Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY278233 Unique Reference Number 04 February 2008 Inspection date Coral Hales 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 registered in 2004 and is a qualified practitioner. She lives with her husband and two children aged five and two in the Burnham Gate area of Slough, within walking distance of local amenities. The whole of the ground floor area of the property is used for childminding with rest facilities upstairs. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of four children at any one time and is currently minding one child under five during the day and one over five before and after school. She is also registered for overnight minding. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She attends local toddler and music groups on a regular basis.

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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 thrive and stay healthy because effective procedures and practices meet their physical, nutritional and health needs. They are very familiar with simple good hygiene routines and understand the reasons for washing their hands regularly. Children gain a good understanding of hygiene and become increasingly independent in personal care, and younger ones learn by observation. The childminder works closely with parents to help children to develop suitable toileting routines. Children sleep in line with their own needs and parents wishes. They receive suitable care in the event of illness or an accident as the childminder keeps her first aid qualification up-to-date. Parents are informed of any injuries that may occur and required consents are maintained.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children are well nourished and the childminder has a good understanding of healthy eating. They are provided with a selection of healthy foods and snacks throughout the day, including a very good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. Freshly cooked nutritious meals are provided for the children if required. The childminder works closely with the parents to meet individual dietary and special requirements. Children begin to have some understanding of a healthy diet as they sit together to eat snacks and meals. Through discussion the childminder continues to build and develop children's knowledge.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children participate in a range of activities which promote good health as part of the daily routine and enjoy walking around the area as they visit local amenities. For example, they walk to the park, feed the ducks and go to the woods to collect leaves. They have good opportunities to play outside in the fresh air and take part in regular physical activities as they visit a selection of local groups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a welcoming, safe and comfortable, child-centred environment. They are kept safe as a result of the childminder's good awareness of health and safety issues. All reasonable steps are taken to minimize hazards and children play in safe and secure premises. Children's understanding of their own safety is well promoted during planned and unplanned learning activities. For example, as they go out for walks they learn about safe roadside practices. Appropriate safety precautions are in place, such as stair gates and socket covers. All required fire safety equipment is in place and emergency evacuation has been practised with the children. However, these have not been recorded to ensure that any hazards identified are noted and rectified to maintain children's ongoing safety. Clear and effective systems are in place to ensure children's safe conduct when on outings and when using the car.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are provided with a good selection of age-appropriate toys and resources. These are clean, well-maintained, colourful, bright and interesting. They are suitably stored around the playroom to allow children free access to develop their own ideas and to allow them to make choices.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are safeguarded because the childminder understands her role in child protection and is able to put required Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures into practice if necessary.

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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 A policy informs parents about her responsibilities with regard to child protection and the children in her care.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled with the childminder, who consistently interacts and talks to the children offering them good levels of support as they play. They are confident to approach her for support and cuddles. Children achieve well because the childminder uses her secure knowledge of child development to offer good quality activities and she effectively extends their learning. Children move freely within the premises to use the different resources on offer in the different areas. They begin to expand their concentration levels as they play and the childminder introduces them to, for example, colours and shapes as they play happily with the play dough. Children really enjoy each others company and play well together. Their independence is fostered as they begin to make their own choices, for example, one child decided to leave the play dough to go and play with his favourite Thomas train on the track.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

They regularly go on outings to socialise with a variety of others and this helps to broaden their range of experiences.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The older children are well supported with their learning, for example, they complete homework if necessary. They have opportunities for free play with their chosen toys or they can sit quietly and relax. The childminder plans special outings for the children who stay overnight or at weekends. For example, they go swimming or together with the family they all go out to the shops.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. All children are warmly welcomed and the childminder ensures that she is aware of all their individual needs and enjoys spending time with them. They gradually become aware of themselves as individuals with their own needs and begin to understand about others. They go out into the local community to observe and have opportunities to develop knowledge of the wider world and see how others live. For example, children look at posters, books and use role play equipment that promotes positive images of diversity. The childminder effectively uses discussion to develop children's knowledge. For example, they ask about the child in a wheelchair on the poster and she explains to them well at their own level and this effectively extends their knowledge. The childminder has experience of working with children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and shows a good awareness of how best to support and guide

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children benefit from the good working relationship the childminder builds with parents. A daily diary is used for the younger children to ensure information about the child's well-being is regularly exchanged. The complaints policy and procedure is in place and this ensures parents are aware of the system to resolve issues if necessary. A well presented portfolio containing details relating to her practice and the National Standards is shared effectively with parents keeping them well informed. Written agreements are in place and these are reviewed regularly. Time is routinely made for parents to talk about children's progress and a scrapbook shows children's work and photographs of them taking part in activities and this is effectively shared.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children behave well and are aware of the routines and simple rules and the older ones understand what is expected of them. The childminder has a positive approach to the

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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 management of their behaviour and uses age-appropriate methods to support their learning about how to behave. Children enjoy good relationships with her and respond well to regular praise and encouragement and are treated as family members.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by effective and efficient organisation of the premises and this includes a separate playroom which is well stocked with toys and resources to support their learning. Space and access to the facilities and resources offer children variety and a balance of experiences.

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Organisation

The childminder has a professional and committed attitude to her work. She is a qualified, enthusiastic and motivated practitioner who is keen to attend further training for the benefit of the children. Her portfolio shows her commitment to providing good quality care for children and their families. This contains well written policies and procedures that show her good knowledge of the National Standards. Required documentation is well-maintained, regularly reviewed and is accessible for inspection. This contributes to children's health, safety and well-being. Overall, the provider meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Following the last inspection the childminder agreed to address several safety issues. Children are now well protected, as upstairs windows are locked as necessary and radiators are maintained at a suitable temperature. Written permission for emergency treatment is obtained as care commences. This ensures children's safety and welfare is maintained.

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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. 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 that emergency evacuations are recorded to ensure all hazards are identified to ensure children's safety is effectively maintained.

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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 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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