Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY280957 Unique Reference Number 22 January 2008 Inspection date Marilyn Joy 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 has been a registered since 2000. She lives with her husband and two children, aged 13 years and seven years. They family live in a house in Finchampstead, Wokingham. The property is close to local schools and amenities and there is a park nearby. Minded children have access to the whole of the ground floor and the first floor for sleeping. 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 five children under eight years of age. She is currently minding five children under eight years, one of whom is over five years. They attend at various times. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association and attends the local carer and toddler group.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is outstanding. Excellent systems are in place to ensure children's good health is promoted at all times. Children learn about health and hygiene through consistent and conscientious support from the

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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 childminder. She makes sure she explains the reasons why to help children learn, for example, covering their mouth when they cough to prevent the spread of germs. Children are able to explain they have their own labelled towels to dry their hands and toothbrushes to clean their teeth after lunch. Parents are given full details of the childminder's policies regarding health, hygiene and illness. Meticulous care is taken to prevent the spread of infection, particularly when children are ill. The childminder calmly and sensitively comforts children before they are collected by parents and ensures all areas are thoroughly cleaned.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from the childminder's very good understanding of the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle. They enjoy freshly prepared and nutritious meals which comply with all dietary requirements. Outdoor play is incorporated into everyday routines whatever the weather. The provision of wet-weather clothes enables them to splash around in puddles and play in the fresh air. Children explore an extensive range of small and large equipment, both in the home and when on outings, so they can practise and develop their physical skills.

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Helping children to be healthy

All health documentation is of a very high standard. It ensures the childminder has all the necessary information to be able to meet children's individual needs and that parents are fully informed of the care they receive.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is outstanding. Children's safety and welfare is given paramount consideration by the childminder. She ensures her home is completely safe and secure so that children can move around confidently and independently. Comprehensive risk assessments are conducted within the home and when organising outings so that potential hazards can be addressed. Vigilant supervision and safety awareness keeps children safe from harm. Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of child protection issues ensures the childminder is clear about her role and responsibilities should she have any concerns about children in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children benefit from the bright, welcoming and vibrant environment provided. An extensive range of stimulating and high quality toys are invitingly presented and easily accessible from low-level storage units. Resources are extremely well-organised, clean and in excellent condition. The play areas are completely child-orientated with attractive displays as well as information for parents.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy a broad range of interesting and exciting experiences. They gain confidence and independence as they are encouraged to make choices and help to set up and tidy away. They are encouraged to differentiate right from wrong as they share and play co-operatively together. Children paint, create collages, cut out snowflakes and make cakes. They play musical instruments and choose books to share from the good range available. Children are encouraged to count when cutting up the fruit for snack and talk about shapes and colours when making puzzles.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Close and caring relationships developed with the childminder increase children's sense of trust and helps them to develop a strong sense of belonging. Children benefit from the childminder's enthusiasm and commitment towards supporting their play, although sometimes it means they have less time to think and freely explore ideas for themselves. Activities and outings are

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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 planned each week so that children have opportunities to mix with their peers and become aware of the world around them. They visit the park, take a trip on the train and go to parent and carer groups. Children's learning and development is promoted well because the childminder has a secure knowledge of child development.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is outstanding. Children flourish in the childminder's care. A strong emphasis is given to ensuring they are valued as individuals and their particular needs are met. Excellent arrangements are in place for supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities so that they can participate fully during the day. Children's awareness of the wider world is raised effortlessly through activities and the wide range of positive toys and resources. A high priority is given to promoting children's confidence and self-esteem. They are given clear guidance to help them understand the importance of co-operation and showing care and concern for others. Children behave extremely well and are supported by very effective behaviour management strategies.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Excellent partnerships are developed with parents which contributes significantly towards children's well-being whilst with the childminder. They are provided with a superb range of information about all aspects of the service provided. Highly effective communication takes place between the childminder and parents so they can work together to meet children's individual needs. Letters of recommendation from parents value the positive relationships developed and dedicated care their children receive.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children's care is enhanced by efficient and effective organisation. The childminder is extremely well-organised and provides a welcoming, child orientated environment. Children's health, safety and well-being is of primary consideration and outstanding outcomes for children are achieved in most areas. The childminder is extremely dedicated and committed towards continual development of her provision. She is currently working towards a child care qualification and developing her skills, as well as introducing systems to promote children's learning and development. Excellent documentation and partnership with parents means she is fully aware of children's needs and parents are well-informed. Overall, the childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was asked to complete an appropriate first aid course, keep appropriate signed consent forms from parents and improve safety in some areas. The childminder has fully addressed all issues. She maintains a current first aid qualification and has obtained parental consents for various activities including outings, photos and emergency medical care. Glass doors that were previously considered to be a hazard have been removed and thorough risk assessments are conducted throughout the home to ensure all hazards are addressed. As a result children's health, safety and well-being is more effectively safeguarded.

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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 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): • extend opportunities for children to play and learn independently so they can freely explore ideas for themselves.

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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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