Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY264224 Unique Reference Number 26 February 2008 Inspection date Susan Victoria May 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, two teenage children and younger children of six years and 20 months in Cox Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Minded children have access to all areas on the ground floor of the home, with bathroom facilities on the first floor. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for four children at any one time and is currently caring for one child on a part time basis.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is prepared to take and collect children from local schools and pre-schools.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. The childminder implements effective procedures that enable children's physical, nutritional and health needs to be successfully met. Children gain a real desire to be independent in their personal care and with her support and guidance achieve an excellent understanding of good

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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 hygiene practices. For example, young children are encouraged to wash their hands after messy play, with the childminder on hand to offer support as needed. The childminder promotes future good practice and helps children learn how to protect themselves in order to remain healthy, by preventing the spread of germs for instance, as she reminds children to dispose of tissues promptly and hygienically after wiping their noses. To protect children all of the required documentation and clear written procedures are in place to record medication, accidents and incidents. The childminder considers all aspects of children’s welfare and takes steps to safeguard their well-being, for instance, she considers a variety of health issues in her practice and shares these with parents, such as sun screen procedures and information on childhood ailments. The

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Helping children to be healthy

childminder has a valid first aid certificate and an easily accessible first aid kit in place to ensure she can deal with minor accidents effectively.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have opportunities to explore and develop physical control on a daily basis. The childminder has a very clear understanding of the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework and of how best to stimulate and promote young children’s development. For example, to help develop physical fitness the childminder offers fun activities and resources such as, football, hopscotch, hula hoops, skipping ropes and provides toys on which children climb, scoot, balance and pedal. Physical activities are not restricted to outdoors and games of hide and seek and indoor obstacle courses provide further challenges to children. This excellent understanding means the children are confident to try out new skills, request help if needed and achieve in a safe environment. Children demonstrate increasing confidence in handling tools that improve control and co-ordination such as, rollers, cutters and mark making implements as they manipulate the play

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Helping children to be healthy

dough. Children participate eagerly in the range of activities and show excitement at the results of their efforts.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have access to drinks throughout the day and can choose from a selection of nutritious food options the childminder offers. The childminder encourages children to try new foods taking into account parental preferences and cultural/dietary requirements. She helps children recognise that what they eat has an impact on their future well being as she explains that eating certain foods help, “to make us grow big with strong muscles” children respond well to this and identify vegetables and fruit as being good for them. At snack and meal times children always sit at the table and use age appropriate crockery and cutlery, this relaxed and social occasion helps influence children’s future eating habits and contributes to their awareness of a healthy lifestyle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. To ensure the children play in a clean, safe and secure environment, the childminder is vigilant in implementing risk assessments to identify possible hazards. For example, she has a comprehensive fire evacuation plan that clearly identifies procedures to follow. Smoke alarms are tested regularly and fire precautions, such as a fire blanket, are in place. Children receive a high level of supervision within the home and when on outings. The childminder safeguards and promotes children's welfare and development through regular communication with parents. The childminder regularly takes children off the premises and keeps children safe as she ensures they are securely strapped in buggies, follow safe practices when crossing roads and walk with her at all times. Parents give consent for outings and written permission is in place to transport children in a vehicle.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Toys and resources appropriate to the children's age and stage of development are easily available and children self-select and make choices from the comprehensive range accessible

