Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

p.1

EY248827 Unique Reference Number 21 November 2007 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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2003. She lives with her husband and 3 children aged 14, 11 and 8 years old in Bracknell, Berkshire. There are local shops, parks, schools and pre-schools within walking distance. The whole of the house is used for childminding and children's outdoor physical play is provided by regular visits to local parks and playgrounds.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children and is currently caring for two children under the age of five years old. The childminder walks to local schools and nurseries to take and collect children. The childminder takes children to the library and attends a local toddler group.

p.2

WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The family have two cats as family pets.

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 good. Good daily routines and explanations from the childminder help children understand that washing hands after visiting the toilet and before eating minimises cross contamination. The childminder uses antibacterial gel on her hands after wiping children’s noses to reduce the risk of passing on germs. Children play in a clean and well-maintained environment.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

Children receive appropriate first aid treatment because the childminder ensures a current first aid certificate is maintained. All documentation is in place, this means that children are cared for in accordance to parents' wishes. Most records of medication and accidents are recorded appropriately, although not all are consistent. Children have regular opportunities to develop their physical skills. The garden is currently out of bounds whilst boundary fences are being repaired. Children have daily opportunities of being out in the fresh air with walks to school. They also make regular visits to local parks and playgrounds where they enjoy using the fixed play apparatus.

p.3

Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works in partnership with parents by discussing and recording children’s diet and any allergies so that individual needs are met. Currently, parents provide meals for their own child which are appropriately stored. Children have independent access to water throughout the day.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a safe and well-maintained environment. The childminder carries out regular risk assessments to ensure the safety of her home continues to be fully maintained. Children benefit from the wide range of suitable toys and resources. They are able to help themselves to the resources which are stored within easy reach. These positive steps mean that children are able to play confidently. The childminder uses safety gates in her home and has stored hazardous materials such as cleaning fluids and medicines out of the reach of children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are learning to take responsibility for their own safety, for example, they practice the emergency evacuation procedure so that they know what to do in the event of a real fire. A fire blanket is available in the kitchen and a smoke detector is positioned on the ground floor of the home. However, a smoke detector is required on all levels of the home in order to fully protect children.

p.3

Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because the childminder has a clear knowledge of the possible signs and symptoms of child abuse and the procedures to follow should she have concerns about a child in her care. The childminder has completed recent ‘safeguarding children’ training to further promote her understanding.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and content in an inviting and caring environment. Procedures for settling new children into the home ensure continuity of care is offered. It is clear that children have developed a close bond with the childminder, who knows the children well and is very aware

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 of each child's needs, likes and dislikes. The childminder interacts positively with the children. For example, when children need reassurance they hold their arms up and welcome a cuddle from the caring childminder.

p.3

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder is guided by children's interests when planning activities. Children enjoy activities such as play dough, colouring and painting. The childminder also takes children for walks in the local parks, which broadens their experiences within their local community. Children have good opportunities to mix and socialise with a variety of adults and peers as they visit a local toddler group.

p.4

Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children have free access to a range of toys and equipment and make their own choices with enthusiasm and confidence. They are involved and interested in their play and squeal with delight when they repeat words correctly such as ‘butterfly’ and ‘bee’. The childminder offers support where needed and promotes children's learning. For example, helping children to learn about colours and numbers as they stack the building blocks together.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are treated fairly and with respect. A good range of resources that reflect diversity help children learn about the wider world. Children benefit from the childminder's clear guidelines for behaviour. Although the childminder has not cared for children with learning difficulties or disabilities she displays sound knowledge of how to provide for their care.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder is consistent in her behaviour management and gives clear explanations. Therefore children learn about sharing, taking turns and right from wrong, they play well together. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement, they are safe and secure in a loving and homely environment.

p.4

Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has a positive relationship with parents. She discusses children's needs thoroughly to ensure individual needs are met and continuity of care is offered. Written policies and procedures are shared with parents. All required consents are in place. Parents are kept up-to-date with their child's progress and achievements with daily verbal exchange.

p.4

Organisation

The organisation is good. The children are happy and comfortable in the childminder's home, she has a good knowledge and understanding of their individual needs. As a result, they receive lots of warm individual attention, which promotes their emotional wellbeing. Established routines ensure that the children know what is happening each day, which adds to their confidence and security. The childminder has attended relevant childminding courses, including first aid and Birth to three matters framework training.

p.4

Organisation

The childminder ensures that required documentation is in place and up to date. These are shared with parents to ensure they are kept informed about the service that is offered and that the children are well cared for. As a result, the children's overall welfare is promoted and agreed with parents. The registration certificate is displayed in the hallway so that parents may easily view. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she 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

Since the last inspection the children now practise the emergency evacuation procedure so that they know what to do in the event of a real situation.

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 good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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): • further consolidate medication and accident records by ensuring entries are consistently recorded • ensure a smoke detector which conforms to BS EN safety standards is provided at every level of the house.

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