Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY252135 Unique Reference Number 09 January 2008 Inspection date Lisa Jane Cupples 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 2003. She lives with her husband and two children in a house in Finchampstead, a residential area in Berkshire. The property is close to local schools and amenities and there is a park nearby. The childminder uses the ground floor of the property for childminding with toileting and sleep facilities on the first floor. 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 five children at any one time and is currently minding six children on a full and part-time basis. The childminder supports children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are developing good self-care skills and the childminder actively encourages the children to wash their hands at appropriate times. The children use individual hand towels to

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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 help prevent the possible spread of infection. The childminder uses disposable gloves when changing nappies to protect the children and herself and she ensures the nappy changing equipment is cleaned thoroughly after each use. The childminder ensures the children go outside daily to ensure the children reap the benefits of the fresh air in all weathers. Children talk about the most appropriate clothing to wear in different weather. Children have ample opportunities to develop their physical skills in the garden and at the local park and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder has a very good understanding of healthy eating and provides a wide range of nutritious snacks and meals; children are offered fresh fruit and vegetables daily. Children learn about the importance of healthy eating because the childminder talks to them about the types of food that are good for them during free-play; for example, when the children complete the puzzles with pictures of fruit, the childminder asks if they can remember what they are called and then talks about them being very good for you. The childminder has an extremely flexible approach to providing snacks and meals for the children to meet their needs and the needs of their families. She provides sample menus for the parents and information about children's diets are included in the daily diaries; ensuring parents are kept well informed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children will receive appropriate treatment if an accident occurs on the premises because the childminder holds a current first aid certificate and a fully stocked first aid kit is in place. The childminder checks the contents regularly to ensure they are up-to-date. The childminder records all accidents in detail and ensures the parents sign to acknowledge they have been informed. The childminder has written parental consent in place to seek emergency medical treatment or advice to minimise any delays if an accident occurs. The administration of medication is recorded in the children's daily diaries to keep the parents informed. The childminder keeps detailed records of any prescribed medication that is administered; however records of administered pain relief are not kept on site at this time.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are clean and well-maintained and the childminder organises the available space exceptionally well. Children are able to move around freely and have access to an extensive range of age and stage appropriate resources and activities. The equipment is in low-level, clearly labelled storage boxes in the lounge, enabling the children to see the full array of games and activities. They are able to self-select the resources increasing their freedom of choice, independence and decision-making skills effectively. The resources are clean, checked regularly and brightly coloured to attract the children, providing a safe play environment for the children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected because the childminder is vigilant and removes all potential risks to the children, for example, daily written risk assessments are completed, all plug sockets are covered and children wear fluorescent safety wrist bands on outings. The children learn to keep themselves safe through daily discussions and routines, for example, they know what to do in an emergency. The childminder explained that she practises the fire drill once a month and whenever a new child attends, so they are all fully aware of what to do if an emergency occurs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a very clear understanding of child protection procedures and discusses her responsibilities with the parents before the children attend. She also gives them a full copy of the written policy which includes the Local Safeguarding Children's Board contact details, helping to keep them informed. The childminder records all existing injuries and asks the parents to sign the entries. Through discussion the childminder was able to demonstrate that she would

