Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY277084 Unique Reference Number 29 January 2008 Inspection date Christine Coram 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 satisfactory. 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 three children aged one, three and six years, in Lower Earley, Reading. The whole of the childminder’s house is used for childminding and 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 three children at any one time, and is currently minding four children under five all day, and two children over five after school. The childminder walks to a local school to collect children. She attends a childminding drop-in and other informal childminder groups. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association. The family has a dog, to which minded children have only supervised access.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children's health is promoted through suitable procedures. These include routines that ensure that the children are protected from germs and cross infection. For example, the childminder uses disposable gloves to change nappies, wipes the changing mat with anti-bacterial wipes

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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 uses antiseptic gel for her hands. The family's pet dog does not pose a health hazard to the children because clear arrangements are made, such as hand washing and checking the garden.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children's nutritional health is promoted well. They benefit from varied healthy cooked meals, such as meat or fish with vegetable, rice and pasta dishes. The childminder has a good understanding of what is suitable and nutritious and she is aware of children's preferences. Those who have dietary needs are protected because the childminder seeks information from parents. She respects any needs or parental preferences. Children's need for a regular intake of fluid is met through the constant availability of drinks. For example, younger children have feeder cups of drink available to them in the room in which they are playing.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are welcomed into a safe and child-centred environment that is wholly appropriate to the care of young children. There are different areas that can be used for a variety of activities. They play in safety with good quality toys and resources. These are chosen to be suitable for the ages in the childminder's care. A wide range includes resources for school aged children.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are protected on the premises by a range of precautions that include very clear procedures for emergency evacuation. For example, the back door key is attached to the side-gate keys, so that if an escape to the back garden is necessary, children can be easily and safely conducted to the street. The home is safe because the childminder has a clear awareness of security and potential hazards. Children are further protected because the childminder is confident about safeguarding issues and can identify signs of neglect or abuse. Suitable procedures are in place.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children benefit from a wide range of activities that help them to develop and learn. Those that attend after school enjoy a range of planned creative play to stimulate their interest. For example, they make papier-mâché balloons over successive days. Younger children have many opportunities for free choice and the selection of varied activities holds their attention well. They benefit from these because the childminder follows their interests and extends thier play. For example, when a child shows interest in a ball, the childminder develops a rolling game that helps the children to develop their hand-eye coordination.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The children are fascinated by the toys and resources and express their delight as they focus in play. They play well and relate to the childminder with security and affection. One year olds talk to the childminder, seeking support as they need it. The childminder adds value to the play through stimulation and her involvement in the activities. She demonstrates a good understanding of the stages of development of each of the children. She helps the children to think beyond their own imagination through the questions she asks, and is thoroughly attentive.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children are valued as individuals and their needs are met. The childminder is very clear about each child's abilities and personalities. She understands the stages of their development and

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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 celebrates each achievement. For example, if a child is particularly advanced in speech, she celebrates and encourages this but gives equal praise to those whose development in this area is not so rapid. Children develop an understanding of diversity in society through the childminder's attitude and through the range of resources that depict a wide range of lifestyles and ethic groups.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and respond to the positive behaviour management. For example, a child snatches a toy from another. This is addressed quickly through asking the child to return the toy in a firm but controlled and gentle manner. The child responds and the incident is instantly forgotten. Children benefit from a range of effective methods to manage behaviour that includes the good use of distraction. Children's appropriate behaviour is encouraged through plenty of praise.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from consistent care because the childminder works effectively in partnership with parents and carers. Communication is a priority and takes place through individual diaries and daily discussion with parents. This includes telephone calls in the evening when necessary to have an uninterrupted conversation. Parent's wishes are sought and respected through a series of written consents and agreements.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides. The children are in the company and care of suitable adults. This is ensured through the vetting of the adults on the premises. The childminder is keen to attend training and up date her knowledge, although her first aid training has not been up-dated.

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Organisation

The care of the children is well organised. The record of children's attendance is up-to-date and includes precise times of arrival and departure. The required ratios are met so that children are well supported in their activities. The space and resources are used to provide appropriate and ordered care. All the resources needed for a calm and efficient day are to hand. The required documentation is in place and confidentially stored.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At her last inspection, the childminder agreed to increase resources that promote equality, make sure that appropriate parental consents are in place, make a fire blanket accessible in the kitchen and make sure that parents are informed of the procedure to make a complaint and how to contact Ofsted.

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Improvements since the last inspection

A range of resources is now available, that help children to have an open and accepting attitude. This includes dolls and play figures with different skin tones, and books that show women in traditional male roles. A range of consents is now in place to ensure that children are cared for according to their parent's wishes. Fire safety has been improved through a fire blanket fixed to the wall in an accessible location in the kitchen. Parents now have easy access to the contact details for Ofsted and the clear complaints procedure.

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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

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 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 satisfactory. 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 protect children by maintaining a current first aid certificate

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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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