Setting

Inspection report for early years provision

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EY280317 Unique Reference Number 06 February 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 registered in 2004. She lives with her partner and two children aged eight years and two years. They live in a house in a residential area of North Ascot. Downstairs forms the main area for children's play with toilet and sleep facilities upstairs. There is an enclosed garden for outdoor play. Local schools and pre-schools are nearby.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered for a maximum of five children under eight years and is currently caring for two children under five years on a part-time basis. The childminder is a member of National Childminding Association and regularly attends toddler and local childminder groups.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children enjoy a healthy lifestyle which promotes their emotional and physical well-being. A good range of healthy and nutritious meals and snacks are offered that they enjoy. They walk to and from school as well as visit the park and soft play centres for physical exercise. They play in the garden and bounce on the trampoline.

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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 A clean and hygienic environment, as well as a clear sickness policy helps to prevent the spread of infection. Parents are clear that children should not attend if they are ill, but also that they will receive sensitive care should they become unwell whilst with the childminder. Parents are contacted when this happens and the next steps agreed. The administration of medication is clearly recorded and prior consent is obtained, although some records of non-prescription medication are not always retained by the childminder because they are in children's individual diaries.

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Helping children to be healthy

There are good systems in place for gathering information from parents about children's health and dietary requirements so that the childminder can ensure all foods and activities comply with individual needs.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. A warm and welcoming child-orientated environment is offered where children can relax and play comfortably. They can easily access a wide range of quality resources which are clean and in good condition. They confidently help themselves to toys stored in the accessible shelving in the hallway.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is given careful consideration and in most areas appropriate equipment is in place to keep them safe, for example, gates are fitted at the top and bottom of the stairs and socket covers are in place. The childminder supervises children well, however, in some areas she relies on effective supervision rather than robust safety measures to keep children safe, for example, there is a low gate in the garden and banisters upstairs which children could climb over, and there is a movable barrier and rather than a secure lock to prevent access to cleaning materials in the kitchen.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's welfare is safeguarded because childminder has a clear knowledge and understanding of child protection issues and she regularly updates her knowledge with further training. She maintains a current first aid course and has prepared a clear evacuation plan. The front door is secure so that children cannot leave unaccompanied and efficient routines keep children safe on outings.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children enjoy their time with the childminder. They laugh and have fun. Effective settling-in routines means they gain confidence in a new environment and soon demonstrate a clear sense of belonging. They actively seek the childminder's help and support. When they arrive they choose what they want to play with and join in with each other's games. Children's language and communication skills are encouraged naturally through relaxed conversations. They begin to count how many candles on the cake, learn the names of shapes and identify the features they have put on the mask they are making.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children's play and development is supported well. They experience a broad range of exciting and interesting activities that they enjoy, for example they visit the park, play with the musical instruments, engage in imaginative play and attend toddler groups. The routine of the day takes account of their individual needs so they have time for rest, refreshment and outdoor play. Children gain confidence and independence in an environment where they are nurtured and stimulated.

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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 good. Children are comfortable and secure in the childminder's care. They benefit from the friendly and extremely positive relationships developed with the parents. Time is spent getting to know parents and children to ensure the childminder is able to respond to individual needs and parental preferences. Good systems are in place for sharing information with parents. Detailed diaries include clear information about children's daily routines and activities with space for parents to add their comments. They receive copies of the childminder's policies and procedures which describe how children's care is managed. Parents are encouraged to raise any concerns they may have and the childminder is committed to resolving issues through discussion and working together, although the written policy does not clearly reflect the procedures she would follow. Parents comment both verbally and in writing on how happy they are and how much

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Helping children make a positive contribution

they appreciate the care their children receive.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Clear arrangements are in place for supporting children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The childminder demonstrates a secure knowledge of the different stages of children's development and how she uses systems, such as the Birth to three matters framework, to support her work. Children have opportunities to become aware of the wider world as they play with different resources, share stories and engage in craft activities linked to different celebrations. All children are valued and able to participate fully in the activities offered because there is sufficient and appropriate equipment for everyone. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement as well as consistent guidance regarding what is expected of them. They are encouraged to be polite, play co-operatively together and follow the simple rules provided.

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Children are comfortable and at ease in the well-organised and secure environment provided. Their individual needs are met because the childminder gets to know them well. Clear policies and procedures underpin the service provided, although some are not fully up-to-date with current guidance. Good communication supports the effective partnerships developed with parents. Most documentation is efficiently managed, although some medication records are not consistently maintained. Space is used well so that children can be supervised and their safety managed indoors and outdoors. The childminder is qualified and experienced, and meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has made improvements which have a positive impact on children's health and well-being. Parents have been provided with details of how to contact Ofsted and parental consent has been sought to enable the childminder to seek emergency medical care if this should be required. Detailed medication forms are used and include all the required information.

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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): • update documentation shared with parents regarding complaints and implement consistent systems for recording all forms of medication • improve safety measures for ensuring children's safety when upstairs and to prevent them from accessing cleaning materials in the kitchen and leaving the garden unaccompanied.

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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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