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 recognise the possible signs or symptoms of abuse and would contact the relevant agencies to safeguard the children in her care if concerns were identified.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children benefit greatly from the childminders comprehensive understanding of their developmental needs. She interacts extremely well with the children, playing at their level and introducing new vocabulary whenever possible; for example, when completing floor puzzles the childminder talks to the children about the names of the animals and they all make the animal noises. The childminder has written planning in place to ensure the children receive a well balanced range of activities and experiences. The activities are evaluated and if necessary they are adapted to ensure the children gain the most from everything they do. Absolutely every activity has a purpose and clear play and learning objectives, this enables the childminder to track the children's progress and successfully plan for their next steps, helping the children to reach their full potential in all areas of learning and development.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children are encouraged to recall past events, helping to develop their memory skills and link present activities to their own experiences. The childminder extends their play and uses every opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of the world around them, for example, when completing puzzles they talk about animals they have seen during walks to the local park. Children are beginning to count everyday objects and count at every opportunity. They are able to recognise some numerals and concentrate well because the childminder makes the activities fun. Children are encouraged to tidy up behind themselves, taking responsibility for their play area to maintain a safe environment. The childminder reminds them to tidy up after each game so they will not fall and hurt themselves.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children learn about colours, shapes and numbers through their play and the childminder continually introduces new vocabulary, repeating the words clearly so the children have the opportunity to practise their skills. Children enjoy story time and concentrate well. The childminder encourages the children to join in and try to guess what will happen next. They listen well and handle books correctly as they choose the stories from the well resourced book box. Children have many opportunities to begin problem-solving during the day; for example, the childminder supports them effectively while they build the train track, allowing the children time to talk about the positions and figure out how to join them together, building their skills and confidence with ease.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder has a clear understanding of equal opportunities and ensures all children have equal access to the resources and activities available. Children benefit from the childminder’s experience as they learn to share and take turns easily. The childminder gently reminds them why it is important to take turns and the children can see the fairness, explaining it is so they can all play. Children learn to respect each other and are beginning to show consideration for each other, for example they are encouraged to say please and thank you and pass pencils and crayons to each other, being helpful. The childminder has a written equal opportunities policy which she shares with the parents, helping them to understand that she is an equal opportunities provider. She explains to parents that it means she accepts all children into her care and ensures they are all treated as individuals. The children's individual needs are met effectively because

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 the childminder takes the time to get to know each child and their families well; this develops a real sense of belonging and the children feel valued when the childminder talks about their siblings and other family members. The childminder finds out about the children’s needs and preferences through detailed discussion with the parents and she records the details on their registration forms.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the clear and open lines of communication between the childminder and their parents. The childminder provides parents with a wide range of written information, helping them to understand her policies and procedures. The childminder keeps a daily home diary for the children under two years. Information is shared in the books in case collection time is busy or the childminder forgets something. The home diaries include diet, sleep, nappies, activities, outings and general well-being. The parents value this information and feel it gives them a good picture of how their child has been during their time with the childminder.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has experience of working with children who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. She has an extremely positive approach to working with all children and is happy to liaise with other agencies if necessary and works in close partnership with the parents to enable her to meet the children's needs in the best possible way. Children are developing a strong sense of right and wrong because the childminder has clear rules and boundaries in place. Children’s behaviour is extremely good because they know exactly what is expected of them. The childminder always gives clear explanations aimed at their individual level of understanding. The childminder is a positive role model and deals with unwanted behaviour calmly and with a relaxed manner, for example, she kneels down and makes eye contact with the children, talking gently as she reminds them about the rules.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. Children are protected because all adults in the household have been vetted. The childminder continually updates her working knowledge by attending various training courses and workshops, including first aid, food hygiene, child protection and she is currently completing an NVQ level 3. This ensures her practice is up-to-date and enhances the opportunities she provides for the children in her care.

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Organisation

The childminder organises the daily routines exceptionally well, taking into account the needs of the children who attend. Children are fully occupied and engaged throughout their time at the setting. The childminder ensures activities are planned in advance and has all the necessary equipment and materials set up nearby to enable the sessions run smoothly. The children are never left waiting around for something to do.

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Organisation

The childminder is fully aware of the registration requirements and ensures she maintains the correct ratios, helping to protect the children and ensure they are fully supervised and receive good support at all times. The daily attendance register is well-maintained, up-to-date and includes the children’s full names and actual times of attendance.

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Organisation

Children’s health, safety and general well-being is supported effectively because the childminder has a clear understanding of the requirements of registration and the inspection process. All of the relevant paperwork is in place and most is accurate and maintained to a high standard, protecting the children in her care. The childminder has a written document which has been

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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 devised for the parents to show how the National Standards relate to her childminding practice, helping them to fully understand her role and responsibilities as a childminder.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. She was also asked to ensure the exact times of children's arrival and departure are recorded in the daily attendance register and to ensure appropriate record forms are in place for recording incidents.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has made good progress since the last inspection. She has obtained a wide range of resources and equipment which promote equality of opportunity, reflect diversity and disability. The resources are readily available to the children throughout the day, as part of their everyday play, helping them to understand the world around them. The childminder has reviewed all of her written policies and now includes the children's times of arrival and departure in the daily attendance register. The childminder now has appropriate forms to record any incidents that occur while the children are in her care.

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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): • ensure the medication records include full details of all administered pain relief.

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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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