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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 to them. The childminder rotates the equipment from a larger selection to ensure it is suitable for the ages of the children she minds and offers sufficient challenges. Older children sit at the table for activities and there is ample space for floor play, comfy seating provides opportunities for relaxing and sitting quietly. All toys and equipment is checked, on each occasion it is used, for safety and cleanliness and replaced when becoming shabby or worn.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a good awareness of the signs and symptoms of child abuse. She has procedures in place to record concerns and is aware of whom to speak to should she need to refer any concerns regarding a child in her care. This ensures the welfare and safety of the children at all times.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children thoroughly enjoy their time at the setting and are very settled. They are very happy and chatter with the childminder, who recognises their individuality and is sensitive to their needs. The childminder talks to the children, listens with interest to their responses and replies appropriately. This helps children feel valued and builds self-esteem. The childminder has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the Birth to three matters framework and recognises the steps needed in order to help children make effective progress in their learning.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides an extensive range of appealing toys, which the children show considerable interest in, and which cannot fail to promote their development and learning in all areas. Children enthusiastically select the toys and resources they wish to use and quickly become engrossed in their chosen activity. The childminder extends children’s learning as she adjusts to meet their ongoing needs, considering each child's individual requirements when planning the days and activities. The childminder regularly visits local groups and pre-schools to help children socialise within the wider community. Outings within the local community to the library and places of interest such as the farm and model village help children begin to understand and explore the world around them.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder has a superb relationship with the children; she spends time playing appropriately with them and offers activities and appropriate challenges in order to further their progress. Children are eager to invite her to take part in their play. The childminder is skilful in extending language and thinking, using several methods of communication to enable the children to express their queries and feelings. She asks open-ended questions and encourages the children to question and consider what they are doing. This helps develop children’s problem solving skills and dialogue. The childminder offers opportunities for children to explore their creativity and imagination as they have access to musical instruments, dressing up clothes and role play resources. Art and craft activities offer children opportunities for self expression.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children’s care, learning and play is enhanced through the childminder’s excellent understanding of child development. She has regard to the 'Birth to three matters' framework and uses her knowledge successfully when planning activities for the children. To help promote an environment in which children can progress effectively, she is acutely aware of the importance of sharing information with parents and of the importance of forging strong links with home in order to provide children with a sound foundation on which to promote their development and learning.

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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 outstanding. The childminder ensures she knows each child extremely well; she discusses with parents and records all relevant information appropriately. This ensures that the children’s needs are met and that parent’s wishes are respected and adhered to. The childminder treats all children as individuals and values their identity. This helps them to feel good about themselves and consequently children are secure within the environment. The childminder has a very good understanding of supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities; and of working with parents and other professionals to help them reach their full potential. The childminder has a clear understanding of all equal opportunities issues, and helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Children have access to a range of resources to help them begin to learn about the diverse society in which we live. Children

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Helping children make a positive contribution

develop a sense of place and learn about the community and daily life through regular outings and trips. For instance, the childminder regularly takes children to local parks, groups and the library. The childminder forms extremely good relationships with the children and values their contributions; as a result, children demonstrate increasing self-esteem and independence.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder encourages children to behave and become aware of the house rules. She explains age appropriately to the children; why we are kind to each other and why we need to follow certain rules, this helps children begin to develop a sense of responsibility and moral values. Excellent use is made of praise and encouragement through play and everyday activities. Children respond positively to requests from the childminder and are eager to help and please. Children develop self esteem and a strong sense of self through the childminder's positive attitude, as they receive praise and encouragement for being, polite, helpful and thoughtful.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Relationships with parents are excellent; this contributes greatly to the children's well-being. Parents are welcome in the home and receive detailed information about the childminder's practices. The childminder provides parents with useful general health and childcare information and outlines the learning outcomes for the children. The childminder shares with parents daily information about how their children are progressing, through regular written and verbal communication. For example, individual diaries and scrap books with examples of children’s work, photos and activities help provide a flow of information, ensuring both the childminder and parents have a clear picture of the child's health, development and well-being. This sharing of information provides continuity of care and supports and enhances children's learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The needs of the children guide the childminder in her practice. The good quality organisation and flexibility within the daily routines enhances the children's care and learning. The childminder has a businesslike approach to her childminding and maintains all records accurately, promoting the children's health and welfare. She shares all relevant information with parents. The childminder has written policies and procedures to share with parents and displays her registration certificate and the Ofsted poster prominently. However, information about the complaints procedure is not as easily accessible.

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Organisation

Children benefit from the well thought out environment that ensures they have a range of stimulating activities. For example, they can sit at the table to complete art and craft activities, sit in comfy chairs for quiet times or use the floor space for large construction play. To make certain children are kept safe, the childminder ensures she is always in close proximity to them

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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 wherever they are; she observes ratios and keeps a record of children’s attendance. Children receive good adult support to help them feel secure and confident. The setting meets the needs of the range of children for whom it provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to increase knowledge of the procedures to be followed in the event of a child protection concern and have the contact number of the local Social Services office readily available.

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Improvements since the last inspection

To safeguard the children, the childminder now has a written policy and procedure that she shares with parents, easily accessible information on Local Safeguarding Children procedures and details of whom to contact if she has any concerns about a child 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 parents have access to the complaints procedure

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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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