children enjoy using their imagination as they build a tower and fireworks out of the large Lego bricks and the childminder encourages their early colour recognition, by asking them to name the colour of the bricks they are using and to match them with other items of the same colour, for example a red brick and a red flag. Children readily speak to the inspector telling her of their brother’s name and how they also enjoy fireworks. Children’s early counting skills are promoted as the childminder counts the number of bricks with the children and offers praise and encouragement when children begin to count them on their own.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are happy, settled and confidently select the toys they wish to play with. The childminder is involved in the children’s play and interacts well with them. For example, sitting with the children on the floor helping them to complete their puzzle offering support and guidance when required. Children develop well because the childminder has a caring attitude and is aware of the need to provide activities that are stimulating, challenging and fun. The childminder provides a range of different outings most days to enhance children’s learning and development for example, taking them to ‘Little Angels’ where children can play in the soft play area or look at the different animals in the farm area.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder knows each child extremely well, she treats them with respect, meets their needs and values their individuality, and this helps them to feel good about themselves. The childminder has a positive understanding of equal opportunities issues, and this helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Children’s birthdays are celebrated as the childminder provides a cake and all the other minded children sing happy birthday to the child. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings within the local community such as, visits to the park, visiting the local fire station and attending toddler groups where the children have the opportunity to socialise with other children.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children respond well to the childminder and readily take part in activities and experiences. Children help to tidy the toys away and sing the ‘this is the way we tidy up’ song as they put the toys and resources away. Children are very well behaved and are beginning to be aware of the boundaries in place. They spontaneously say please and thank you when appropriate and share the toys when required. The childminder deals with any behaviour issues in a calm way and continually praises the children’s efforts and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The partnership with parents is good. Parents have the opportunity to discuss any issues or concerns daily with the childminder. This ensures good home links, which enables parents to share and help with their child’s development.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are happy and settled. They have sufficient space to move around and they benefit from the childminder’s kind and gentle approach. The childminder ensures the children have opportunities for active play and quiet times within their daily routines. Required adult to child ratios are met and this ensures that children are appropriately supervised and supported.

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Organisation

The childminder has written polices and procedures in place, which promote the welfare and development of the children in her care and these are shared with parents. However, the

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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 complaints policy does not contain the address or the latest contact number for Ofsted. Most of the required documentation is in place, including a daily register in which the childminder records the times the children usually arrive and leave, however children’s actual times of attendance are not recorded. The childminder understands the importance of maintaining documentation and confidentiality at all times. The childminder meets the range of the children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to review and update her documentation and to review the resources to include positive images of diversity of the wider world. The childminder after the last inspection reviewed and updated her documentation, this further promotes the children's welfare in her care. The childminder has purchased some more resources which reflective positive images including books and puzzles. This gives children the opportunity to increase their knowledge of diversity and the wider world.

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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. 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): • obtain written permission from parents to seek emergency medical treatment or advice • ensure actual times of children's attendance are recorded • update the complaints procedure to include the latest address and contact number of Ofsted

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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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