Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY225265 Unique Reference Number 08 January 2008 Inspection date Hazel Farrant 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 has been registered since 2002. She lives with her husband and one teenage child in Bracknell, Berkshire within walking distance of local schools, shops and amenities. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding and a bedroom on the first floor has been identified for children requiring sleep. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is currently caring on a part-time basis for five children under the age of eight years, two of which are aged under five years old. The childminder walks to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. The childminder attends a local carer and toddler group and also takes children to parks.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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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. Children play in a clean and well-maintained environment where they learn the importance of personal hygiene. Effective daily routines for nappy changing and hand washing help prevent the spread of infection. For example, the childminder washes her hands after every nappy change; children use clean towels and individual flannels.

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Helping children to be healthy

Through discussion the childminder demonstrated her awareness of ensuring that written permission is obtained before administering any medication. Children receive appropriate care in the event of an accident as the childminder holds a current first aid certificate. Most required documentation is accurately maintained, however parental consent for emergency treatment and advice is not in place. Children benefit from healthy meals provided for them by their parents. The childminder offers healthy snacks and children enjoy fresh fruit on a regular basis. Children have independent access to drinks throughout the day; this ensures they can make their own healthy lifestyle choice. All dietary and medical needs are discussed with parents and recorded on children's record forms.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have daily access to a well-equipped outdoor area. They have regular visits to large fixed play equipment and soft play areas where they are able to play with other children. Children also regularly walk to and from school and nursery, which provides them with daily exercise in the fresh air.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a warm and welcoming environment and benefit from playing in a safe and secure home. The childminder identifies and minimizes hazards around the home, for example, socket covers, high lock on front door and a fireguard are all in place. Children have access to a wide range of resources that are stored safely and are easily accessible to them.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected well from the risk of fire. The childminder has a written fire escape plan that is practised with the children. Smoke alarms are on all levels and a fire blanket is sited appropriately in the kitchen. Children learn about keeping themselves safe as the childminder talks to them regularly about road safety as they walk to and from school. However, children’s welfare is not fully promoted as not all required parental consents are in place for travelling and outings.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Effective child protection procedures promote and safeguard children's welfare while they are in the childminder's care. She has up-to-date publications to hand and all relevant phone numbers easily accessible.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children settle well and are happy in the childminder's care. They enjoy a worthwhile range of activities and toys that are appropriate to their stage of development. Children play with enthusiasm and are engaged in purposeful play. The children sit with the childminder at the table and enjoy exploring play dough. They confidently roll the dough and manipulate it in

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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 their hands to make shapes. Children demonstrate sustained interest and concentration in this activity and enjoy using different tools to make shapes. They describe the long wiggly shapes as 'Spaghetti' or snakes and giggle when then make snake noises. Children are encouraged to use their own imagination. They enjoy using the dressing up clothes, dolls and buggies and pretend to go shopping and confidently explain that they are going to buy more sugar from the shops. Children play with the well-equipped play kitchen, they pretend to make tea. The childminder interacts well with the children and takes her turn in making a cup of tea.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is warm and affectionate towards the children; she constantly chats to them and listens to what they have to say. She gives them lots of choices and respects their decisions. This ensures that the children feel welcome and valued. Children make good progress in their learning and show high levels of self-esteem.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a good understanding of equal opportunities and all children are respected and valued as individuals. She has a good range of resources such as play figures, dolls, books and puzzles to promote positive images of diversity. Children develop confidence and self-esteem as the childminder lets them make choices and offers them praise and encouragement for their achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and respond positively to clear and consistent behaviour management strategies, such as the use of praise, explanation and distraction. Children are encouraged to share, take turns and show consideration for others. This helps to promote a respectful and caring atmosphere.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder works well in partnership with parents, sharing information daily through discussions. This exchange of information, as well as good settling in procedures, enables a smooth transition from the home to the childminder's care. Parents are well informed of the main aspects of the childminder's business as she shows them her portfolio during introductory meetings. This includes her training certificates and her last inspection report, however it does not include policies and procedures. Parents' happiness with the care offered to their child is reflected through positive comments made on recently completed questionnaires.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder is suitably qualified and experienced to enable her to provide good quality childcare; she is keen to further her professional development with on-going training. Both the childminder and her household remain suitable to provide childcare. Children are very happy and comfortable, making themselves at home. The childminder maintains the correct ratios and provides plenty of space and resources that are well organised, to enable children to be confident to initiate and extend their own play and learning.

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Organisation

Most documentation necessary for the safe and efficient running of the setting is in place and ensures the children's well-being. For example, daily registers are kept which accurately record the hours of children's attendance, and the childminder renews her contracts with parents regularly. However not all parental consents are in place for all of the children in her care. Documentation is stored securely to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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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

Since the last inspection the childminder now practises the evacuation procedure with the children so that they now know what to do in the event of a real situation. The children now benefit from a good range of toys and activities. Therefore, they are learning about the diversity of the wider world. The childminder has started to compile a folder of information regarding her childminding service which is shared with parents.

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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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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): • further consolidate documentation by ensuring all required parental consents are in place • further consolidate documentation by developing written policies and procedures.

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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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